* Research Associate: This role is primarily focused on research. While they may have some teaching responsibilities, it's usually minimal or non-existent. Their main duties involve conducting research, analyzing data, publishing findings, and potentially securing grant funding. A research associate's career path often leads to more senior research positions, such as principal investigator or senior research scientist.
* Lecturer: This role is primarily focused on teaching. While lecturers may conduct some research, it's usually secondary to their teaching responsibilities. Their main duties involve designing and delivering lectures, grading student work, and mentoring students. A lecturer's career path often leads to senior lecturer, associate professor, and professor positions.
While there can be overlap (e.g., a research associate might teach a small seminar), the core responsibilities and career trajectories are distinct. The level of experience and required qualifications can also differ significantly between these roles.