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The differences between validation scientists and researchers 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 researcher. Additionally, a validation scientist has an average salary of $77,661, which is higher than the $67,145 average annual salary of a researcher.
The top three skills for a validation scientist include FDA, chemistry and GMP. The most important skills for a researcher are python, lab equipment, and C++.
| Validation Scientist | Researcher | |
| Yearly salary | $77,661 | $67,145 |
| Hourly rate | $37.34 | $32.28 |
| Growth rate | 17% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 48,711 | 30,498 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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 researcher is responsible for collating, organizing, and verifying necessary information for a specific subject. Researchers' duties include analyzing data, gathering and comparing resources, ensuring facts, sharing findings with the whole research team, adhering to required methodologies, performing fieldwork as needed, and keeping critical information confidential. Researchers must be knowledgeable about the current market trends and align findings with the research goals. A researcher must show strong communication skills, as well as strong attention to detail and time-management skills to meet deadlines under minimal supervision.
Validation scientists and researchers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Validation Scientist | Researcher | |
| Average salary | $77,661 | $67,145 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $109,000 | Between $37,000 And $119,000 |
| Highest paying City | South San Francisco, CA | Newark, NJ |
| Highest paying state | California | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | AstraZeneca | Renaissance Learning |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | - |
There are a few differences between a validation scientist and a researcher in terms of educational background:
| Validation Scientist | Researcher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between validation scientists' and researchers' demographics:
| Validation Scientist | Researcher | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.0% Female, 41.0% | Male, 50.9% Female, 49.1% |
| 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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |