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Postdoc Research Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Field Museum

Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$61K/yr

Postdoctoral Research Scientist FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Negaunee Integrative Research Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to ...

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How much do postdoc research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for postdoc research associate in Chicago, IL is $19.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.67 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoc Research jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Postdoc Research jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Postdoc Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Postdoc Research Associate job openings:

Postdoc Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoc Research Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,342 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Department of Pediatrics

University of Illinois

Chicago, IL • On-site

$53K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Department of Pediatrics
Hiring Department: Department of Pediatrics
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1042453
Posting Close Date: 09.12.2026
Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $53,000 to $56,000. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
About the Department of Pediatrics
The Department of Pediatrics provides comprehensive family-centered health care to all children, multi-level professional education to students, physicians, and allied health care workers in all aspects of pediatrics, and a voice of advocacy for children of the state of Illinois. We are also actively engaged in the community to improve the health status of children through preventative and educational efforts, and to lead with basic and clinical research into childhood diseases to move the field of pediatrics forward. Our diverse medical teams bring the world's latest advancements to patient care, research, and teaching.
The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Illinois Chicago is seeking to fill a Postdoctoral Research Associate position. This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary
The laboratory focuses on mucosal immunology, microbiome-immune interactions, and inflammatory diseases. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow with strong experimental skills and experience, as well as an interest in bioinformatics analysis.
The successful candidate will work on NIH-funded projects. The position will directly assist the Principal Investigator in advancing these projects by utilizing a range of technologies, animal models, and human samples.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Animal-related work, including breeding, genotyping, colony maintenance, and conducting animal models.
  • Perform cellular and molecular biology experiments, such as cell culture, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and flow cytometry.
  • Collect and prepare samples for next-generation sequencing (NGS).
  • Participate in special projects as assigned by the Principal Investigator.
  • Additional Responsibilities
  • Manage general laboratory operations. Design and perform experiments based on established protocols, assist with data analysis and interpretation, prepare publication-quality figures, and contribute to manuscript preparation.
  • Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

    • Minimum Qualifications
    • PhD or MD/PhD in a related field.
    • Expertise in animal handling and mouse colony maintenance is essential.
    • Ability to independently perform routine laboratory work.
    Preferred Qualifications
    Experience with R or other skills for analyzing NGS datasets.
    The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
    The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
    Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
    University of Illinois logo

    About University of Illinois

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    The University of Illinois, located in Urbana, Illinois, US, is a prominent entity in the higher education sector. Operating its official functions through its website uillinois.edu, the institution provides a range of educational programs and services. The University was founded in 1867 and has since grown dramatically both in size and reputation. Its core values are embodied in its mission to enhance the lives of its students and citizens in the state, nation, and world through leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development. The university boasts several notable achievements including producing Nobel laureates and Pulitzer prize winners. It is renowned for its research programs and is known for significant advancements across various fields including engineering, science, and humanities.

    Industry

    Colleges, universities, and professional schools

    Company size

    5,001 - 10,000 Employees

    Headquarters location

    Urbana, IL, US

    Year founded

    1974

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