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Postdoc Research Associate Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Research Associate - Biology Job Category: Employees in Training Employment Type: Terminal (Fixed ... This is a National Science Foundation funded postdoctoral position studying circadian gene ...

... research specialist at the Assistant, Associate, or Professor level to establish laboratory ... graduate student and postdoctoral training. Clinical practice opportunities also exist for ...

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Postdoc Research Associate information

See Madison, WI salary details

$10

$20

$33

How much do postdoc research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for postdoc research associate in Madison, WI is $20.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $20.82 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.

Infographic showing various Postdoc Research Associate job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,642 per year, or $20 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Fan Lab

The Morgridge Institute for Research

Madison, WI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description

The Fan lab at Morgridge Institute for Research and University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to study the metabolism of macrophages and neutrophils. The successful candidate will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team investigating the dynamic metabolic regulation during immune cell activation and how metabolic pathways influence immune cell function.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Design and conduct experiments to characterize metabolic remodeling coupled to immune response and mechanistically investigate metabolism-function connections in macrophages and neutrophils
  • Employ cellular, molecular, and biochemical approaches, including genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9), metabolomics and isotopic tracing, immune function essays, transcriptomic analyses etc.
  • Analyze data, interpret results, and prepare manuscripts and presentations.
  • Collaborate with team members and contribute to ongoing lab projects.
  • Potentially mentor junior graduate or undergraduate trainees as needed.

Requirements

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology or a related field (completed or near completion).
  • Strong background in immunology and cell metabolism preferred.
  • Demonstrated skills in some of the relevant areas including molecular biology, immune cell function profiling, genetics, or omics-based techniques.
  • Familiarity to establish mouse model for inflammatory conditions is a plus
  • Excellent communication, organization, and teamwork abilities.
  • Scientific rigor and critical thinking skills
  • Record of scholarly productivity with peer-reviewed publications.


To apply, please submit the following materials via our website:

  1. Cover letter describing your research experience and career goals
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. Names and contact information for three references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Start date is flexible, with Fall 2026 preferred.