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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 Scholar Research Associate

Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$54K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

University Of Southern California rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 539 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate
Keck School of Medicine
Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
There is an exciting new opportunity at the University of Southern California for highly motivated candidates committed to developing a career in genomics, epigenomics, or bioinformatics. The Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate will analyze in-house generated sequencing datasets and integrate multi-dimensional large-scale omics datasets available (dry lab). The trainee is expected to lead multiple research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator and s/he will be a part of the collaborative research team at USC. Due to the collaborative, multi-lab nature of this project, it is essential that the applicant have excellent organizational and communication skills. The postdoctoral trainees will be encouraged to submit their own fellowship and grant applications during their period of training.
Responsibilities and Duties
  • Installing and maintaining existing open-source software
  • Building computational infrastructure and systems to support the software
  • Writing novel scripts to analyze next-generation sequencing datasets
  • Developing web-based applications and tools to facilitate data analysis
  • Preparing presentations and publishing scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator
  • Responsible for teaching other lab members

Preferred Qualifications
  • Possess a PhD or be close to the completion of a PhD or DPhil in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or Data Science in a relevant field (e.g. Biology with strong quantitative training in bioinformatics)
  • Background and work knowledge in scientific computing, algorithms, and machine learning or statistics is required
  • Familiarity with R or Python, and the Unix (Linux) environment is required
  • Skills in other programming languages (e.g. perl or java) is a plus
  • Experience in analyzing and annotating large omics data sets, both in exploratory and pipelined fashions is a plus

To Apply
  • Send a CV to Dr. Rhie (rhie@usc.edu), from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and the Genomic and Epigenomic Regulation Program in the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
  • Complete the Workday application

Minimum education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within previous three years
Minimum experience: 0-1 year
Minimum field of expertise: Directly related education in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.
The annual base salary range for this position is $54,080.00 - $77,687.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$122730.htmld

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About University of Southern California

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The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880

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