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How much do postdoc research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for postdoc research associate in Cary, NC is $18.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $19.13 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 Cary, NC are hiring for Postdoc Research Associate jobs? Cities near Cary, NC with the most Postdoc Research Associate job openings:
Postdoc Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoc Research Associate job openings in Cary, NC 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 $38,286 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

University System of New Hampshire

Durham, NC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

University System Of New Hampshire rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Summary
Operating Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Long Classification Title POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH/TEACHING Campus Location Durham Department UNH COLSA Natural Resources & the Environment Summary of Position
We are seeking a post-doctoral research associate in temperate agroforestry interested in conducting applied interdisciplinary research to evaluate the productive potential, climate resilience, and ecosystem services provided by different agroforestry systems in New England. Ecosystem services of particular interest include carbon sequestration and storage, hydrologic regulation, weed suppression, pest-pathogen regulation, crop yield, and biodiversity. Results of the research will inform the design of agroforestry systems adapted to New England's unique biophysical and socio-economic landscape.
The postdoctoral associate will participate as part of a large interdisciplinary team of scientists and graduate students and will have substantial flexibility to develop their specific research focus within the context of the project team's expertise and the needs of the larger project. However, there is an expectation that the successful candidate will conduct interdisciplinary research that bridges several relevant fields (e.g., ecology, soil science, hydrology, social sciences, economics) to address complex research questions related to designing sustainable and climate-smart temperate agroforestry systems. This postdoc position will support a 5-year USDA-funded project focusing on promoting climate-smart and sustainable agriculture for expanding food production in New England through regionally adapted agroforestry systems (Project "ADAPT").
Additional Job Information Posting Number PF0853FY24 Acceptable Minimum Qualifications
  • PhD in agroforestry, ecology, agronomy, biology, environmental science, or a closely related field at the time of starting the position.
  • Strong track record of relevant publications in peer reviewed journals.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Strong analytical skills, including knowledge of statistical packages and analyses.
  • Ability to interact and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, organizational affiliations, and levels of expertise and knowledge.
  • Ability to work well independently with minimal supervision, including strong problem solving and creating thinking skills.
  • Ability to work well as a member of a large, transdisciplinary team.
  • Strong technical skills for maintaining and troubleshooting field and lab equipment.

Additional Preferred Qualifications
  • Specialization in agroforestry is strongly preferred.
  • Experience working as a member of a large, transdisciplinary team.
  • Experience mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.
  • Experience supervising and training research assistants and technicians.

Salary Information
Salary is complemented by a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, tuition, and paid time off.
Quick Link to Posting https://usnh-sb.peopleadmin.com/postings/59753 Percent Time Information (FTE) 1.00 Faculty Information If Renewable or Number of years, please specify Type of Position
Posting Details
Posting Date 03/05/2024 Open Until Filled Yes Closing Date Interested Internal Candidates Exist? No Appointment Type Grant Funded If TERM position with benefits, indicate projected end date Departmental Information This position is responsible for the supervision of Operating Staff , Students Special Requirements A background check will be required as a condition of employment. EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Special Instructions to Applicants Institution Information
The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire's lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.
The UNH Diversity Resource Guide with information and programming available in the seacoast area, New Hampshire, and the region can be found here: https://www.unh.edu/hr/diversity-resource-guide

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