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The differences between validation scientists and research scientists 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 scientist. Additionally, a research scientist has an average salary of $89,998, which is higher than the $77,661 average annual salary of a validation scientist.
The top three skills for a validation scientist include FDA, chemistry and GMP. The most important skills for a research scientist are python, data analysis, and patients.
| Validation Scientist | Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $77,661 | $89,998 |
| Hourly rate | $37.34 | $43.27 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 48,711 | 93,013 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| 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.
The job of research scientists is to design, undertake, and analyze information from experiments, trials, and laboratory-based investigations. They usually perform experiments in different areas, including medical research, pharmacology, and geoscience. They have varied duties and responsibilities that include planning and carrying out experiments, conducting fieldwork, and overseeing junior staff members like the technicians. They are typically working for a government laboratory, an environmental agency, and other organizations. Many of these scientists also work in teams and support staff.
Validation scientists and research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Validation Scientist | Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $77,661 | $89,998 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $109,000 | Between $58,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | AstraZeneca | Lyft |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | - |
There are a few differences between a validation scientist and a research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Validation Scientist | Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Duke University |
Here are the differences between validation scientists' and research scientists' demographics:
| Validation Scientist | Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.0% Female, 41.0% | Male, 62.5% Female, 37.5% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 29.6% White, 50.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |