Validation scientist vs research laboratory manager

The differences between validation scientists and research laboratory managers 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 research laboratory manager. Additionally, a validation scientist has an average salary of $77,661, which is higher than the $64,333 average annual salary of a research laboratory manager.

The top three skills for a validation scientist include FDA, chemistry and GMP. The most important skills for a research laboratory manager are lab equipment, research projects, and lab safety.

Validation scientist vs research laboratory manager overview

	Validation Scientist	Research Laboratory Manager
Yearly salary	$77,661	$64,333
Hourly rate	$37.34	$30.93
Growth rate	17%	17%
Number of jobs	48,711	89,981
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
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 research laboratory manager do?

Research laboratory managers are management professionals who are responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of laboratories by implementing safety lab procedures. These managers are required to coordinate the repair and maintenance of lab equipment while training lab technicians and assistants on the correct use of equipment. They must perform experimental studies and analyze the research data collected for research projects. Research laboratory managers must also manage the inventory of laboratory equipment while coordinating the purchase of lab supplies.

Validation scientist vs research laboratory manager salary

Validation scientists and research laboratory managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Validation Scientist	Research Laboratory Manager
Average salary	$77,661	$64,333
Salary range	Between $55,000 And $109,000	Between $45,000 And $91,000
Highest paying City	South San Francisco, CA	Baltimore, MD
Highest paying state	California	Maryland
Best paying company	AstraZeneca	Meta
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Health Care

Differences between validation scientist and research laboratory manager education

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

	Validation Scientist	Research Laboratory Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common major	Chemistry	Biology
Most common college	University of Southern California	Duke University

Validation scientist vs research laboratory manager demographics

Here are the differences between validation scientists' and research laboratory managers' demographics:

	Validation Scientist	Research Laboratory Manager
Average age	41	41
Gender ratio	Male, 59.0% Female, 41.0%	Male, 45.2% Female, 54.8%
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, 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%

Differences between validation scientist and research laboratory manager 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.

Research laboratory manager example responsibilities.

Manage and order equipment and materials for lab usage with NIH grant and write monthly credit card reports.
Manage laboratory team activities v. assist set up and revision of project plans under the guidance of NIH vi.
Design, development and validation of cell-base assays; infrare EMSA analysis, western blotting, ELISA.
Prepare, perform RT-PCR and Q-PCR and analyze the results.
Write grant proposal, project reports, IRB applications, and documentation.
Compose and maintain all lab IRB protocols in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.

Validation scientist vs research laboratory manager skills

Common validation scientist skills

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

Common research laboratory manager skills

Lab Equipment, 9%
Research Projects, 8%
Lab Safety, 6%
Cell Culture, 5%
Patients, 5%
Research Lab, 5%

Validation Scientist vs. similar jobs

Validation Scientist related careers

Validation Scientist related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Life, Physical, and Social Science Industry
Validation Scientist
Validation Scientist vs Research Laboratory Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs