Validation scientist vs senior scientist

The differences between validation scientists and senior 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 senior scientist. Additionally, a senior scientist has an average salary of $106,672, 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 senior scientist are patients, data analysis, and molecular biology.

Validation scientist vs senior scientist overview

	Validation Scientist	Senior Scientist
Yearly salary	$77,661	$106,672
Hourly rate	$37.34	$51.28
Growth rate	17%	17%
Number of jobs	48,711	49,712
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 51%
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 senior scientist do?

A senior scientist is usually in charge of overseeing experiments and evaluating junior scientists' performance, especially in laboratory settings. Moreover, it is also their responsibility to assess every progress report to ensure it's accuracy and validity. As a senior scientist in the field, it is essential to lead and encourage fellow scientists in their joint pursuit for scientific innovations, all while adhering to the laboratory's standards and policies.

Validation scientist vs senior scientist salary

Validation scientists and senior scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Validation Scientist	Senior Scientist
Average salary	$77,661	$106,672
Salary range	Between $55,000 And $109,000	Between $74,000 And $153,000
Highest paying City	South San Francisco, CA	Redwood City, CA
Highest paying state	California	California
Best paying company	AstraZeneca	Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Best paying industry	Pharmaceutical	Telecommunication

Differences between validation scientist and senior scientist education

There are a few differences between a validation scientist and a senior scientist in terms of educational background:

	Validation Scientist	Senior Scientist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common major	Chemistry	Chemistry
Most common college	University of Southern California	Duke University

Validation scientist vs senior scientist demographics

Here are the differences between validation scientists' and senior scientists' demographics:

	Validation Scientist	Senior Scientist
Average age	41	41
Gender ratio	Male, 59.0% Female, 41.0%	Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9%
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, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 26.9% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between validation scientist and senior scientist 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.

Senior scientist example responsibilities.

Lead the development and implementation of new technology for use in NMR applications.
Strategize and manage the PK/PD program with internal collaborations including chemistry, DMPK, formulation and toxicology.
Lead a team and develop a 24-channel GC parallel separation system for high throughput screening of catalysts.
Lead a team of 11 direct reports and 35 indirect reports to solve development problems for multicapillary electrophoresis instruments.
Influence and impact others through building and maintaining strong networks that are leverage to obtain critical information and accomplish objectives.
Manage collaborations with external CROs.

Validation scientist vs senior scientist skills

Common validation scientist skills

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

Common senior scientist skills

Patients, 11%
Data Analysis, 6%
Molecular Biology, 3%
Research Projects, 3%
C++, 3%
Java, 3%

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Validation Scientist vs Senior Scientist

Updated January 8, 2025

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