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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoctoral Associate information

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$41.9K

$84.8K

$115K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral associate in California is $84,834.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoctoral AssociateResearch Scientist
Required credentialsPh.D. in relevant fieldMaster's or Ph.D., depending on industry
Work environmentAcademic labs, universitiesIndustry labs, corporate R&D
Employer and industry usagePrimarily academia and research institutionsPrimarily industry and corporate sectors
Common search intentResearch, academic career developmentProduct development, applied research

Postdoctoral Associates typically hold a Ph.D. and work mainly in academic or research institutions focusing on specialized research projects. Research Scientists often have similar credentials but are employed in industry settings, focusing on applied research and product development. The roles overlap in qualifications but differ in work environment and career focus.

What are Postdoctoral Associates?

Postdoctoral Associates are individuals who have recently completed their doctoral studies and are engaged in a temporary period of mentored research or scholarly training. They work under the supervision of a principal investigator or faculty member, typically at a university or research institution. The main goal of a Postdoctoral Associate is to deepen their expertise in a specific field of study, contribute to ongoing research projects, and prepare for an independent career in academia, industry, or other research-related fields.

How much do postdoctoral associates make in the US?

Postdoctoral associates in the US typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, with salaries varying based on experience, field, and location. Many positions also include benefits such as health insurance and research funding support.

What are some common challenges faced by Postdoctoral Associates when managing independent research projects?

Postdoctoral Associates often encounter challenges in balancing the demands of independent research with collaborative projects and administrative responsibilities. Managing time effectively, securing funding, and navigating the publication process can be particularly demanding. Additionally, Postdocs must adapt to the expectations of their principal investigator and the broader research team, while also building their professional network and developing a clear path toward future career advancement. Proactive communication and organizational skills are key to overcoming these challenges and making the most of the postdoctoral experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoctoral Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Associate, you need a doctoral degree in a relevant field, advanced research skills, and a strong publication record. Experience with specialized laboratory techniques, data analysis software (such as R or Python), and familiarity with grant writing or academic publishing platforms are typically required. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you effectively share findings and work within multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are essential for advancing research goals, securing funding, and building a successful academic or industry career.

What is the postdoc trap?

The postdoc trap refers to the cycle where early-career researchers, including postdoctoral associates, remain in temporary postdoctoral positions for extended periods without progressing to permanent faculty or industry roles. This can lead to job insecurity, limited career advancement, and a competitive job market with few stable opportunities. Managing research output, networking, and planning for alternative careers are important to avoid this trap.

Do I need a PhD to be a research associate?

A Postdoctoral Associate typically holds a PhD, as this role involves advanced research and independent project management. While some research associate positions may accept candidates with a master's degree, a PhD is generally required for postdoctoral roles to demonstrate expertise and research skills.

What does a post-doctoral associate do?

A post-doctoral associate conducts advanced research in a specific field, often working under the supervision of a principal investigator. They perform experiments, analyze data, publish findings, and may mentor graduate students, typically requiring a doctoral degree and strong research skills. The role often involves using specialized tools and adhering to project timelines in academic or research institutions.
What cities in California are hiring for Postdoctoral Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Postdoctoral Associate job openings:
Postdoctoral Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Associate job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Full Time, 96% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,834 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE - Andersen Lab

Scripps Research

San Diego, CA • On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

ABOUT US:
Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.
POSITION TITLE: Postdoctoral AssociatePOSITION SUMMARY:
The Andersen lab is working on diverse projects using genomics approaches and high-throughput experiments to study emerging viruses and the outbreaks they cause, including arenaviruses, filoviruses, coronaviruses, influenza viruses, orthopoxviruses, and arboviruses. We use an integrated approach of 'field' work, technology development, and computational biology to investigate these viruses.
We are looking for a computational postdoc with experience and/or interest in developing AI-based tools for integration of diverse disease surveillance data to estimate disease burden, track pathogen dynamics, and guide public health decision making. Of most interest are candidates with experience in developing computational frameworks and tools for multimodal data integration, projection of infectious disease trends, optimization of response strategies, or LLM-assisted analyses and visualizations. This position is part of our larger initiatives, including Modjadji (https://modjadji.info/), PREVENT (https://preventcohorts.org), SEARCH (https://searchcovid.info/), Outbreak.info (https://outbreak.info/), and the Center for Viral Systems Biology (https://cvisb.org/). Candidates will be co-mentored by senior researchers in the Andersen lab, Dr. Karthik Gangavarapu and Dr. Joshua Levy.
Tasks will include:
  • Work closely with collaborators across multiple international institutions.
  • Develop and deploy new statistical and artificial intelligence approaches for comprehensive pathogen surveillance across wastewater and clinical data streams.
  • Utilize pre-existing resources and work with computational scientists and biologists to create new ways of openly disseminating data and analyses with a focus on global health.

Postdoctoral Associates are appointed positions for the purpose of developing scholarly competence, working under the supervision of a Scripps Research Faculty member. These appointments are normally not renewed beyond a total of five years. Postdoctoral Associates cannot apply for external funding either as a Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator without prior approval from a Departmental Chair. Postdoctoral Associates do not have consulting privileges.
Scripps Research adheres to the National Institutes of Health ("NIH") and National Science Foundation ("NSF") definition of a Postdoctoral Scholar: An individual who has received a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary and defined period of mentored, advanced training to enhance the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue their chosen career path.
Make Scripps Research your next step to advance and develop your career. Click here to learn more about our Postdoctoral Program and Services: https://education.scripps.edu/postdoctoral/.
REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess a Ph.D., M.D., D. Phil., or equivalent degree in computational biology, epidemiology, biostatistics, computer science, or related field from a recognized institution of higher learning. A pending doctoral degree may be considered with approval of the Principal Investigator and Human Resources.
COMPENSATION: Postdoctoral Associates will be hired following the National Institute of Health and California's exempt salary guidelines, which provide for a starting range of $70,304- $75,353. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
  • Eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution.
  • Full suite of Health and Welfare plans including four medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
  • Access to Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Free on-site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees
  • Paid Time Off - 5 days annually
  • Free, on-site parking.
  • Pet Insurance

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Interested candidates should apply, including a cover letter and up-to-date CV. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Before applying, please make sure to read our FAQ: https://andersen-lab.com/about#faq.
The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.
EEO Statement:The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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