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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Research Scientist FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Negaunee Integrative Research Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to ...

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Postdoctoral Associate information

See Illinois salary details

$41.2K

$83.3K

$112.9K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral associate in Illinois is $83,297.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,300.00 and $112,400.00 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.

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.

How much do postdoctoral associates make?

Postdoctoral associates typically earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on the field, location, and experience. Salaries can vary based on funding sources, institution policies, and whether the position is in academia or industry, with some positions offering additional benefits such as health insurance and research stipends.

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.

Does a postdoctoral associate have a PhD?

Yes, a postdoctoral associate typically holds a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in their field. This position involves advanced research and often requires specialized skills and knowledge gained during doctoral studies.

What does a post-doctoral associate do?

A post-doctoral associate conducts advanced research in a specific field, often under the supervision of a principal investigator or faculty member. They perform experiments, analyze data, publish findings, and may mentor graduate students, typically working in academic or research institutions with specialized tools and methodologies.

Is postdoc harder than PhD?

A postdoctoral associate role typically involves more independent research, higher expectations for productivity, and longer hours compared to a PhD program. While a PhD focuses on completing coursework and a dissertation, a postdoc emphasizes publishing, grant writing, and establishing an independent research agenda, making it generally more demanding in terms of responsibility and workload.
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Postdoctoral Associate jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Postdoctoral Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Associate job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,297 per year, or $40 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate, CAM-STAR

Postdoctoral Research Associate, CAM-STAR

University of the District of Columbia

Campus, IL • On-site

$59K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

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Career Opportunities at UDC >> Postdoctoral Research Associate, CAM-STAR
Postdoctoral Research Associate, CAM-STAR
Summary
Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate, CAM-STAR ID: 1773 Department: School of Engineering & Applied Sciences (SEAS) Location: UDC- Main Campus Van Ness Campus - NW
Description

Number of Vacancies: 1
Area of Consideration: Open To The Public 
Employment Status: Full-Time, Temporary
Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0058/8
Salary Range: $28.82 per hour ($59,945 annually)
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
Brief Description of Duties

This position is primarily a temporary/training position in which the incumbent plays a substantive role in planning and conducting research by using quantitative and qualitative methods to collect, analyze and report data activities. In collaboration with the Principal Investigator, this role will participate in the planning of independent research, will analyze and interpret data, will publish results, will represent the university at conferences and meetings, and may develop new theories and methodologies. This position may also help the Principal Investigator to lead and direct the work of lower level research staff. This role performs work under the supervision of experienced researchers.

The Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM-STAR) and Multiscale Thermal Transport & Energy Conversion (MT2EC) Laboratory at the University of the District of Columbia is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate with a research interest in Metal Laser Sintering Process during Additive Manufacturing.

This position will involve working within CAM-STAR and MT2EC Laboratory on a Department of Defense (DoD) sponsored project regarding understanding the processing-microstructure-property relationships of additively manufactured parts during direct metal laser sintering processes through multi-scale modeling and experimental characterization. The Postdoctoral Associate's responsibilities include but are not limited to: conducting experiments and collecting data, analyzing data, develop simulation models and identify algorithms, performing statistical analyses, preparing manuscripts and conference presentations, assisting the PI to prepare project reports, and other tasks. The position is full-time, for at least a year, with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory performance and funding. Remuneration will be competitive and based on qualifications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

A successful postdoctoral scholar is responsible for:

  • Conducting high quality research in the area of interest;
  • Working closely with graduate and undergraduate students to contribute to joint projects;
  • Participating in teaching and outreach activities and programs;
  • Presenting and publishing research findings at conferences and in peer reviewed publications;
  • Preparing progress reports for the funding sources;
  • Seeking external funding to support and expand research activities to enhance the prestige and visibility of the University and to initiate research projects with government, private sector and the community;

Minimum Job Requirements

A successful postdoctoral candidate is expected to have the following qualifications and skills:

  • Eligible to work legally in the USA;
  • Self-motivated and self-directed.
  • Exemplary problem-solving skills, ability to work independently as well as on a team;
  • Proficient written and verbal communication;
  • Have a Ph.D. in Engineering or another closely related field at the time of appointment.
  • Research experience in the areas of CFD, Additive Manufacturing, Metallurgy, Material Science, and Machine Learning.
  • Experience with Simulation software including but not limited to: COMSOL, ANSYS and OpenFOAM etc.
  • Experience with data analyses and algorithm development
  • Proficiency in computer programming with C++ and Python;
  • Ability to prepare manuscripts including graphs and illustrations for publication;
  • Underrepresented candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Information to Applicant
Condition of Employment: 
Temporary employment may be ended at anytime with or without cause.
Collective Bargaining Unit (Non-Union): This position is not in the collective bargaining unit.
Employment Benefits: Depending upon length of appointment, selectee may or may not be eligible for full benefits such as health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and may not be eligible for the University of the District of Columbia's retirement plan (TIAA).
Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability.  Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act.  In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act.  Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated.  Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.
Veterans Preference:  Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.
Visa Sponsorship: While at this time the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B), we encourage and will consider individuals in an eligible OPT.
Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.
Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.  The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia.  The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.
Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.
Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources only.
Contact Information:  All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at (202) 274-5380.
The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University's EO Policy Statement, please visit: https://www.udc.edu/human-resources/equal-opportunity/ .

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