1

Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Postdoctoral Associate information

See California salary details

$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:
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 - Droujinine Lab - Molecular & Cellular Biology

Scripps Research

San Diego, CA • On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 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:
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate. Ideal candidate will lead their own project, and perform mammalian cell culture, in vivo mouse experiments, in vivo genetic screens, quantitative TMT mass spectrometry proteomics, metabolomics, western blot, pulldowns, DNA cloning, immunostaining, confocal microscopy, high throughput screens, and bioinformatic data analysis. Significant emphasis is placed on the professional development of the Postdoctoral Associate. More information on the project will be discussed during the interview process.
Lab Project Overview: To maintain homeostasis, organisms rely on internal signaling networks that orchestrate the physiological response across different tissues and organs. Intriguingly, perturbation in one tissue elicits secreted signals that transmit the information to other tissues and that these signals are important for maintenance of health and longevity. Secreted proteins are key components of interorgan signaling that coordinate organ functions by signaling over long distances. Destabilization of these interorgan signaling networks, responsible for the orchestration of physiological responses across organs, drives age-associated disease, including diabetes, cancer, or chronic inflammation. Despite this, the composition and activity of interorgan communication networks and their impact on aging and disease remain poorly defined. The Droujinine Lab has developed novel methods to identify and characterize novel secreted factors that coordinate organ functions in homeostasis and disease in mammalian systems. Specifically, we use proteomics and in vivo functional genomic screens to uncover the secreted proteins and cellular circuitry involved in homeostasis, obesity, and aging. To learn more please visit www.scripps.edu/droujinine
Contact: idroujinine@scripps.edu
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:
  • PhD degree in biology, physiology, neuroscience, chemical biology, biological engineering, or related discipline. Candidates who are about to defend their thesis are welcome to apply.
  • Experience in biologic techniques outlined in the position summary highly preferred but not required
  • High motivation and independence in reading scientific literature and performing experiments

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment. Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.
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.
  • Paid Time Off - 5 days annually
  • Free, on-site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees.
  • Free, on-site parking.
  • Pet Insurance

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: Scripps is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran 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.