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Postdoc Research Associate Jobs in Massachusetts

About the Opportunity Job Summary The Dong Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Lab at Northeastern University seeks enthusiastic postdoctoral researchers to join as soon as possible. The research ...

About the Opportunity Northeastern University has established a Postdoctoral Researcher position dealing with cutting-edge research in the theoretical and applied aspects of resilient artificial ...

About the Opportunity The Postdoc will be working on multidisciplinary research projects in the Bendable Electronics and Sustainable Technologies (BEST) Group led by Prof. Ravinder Dahiya. BEST group ...

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Postdoc Research Associate information

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$11

$21

$36

How much do postdoc research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for postdoc research associate in Massachusetts is $21.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $22.60 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 cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Postdoc Research Associate jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Postdoc Research Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Postdoc Research Associate job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,134 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Post Doctoral Research Associate - BioPhysics

UMass Amherst

Amherst, MA • On-site

$66K - $67K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Title: Post Doctoral Research Associate - BioPhysics

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Public Health/ Health Sciences

Department: Kinesiology

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement:Onsite

Job Summary

The Debold Muscle Biophysics Lab is seeking talented applicants for a full-time, Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the Kinesiology Department. This position will support a five-year grant from the NIH to study the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle contraction, intracellular transport, and the formation of complex cellular structures. The goal of this work is to understand how the load-dependent proteins of the molecular motor myosin enable it to perform complex cellular processes when working as a team of motors.
We are searching for a highly motivated single molecular biophysicist familiar with the laser trap and in vitro motility assays. These skills will be used to characterize the single molecule and mini-ensemble properties of three different classes of myosin: muscle myosin II, myosin III and myosin V. The goal of this project is to understand how the single molecule properties of these myosin's give rise to the complex behavior they demonstrate in multi-motor teams.

Essential Functions

Specific activities will include protein purification and preparation, fluorescence microscopy and data collection and analysis of data from the single molecule laser trap and in vitro motility assay.
Preparation and presentation of figures for presentation at national and international meetings, as well as for publication.
Writing manuscripts for publication in high impact journals.
Preference will be given to those with the ability to express and purify myosin proteins.

Minimum Qualifications

A PhD in Kinesiology or a related STEM field, including Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Biochemistry.
Demonstrated ability to present and publish research in biophysics or a related field.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, students and collaborators.
Organizational skills to effectively manage and maintain large data sets.
High level of independence and reliability.
Demonstrated ability to publish in high-quality journals in kinesiology and/or neuroscience or related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated knowledge and experience with a single molecule laser trap assay.
The ability to manage large and complex data sets using MatLab, R or related programs.
The ability to isolate and/or express proteins and prepare them for use in functional assays.
Knowledge of fluorescence microscopy techniques including epi, TIRF and STORM.
Proficiency with LabView software.
Ability to rapidly learn new software platforms.

Additional Details

This position will require the successful candidate to work full-time (40 hours per week).
The work may require week and weekend hours to facilitate human subject recruitment and testing.
This is an in-person only position.
This is a 12-month appointment with reappointment contingent on funding and sufficient productivity (e.g. 2-3 first author publications per year).

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

M-F, variable
Some evening and weekends may be required.

Salary Information

For hires with 0-2 years of postdoc experience, UMass Amherst expects to pay between $62,838 and $65,138 for this position.
For hires with 3-4 years of postdoc experience, UMass Amherst expects to pay between $66,287 and $67,437 for this position.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with your application, please submit a cover letter describing your research experience, current research interests, and long-term professional goals; a current curriculum vitae; a recent publication in PDF format; and contact information for three professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.