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Postdoc Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

What We Are Looking For The Nano-Optics and Advanced Health-Sensing (NOAHS) Lab at Baylor University is looking for a Postdoc Research Associate who will focus on photonic integrated circuits (PICs ...

What We Are Looking For The Nano-Optics and Advanced Health-Sensing (NOAHS) Lab at Baylor University is looking for a Postdoc Research Associate who will focus on photonic integrated circuits (PICs ...

What We Are Looking For Baylor University seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an NSF-funded project examining how feeding morphology and functional performance shape ...

What We Are Looking For Baylor University seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an NSF-funded project examining how feeding morphology and functional performance shape ...

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Postdoc Research Associate information

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How much do postdoc research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for postdoc research associate in the United States is $19.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoc Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoc Research Associate, you need a doctoral degree in a relevant field, robust research experience, and advanced analytical skills. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and scientific publishing platforms is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration are essential soft skills for presenting findings and working within research teams. These skills ensure high-quality research output, effective teamwork, and successful advancement of scientific knowledge.

What are the typical collaboration opportunities for a Postdoc Research Associate within a research institution?

As a Postdoc Research Associate, you will frequently collaborate with principal investigators, graduate students, and fellow postdocs both within your department and across interdisciplinary teams. These collaborations often involve co-authoring research papers, designing experiments, and sharing specialized expertise or equipment. Many institutions also encourage postdocs to participate in seminars, lab meetings, and grant-writing sessions, which foster networking and skill development. Such teamwork not only enriches your research but also broadens your professional network, which can be crucial for future career advancement.

What is a Postdoc Research Associate?

A Postdoc Research Associate is an individual who has completed their doctoral studies (PhD or equivalent) and is engaged in advanced academic or scientific research, usually on a temporary contract. Postdocs work under the supervision of a principal investigator or faculty member, contributing to ongoing research projects and often leading their own studies. Their main goal is to gain further research experience, publish findings, and develop skills needed for academic or industry careers. Postdoc positions are common in universities, research institutes, and some private sector organizations.

What is the difference between Postdoc Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoc Research AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) in relevant fieldMaster's or Ph.D., often with more experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutions, labsUniversities, research centers, industry R&D
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and government researchAcademia, industry, biotech, pharma
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Postdoc Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in experience level and career stage. Postdoc Research Associates are typically early-career researchers with a Ph.D. working on specific projects, often aiming for academic careers. Research Scientists usually have more experience, may hold advanced degrees, and work on broader research initiatives in academia or industry. Both roles require strong research skills and doctoral credentials, but their responsibilities and career paths differ.

What cities are hiring for Postdoc Research Associate jobs? Cities with the most Postdoc Research Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoc Research jobs? The most popular types of Postdoc Research jobs are:
What states have the most Postdoc Research Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoc Research Associate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Postdoc Research Associate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,327 per year, or $19.9 per hour.
Postdoc Research Associate

Postdoc Research Associate

Baylor University

Waco, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago


Baylor University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

332nd of 532 rated colleges and universities


Job description

A humble college founded before Texas was a state, Baylor now stands as one of the premier institutions of higher education in the world. Baylor has continued to invest in research and doctoral education, both solidifying and elevating its unique status as a preeminent Christian research university. Baylor is among 187 R1 institutions, just 52 of which are private universities. 

Since 2011, Baylor has been named as one of the nation's "Great Colleges to Work For". Great Colleges to Work For is one of the country's largest and most respected workplace recognition programs. Each year, Great Colleges recognizes the colleges and universities that get top employee ratings regarding workplace practices and policies across 10 areas. This recognition is based on faculty and staff responses to a related annual survey. The survey, conducted by ModernThink, is a way for colleges and universities to gain a deeper understanding of how their employees experience and view various aspects of the institution. This continued recognition further affirms Baylor as a rewarding place to build a career.

What We Are Looking For 

The Nano-Optics and Advanced Health-Sensing (NOAHS) Lab at Baylor University is looking for a Postdoc Research Associate who will focus on photonic integrated circuits (PICs) design and characterization for several recently funded projects in large-scale optical interconnects and optical computing. The Postdoc will be primarily responsible for designing hybrid silicon-conductive oxide photonic circuits using commercial foundry or industrial sponsored photonic shuttle to achieve low-power, high speed optical systems. The candidate should also lead the characterization of PICs, especially high-speed optoelectronic measurement using microwave network analyzer and digital communication analyzer. The position is renewable each year based on performance and availability of continued funding. Additional responsibilities include: 

  • Mentoring PhD students and collaborating with academic and industrial partners 
  • Participate in the preparation and writing of journal manuscripts and conference papers, presentations, and/or posters. 
  • Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor's mission
  • Ability to comply with University policies
  • Maintain regular and punctual attendance

The NOAHS Lab is led by Prof. Alan Wang (alan_wang@baylor.edu), who is the Mearse Endowed Chair Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. During his research career, Prof. Wang has raised over $11 M dollars in externally funded research from the NSF, AFOSR, DARPA, NIH, NASA and Army Research Office, along with industry sponsors such as Intel and Hewlett Packard. He has more than 120 journal publications and 120 conference presentations including 18 plenary/invited presentations. He also holds eight granted or pending U.S. patents. Prof. Wang is a fellow member of SPIE and Optica and a senior member of IEEE. 

Minimum Required Qualifications: 

  • Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field. Candidates without related experience will NOT be considered. 
  • Strong background in photonic integrated circuits and silicon photonics  

What You Can Expect 

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family's wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus. To learn more, go toBaylor Benefits & Advantages. 

Explore & Engage 

Learn more about Baylor and our strategic vision, Baylor in Deeds.  Also, explore our great hometown of Waco and the many opportunities to engage locally.  If you are new to Central Texas, This is Waco! 

Baylor University, a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, military service, genetic information, and disability. Baylor complies with statutory Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity requirements. Baylor's full official Notice of Non-Discrimination may be read online.


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