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Postdoc Research Associate information

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$10

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$31

How much do postdoc research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for postdoc research associate in Oak Ridge, TN is $19.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.76 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 Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Postdoc Research Associate jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Postdoc Research Associate job openings:
Postdoc Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoc Research Associate job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,510 per year, or $19 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Quantum Information Science

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Quantum Information Science

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 103 rated laboratories

Job description

Requisition Id 16262
Overview:
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work at the intersection of tensor networks, quantum algorithms, scientific computing, topological physics, and quantum hardware. As part of our team, you will perform research to develop new scalable quantum simulation algorithms, based on multi-linear representation theory, and apply them to real world applications spanning qubit engineering to quantum algorithmic analysis to applications across the physical sciences (condensed-matter or high energy physics, data science). You will Interpret, report, and present research concepts and results to national audiences.
This position resides within the Quantum Computational Science Group in the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division (CSED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). CSED performs transdisciplinary computational science and analytics at scale to produce advancements in physical sciences, engineering, and biomedicine and health. The Quantum Computational Science group addresses this mission through the development of quantum computational methods and software for diverse scientific applications.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Conduct research in mathematical representations of quantum states and processes, develop algorithms, and produce open-source scientific software
  • Write peer-reviewed scientific articles and present research findings at major scientific conferences
  • Collaborate with ORNL staff scientists and external collaborators
  • Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service

Basic Qualifications:
  • A Ph.D. degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • A strong foundation in linear algebra (tensor networks and beyond) and quantum physics
  • Familiar with programming languages and scientific computing

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working with low-rank linear algebraic approximation methods.
  • Experience with quantum algorithms (other than variational or adiabatic) and/or quantum hardware
  • Knowledge of topological quantum field theories, topological band theory.
  • Strong analytic mathematical skills.
  • Experience in multiple scientific programming languages (Python, Julia, Fortran, C++, AI etc.)
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:
Postdocs: Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.
Letters of Recommendation: 2 of references are required. Please submit two letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.
Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:
  • Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
  • View Profile
  • Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Benefits at ORNL:
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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