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Postdoc Research Associate Jobs in West Virginia

$46K - $63K/yr

Faculty - Postdoctoral Research Associate (12 months) Number of Openings: 1 Worker Sub-Type: Fixed Term (requires end date - benefited) (Fixed Term) Job Requisition Primary Location: William & Mary ...

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 4, 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 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.
Infographic showing various Postdoc Research Associate job openings in West Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,994 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellow of Physics (AMO Theory)

Williammary

$46K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Job Requisition:

JR100589 Postdoctoral Fellow of Physics (AMO Theory) (Open)

Job Posting Title:

Postdoctoral Fellow of Physics (AMO Theory)

Job Family:

Faculty - Postdoctoral Research Associate (12 months)

Number of Openings:

1

Worker Sub-Type:

Fixed Term (requires end date - benefited) (Fixed Term)

Job Requisition Primary Location:

William & Mary

Primary Job Posting Location:

William & Mary

Job Description Summary:

The Department of Physics at William & Mary, a public university of the Commonwealth of Virginia, invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate position that will begin September 25, 2025. We seek an individual with expertise in many-body physics, quantum optics, open quantum systems, and/or quantum information to work on theoretical problems in quantum information for cold atoms.

Job Description:

The Department of Physics at William & Mary, a public university of the Commonwealth of Virginia, invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow position, expected to begin 25 September 2025. The Ilo-Okeke Theory Group seeks an individual with expertise in many-body physics, quantum optics, open quantum systems, and/or quantum information to work on theoretical problems in quantum information for cold atoms. Topics of interest include many-body physics and collective light-matter interactions in neutral atom ensembles. The position aims to advance fundamental understandings and practical applications of neutral atoms in quantum information science, sensing, networks and metrology. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability.

Application Instructions:
For full consideration, please upload your resume, cover letter, and research statement.

Additional Job Description:

Qualifications:

PhD - Physics

Period Salary Plan:

Compensation Grade:

S99

Recruiting Start Date:

2025-07-29

Review Date:

2025-09-08

Position Restrictions:

EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal