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Postdoc Research Associate Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoc Research Associate information

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How much do postdoc research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for postdoc research associate in Boston, MA is $21.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $22.45 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 near Boston, MA are hiring for Postdoc Research Associate jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Postdoc Research Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Postdoc Research Associate job openings in Boston, MA 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 $44,897 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Alternative Fuels

Northeastern University

Boston, MA • On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

About the Opportunity
Job Summary
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Postdoctoral Research Associate designs and conducts research developing alternative fuels and advancing energy-innovation technologies. Applying catalysis and reaction-engineering approaches, the role targets low-carbon fuel pathways-such as hydrogen, ammonia, synthetic and electro-fuels, sustainable aviation fuel, and fuels derived from biomass, waste plastics, or carbon dioxide (CO₂)-spanning catalyst and process development, reactor design and scale-up, and performance and techno-economic assessment. The position contributes to scholarly publications, sponsored-research deliverables, and the training of graduate and undergraduate researchers.
Minimum Qualifications
Required
  • PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field
  • Knowledge of catalysis, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and reactor/reaction engineering relevant to fuel synthesis and energy conversion
  • Ability to design and operate catalytic and/or electrocatalytic reactors
  • Ability to synthesize and characterize materials
  • Ability to model and analyze process performance
  • Proficiency in Python or an equivalent programming language
  • Ability to work independently and across disciplines

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
  • Develop catalytic and/or electrocatalytic routes and materials for alternative-fuel production (e.g., hydrogen, ammonia, electro-fuels, and CO₂- or biomass-derived fuels), including synthesis, testing, and kinetic measurement
  • Design, build, and operate bench- and laboratory-scale reactors and energy-conversion testbeds, evaluating activity, selectivity, stability, and energy efficiency under realistic operating conditions
  • Develop reaction and reactor models and conduct process analysis, including techno-economic and life-cycle assessment, to guide designs toward scalable, low-carbon fuel pathways
  • Characterize materials and analyze performance data to establish structure-performance and process-performance relationships
  • Disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations, contribute to proposals and reports, and help mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and steward shared instrumentation

Required Documents
  • Resume

Position Type
Research
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
108S
Expected Hiring Range:
$60,315.00 - $85,192.50
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.