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How much do postdoc associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for postdoc associate in Colorado is $20.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $21.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between postdoc associate and postdoc fellow?

A postdoc associate is typically a researcher hired to work on specific projects under a supervisor, often with a fixed-term appointment and clear responsibilities. A postdoc fellow usually holds a fellowship or grant-funded position, granting more independence in choosing research topics and often involving competitive application processes. Both roles involve advanced research training, but fellows generally have more autonomy and may have different funding sources or eligibility criteria.

What does a post-doctoral associate do?

A post-doctoral associate conducts advanced research in a specific field, often working under the supervision of a principal investigator. They design experiments, analyze data, publish findings, and may mentor graduate students, typically requiring a doctoral degree and familiarity with laboratory tools or research methodologies.

What is the difference between Postdoc Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoc AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) in relevant fieldMaster's or Ph.D., often with more industry experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutions, labsIndustry, corporate R&D labs, biotech firms
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government research agenciesPrivate companies, biotech, pharmaceuticals
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Postdoc Associate and a Research Scientist lies in their work environment and career stage. Postdoc Associates typically work in academic or research institutions focusing on research and publishing, often as a stepping stone to faculty roles. Research Scientists usually work in industry settings, applying research to product development or innovation, often with more experience and responsibilities.

How much do postdoctoral associates make in the US?

Postdoctoral associates in the US typically earn an annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $65,000, depending on the field, experience, and location. Many positions also include benefits such as health insurance and research funding support.

What is the postdoc trap?

The postdoc trap refers to the cycle where early-career postdoctoral researchers remain in temporary positions for extended periods without clear pathways to permanent academic or industry roles, often due to limited funding, job scarcity, or the expectation of multiple postdoc appointments. This can lead to job insecurity and delayed career advancement for postdoc associates. Understanding career planning and diversifying skills can help avoid this trap.
Postdoc Associate jobs near you

NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Quantum Optics

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Boulder, CO • On-site

$76K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Research Title: PREP0004263 - 672.02 - Quantum Optics Postdoc
The work will entail: NIST has an exciting opportunity to further research into Rydberg atom systems and their applications to radio wave communications and quantum sensing. The postdoctoral scholar will complete experimental and theoretical work to advance the performance of Rydberg atom systems in the detection of electric fields. Experimental work will include designing, building, and troubleshooting laser, optical and electronic systems as well as operating RF and microwave equipment and developing data analysis software. Theoretical work will include developing and analyzing atomic models for Rydberg atoms and performing RF simulations.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Design and perform experiments to advance the performance of Rydberg atom electrometers and communications receivers.
  • Develop theoretical models of atomic systems and atomic sensors and compare with experimental measurements.
  • Keep a well-maintained log of experimental activities.
  • Disseminate research through peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and other presentations.

Qualifications
  • A Doctorate's degree in Physics, Atomic Physics, Optics, Quantum Optics, or a related field.
  • 4+ years of relevant experience.
  • Familiarity with atom-optical-molecular systems.
  • Ability to work with, stabilize, and align laser systems.
  • Familiarity with remote instrument communication (Matlab, Python, or Labview proficiency preferred).
  • Ability to develop data analysis software (Matlab or Python proficiency preferred).
  • Strong oral and written communication skills in the English language.

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004263

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