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The differences between validation scientists and postdoctoral scholars 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 scholar. Additionally, a validation scientist has an average salary of $77,661, which is higher than the $57,587 average annual salary of a postdoctoral scholar.
The top three skills for a validation scientist include FDA, chemistry and GMP. The most important skills for a postdoctoral scholar are chemistry, python, and patients.
| Validation Scientist | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Yearly salary | $77,661 | $57,587 |
| Hourly rate | $37.34 | $27.69 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 48,711 | 18,983 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| 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 Scholar is responsible for supporting an educational research group to conduct studies and gather relevant data to support study claims and scientific evidence. They review initial findings, perform field investigations, and interview the target respondents for data and statistical analysis. They also coordinate with the whole team for efficient research methods, ensuring adherence to budget limitations and required timetables. A Postdoctoral Scholar must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to document reports and discuss results with the research team.
Validation scientists and postdoctoral scholars have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Validation Scientist | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Average salary | $77,661 | $57,587 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $109,000 | Between $41,000 And $79,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | AstraZeneca | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Technology |
There are a few differences between a validation scientist and a postdoctoral scholar in terms of educational background:
| Validation Scientist | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Duke University |
Here are the differences between validation scientists' and postdoctoral scholars' demographics:
| Validation Scientist | Postdoctoral Scholar | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.0% Female, 41.0% | Male, 53.0% Female, 47.0% |
| 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, 6.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 26.3% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |