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The differences between validation scientists and postdoctoral associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a validation scientist and a postdoctoral associate. Additionally, a validation scientist has an average salary of $77,661, which is higher than the $54,350 average annual salary of a postdoctoral associate.
The top three skills for a validation scientist include FDA, chemistry and GMP. The most important skills for a postdoctoral associate are patients, TIP, and data analysis.
| Validation Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $77,661 | $54,350 |
| Hourly rate | $37.34 | $26.13 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 48,711 | 18,093 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A Validation Scientist evaluates and validates products and procedures through the scientific perspective, typically by conducting laboratory tests and experiments. They conduct extensive research and analysis to ensure that products comply with industry standards and specifications, utilizing the research findings to develop solutions and recommendations. They are also in charge of establishing guidelines and test plans, maintaining all procedures while adhering to protocols and regulations. Moreover, a Validation Scientist manages a team of validation staff, working together to reach project goals.
A postdoctoral associate is responsible for researching to support scientific claims and theories by collecting evidence and information to answer scientific questions. Postdoctoral associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to interact with people and document investigation findings. They also utilize laboratory tools and equipment for scientific researches, conduct field investigations, and interview participants. A postdoctoral associate designs comprehensive research models to discuss results with the panel and the team efficiently and accurately.
Validation scientists and postdoctoral associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Validation Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average salary | $77,661 | $54,350 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $109,000 | Between $39,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Maine |
| Best paying company | AstraZeneca | Argonne National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Education |
There are a few differences between a validation scientist and a postdoctoral associate in terms of educational background:
| Validation Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Doctoral Degree, 47% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Duke University |
Here are the differences between validation scientists' and postdoctoral associates' demographics:
| Validation Scientist | Postdoctoral Associate | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.0% Female, 41.0% | Male, 63.2% Female, 36.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 26.5% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 39.4% White, 42.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |