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Postdoc Research Associate Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoc Research Associate information

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$10

$20

$33

How much do postdoc research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for postdoc research associate in Wisconsin is $20.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $20.87 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 Wisconsin as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 27% As Needed, 24% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 39% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,713 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Postdoctoral Researcher -Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy

Postdoctoral Researcher -Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy

Medical College of Wisconsin

Milwaukee, WI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Medical College Of Wisconsin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Summary

A postdoctoral position is available at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) to study cell biology of neurons, synapses and neurodegenerative diseases. One of research goals is to understand factors and mechanisms causing synapse loss in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. This project will examine neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity using electrophysiological approaches or super-resolution imaging. The group also utilizes molecular biology, cell biology, live-cell imaging, EM, multi-omics, and mouse disease models. In addition to synapse degeneration, insulin-secretion deficiency in diabetes is another focus of research.

(See https://www.mcw.edu/departments/cell-biology-neurobiology-and-anatomy/people/xuelin-lou-phd).

Applicants should have research skills in the relevant field, sufficient research independence and communication skills. Relevant publications in the related field or experience with patch-clamp experiments are critical. Desirable expertise can be in a) patch-clamp recordings from acute brain slices/cell cultures, b) super-resolution imaging, or c) synapse degeneration studies.

The position provides opportunities to develop innovative research skills and scientific discoveries in a collaborative setting. The PI is committed to mentoring young scientists and nurturing creative thinking and scholarship. The laboratory is in the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy at the main campus of MCW, a vibrant private medical school on the west shore of Lake Michigan. All applicants with relevant backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and application review will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should apply through the MCW portal, and send a single pdf file including applicant's CV, research plan (one-page) and three reference letters to xulou@mcw.edu for attention.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Plan and perform experiments with strong independence.Analyze data and summarize research findings.

  • Develop new research methods as needed.

  • Contribute to collaborative projects.help and supervise junior team members.

  • Other duties as assigned

Knowledge - Skills - Abilities
  • Required knowledge inbiology,chemistry,mathematics,and statistics

  • Documentation, records managementand data utilizationskills

  • Complex problem solving, critical thinking, and resource management

  • Writing skills

Qualifications

Minimum Required Education: Ph.D. or equivalent in biomedical science or a related field.

Minimum Required Experience: 0 years

Preferred Experience: Expertise in electrophysiology (patch-clamp), synapse loss and high-resolution imaging. Experience in the related field, including synapses, neurodegeneration, pancreatic islets, or PALM/STORM/STED super-resolution microscopy) as evidenced by publications is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements

Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment.

Sensory Acuity

Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.

Why MCW?
  • Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options

  • 403B Retirement Package

  • Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered

  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Paid Parental Leave

  • Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

  • Pet Insurance

  • On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes

  • Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.

For a brief overview of our benefits see: Benefits Overview

For a full list of positions see: MCW Careers
At MCW all of our endeavors, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: Caring - Collaborative - Curiosity - Inclusive - Integrity - Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through merit-based processes and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you. For more information, please visit our institutional website.


MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination:

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.


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About Medical College of Wisconsin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an industry-leading educational institution located in Milwaukee, WI, US. Being part of the medical and health services sector, MCW's primary mission is to educate and train the next generation of healthcare professionals. MCW offers a wide array of degrees and programs within medical and health sciences, covering everything from medical, graduate, pharmacy and health sciences studies, to continuing professional developments and community engagement initiatives. Founded in 1893, MCW boasts a rich, well-entrenched history in shaping the medical education landscape locally and globally. The institution's core values of knowledge-changing life underline its dedication to incorporating innovative approaches in education and research, commitment to diversity and inclusion, service to the community, integrity, stewardship, and collaboration.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US

Year founded

1893

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