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Postdoc Research Associate Jobs in West Virginia

Postdoc Research Associate information

See West Virginia salary details

$8

$15

$25

How much do postdoc research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for postdoc research associate in West Virginia is $15.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $16.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

Infographic showing various Postdoc Research Associate job openings in West Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,994 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Marshall University

Huntington, WV • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Marshall University rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

559th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Information
Banner Position Number R10918 Position Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Classification Title MURC-Biological Scientists Department SOM-BioMedical Science - RC5130 Job Description
Position Summary
Duration: Initial term with potential for two additional years (contingent upon funding, laboratory needs, and performance).
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (includes a 30-minute lunch break).
Position Summary
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct high-throughput, hands-on benchwork to advance lab research timelines and secure publishable data. This role requires strict adherence to weekly experimental benchmarks and data reporting structures.
Key Responsibilities
Core Experimental Benchwork
  • Perform macrophage infections and cytokine ELISAs.
  • Construct, purify, and analyze His-tagged proteins.
  • Utilize LC-MS/MS for metabolomics analysis.
  • Handle in vivo animal work and procedures.
  • Adapt to shifting experimental responsibilities as directed by the Principal Investigator.

Data Management & Reporting
  • Yield at least one piece of publishable data every week.
  • Submit a detailed written summary of data, protocols, and outcomes every Friday afternoon.

Performance Metrics & Expectations
  • Weekly Output: Completion of either two major experiments (e.g., macrophage infections, ELISAs) or three minor experiments (e.g., MIC/MBC, growth curves) per week.
  • Evaluation: Continuous assessment against deliverables, with an intensive evaluation of work ethic and technical capabilities during the initial 90-day probationary period.
Location MUSOM - Marshall University School of Medicine Salary Range Salary is commensurate with experience and internal equity
Required Qualifications
Education
  • Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related biological science field.
Experience
  • No experience required
Preferred Qualifications
Education Experience
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number MR0888 Open Date 08/14/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions Summary

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