Validation scientist vs postdoctoral research associate

The differences between validation scientists and postdoctoral research 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 research associate. Additionally, a validation scientist has an average salary of $77,661, which is higher than the $52,785 average annual salary of a postdoctoral research associate.

The top three skills for a validation scientist include FDA, chemistry and GMP. The most important skills for a postdoctoral research associate are python, research projects, and chemistry.

Validation scientist vs postdoctoral research associate overview

	Validation Scientist	Postdoctoral Research Associate
Yearly salary	$77,661	$52,785
Hourly rate	$37.34	$25.38
Growth rate	17%	17%
Number of jobs	48,711	59,377
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Doctoral Degree, 47%
Average age	41	41
Years of experience	4	4

What does a validation scientist do?

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.

What does a postdoctoral research associate do?

A postdoctoral research associate is responsible for assisting the educational institution's research department, writing research reports, analyzing research methods, and collecting information and related studies to support the research claims. Postdoctoral research associates must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, reporting research updates to the research head, performing adjustments as needed, and gaining more expertise on the subject by brainstorming and discussing strategic procedures for the study. They may also conduct field investigation or coordinate with other institutions for additional reference, depending on the research's scope and limitation.

Validation scientist vs postdoctoral research associate salary

Validation scientists and postdoctoral research associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Validation Scientist	Postdoctoral Research Associate
Average salary	$77,661	$52,785
Salary range	Between $55,000 And $109,000	Between $38,000 And $72,000
Highest paying City	South San Francisco, CA	Memphis, TN
Highest paying state	California	Hawaii
Best paying company	AstraZeneca	Argonne National Laboratory
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Professional

Differences between validation scientist and postdoctoral research associate education

There are a few differences between a validation scientist and a postdoctoral research associate in terms of educational background:

	Validation Scientist	Postdoctoral Research 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

Validation scientist vs postdoctoral research associate demographics

Here are the differences between validation scientists' and postdoctoral research associates' demographics:

	Validation Scientist	Postdoctoral Research Associate
Average age	41	41
Gender ratio	Male, 59.0% Female, 41.0%	Male, 65.7% Female, 34.3%
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, 5.8% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 38.1% White, 43.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between validation scientist and postdoctoral research associate duties and responsibilities

Validation scientist example responsibilities.

Manage customer complaints investigations using CAPA system.
Develop, implement, and maintain validation procedures according to regulatory requirements/guidelines (GMP, GLP, ICH, USP).
Perform technical writing including documentation of test methods and validation protocols in compliance with FDA regulations.
Audit the GMP labs for inspection readiness.
Conduct investigation process through CAPA system when adverse conditions are find.
Provide front line technical support for document management systems and SQL LIMS.

Postdoctoral research associate example responsibilities.

Process and manage GIS databases to contribute towards research in human transportation behavior.
Transfect 293-T cells with CRISPR constructs.
Execute parallel synthesis on both solution and solid phase to develop library of compounds.
Diagnose and resolve all instruments during breakdown (GC/MS/MS, GC/ECD, UV-Vis).
Develop python codes to efficiently handle multiple read/unread, flag/unflag, and delete operations on emails.
Characterize particles using DLS and UV-vis spectrophotometer to measure particle sizes and detect oxide layer, respectively.

Validation scientist vs postdoctoral research associate skills

Common validation scientist skills

FDA, 7%
Chemistry, 7%
GMP, 7%
Data Analysis, 5%
Troubleshoot, 5%
Method Validation, 4%

Common postdoctoral research associate skills

Python, 6%
Research Projects, 6%
Chemistry, 6%
Data Analysis, 6%
Post-Doctoral, 5%
Cell Culture, 5%

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Validation Scientist vs Postdoctoral Research Associate

Updated January 8, 2025

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