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Postdoc Research Associate information

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$10

$19

$32

How much do postdoc research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for postdoc research associate in California is $19.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Postdoc Research jobs in California? The most popular types of Postdoc Research jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Postdoc Research Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Postdoc Research Associate job openings:
Postdoc Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoc Research Associate job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,786 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
Postdoc Research Associate

Postdoc Research Associate

USC Gould School of Law

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$64K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

A postdoctoral research position in cancer and genetic epidemiology is available at the USC Center for Genetic Epidemiology within the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at USC. The applicant must have a Ph.D. (or equivalent qualification) with training in epidemiology, biostatistics and/or statistical genetics. The postdoctoral fellow will work directly with Drs. Chris Haiman and David Conti on analyzing risk factors, genetic and other omics data from diverse cohorts including the Multiethnic Cohort study, the RESPOND African American prostate cancer study and other large-scale genetics consortia (e.g. NHGRI PAGE and PRIMED. In addition to cancer, non-cancer outcomes will also be examined including anthropometric traits, diabetes and biomarkers, such as lipids, glucose, insulin or inflammatory markers. Studies focused on polygenic risk score development, rare variant analysis and health disparities research will be available. Desired is an applicant familiar with many of the most common analytic tools for genetic association studies. In addition, s/he will participate in the presentation of their research and in the writing of publications. The position requires a highly motivated individual with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Experience: Training in epidemiology, biostatistics and/or statistical genetics

Preferred Field of Expertise: Epidemiology, biostatistics and/or statistical genetics

The annual base salary range for this position is $64,480- $72,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within previous five years
Minimum Experience: 0-1 year
Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.
Preferred Experience: Training in epidemiology, biostatistics and/or statistical genetics
Preferred Field of Expertise: Epidemiology, biostatistics and/or statistical genetics

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email atuschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:

https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$125370.htmld

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