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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Post-Doctoral Associate

Austin, MN · Hybrid

$62K - $75K/mo

About the Job The French lab at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota is looking to recruit a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our multi-disciplinary team. The ideal candidate ...

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Postdoctoral Associate information

See Minnesota salary details

$41.6K

$84.2K

$114.1K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral associate in Minnesota is $84,190.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,800.00 and $113,600.00 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 Minnesota are hiring for Postdoctoral Associate jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Postdoctoral Associate job openings:
Post-Doctoral Associate: GI Division: Song Lab

Post-Doctoral Associate: GI Division: Song Lab

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN

$63K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

About the Job
 

Program/Unit Description:
The Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition is in the Department of Medicine within the Medical School at the University of Minnesota. The Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition provides an array of clinical services, educational programs, and active clinical and basic science research activities. In addition to the faculty who are part of the Division at the University campus, there are also University faculty who participate in GI research and training activities at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Hennepin County Medical Center, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, and Regions Hospital.
The Division plays a leading and integral role in hepatology and liver transplantation, hosting one of the longest standing liver transplant programs in the United States. The Division is home to a nationally-recognized division for ERCP, EUS, and management of complex pancreas/biliary disorders. Historically, the Division has made a number of seminal contributions in the fields of hepatology and nutrition, and generates important knowledge in our understanding of liver metabolism. More recently, the Division has contributed to the understanding of the role of pancreaticobiliary endoscopy in the management of a number of clinical conditions, including malignant hilar biliary obstruction, complications of ERCP, endoscopic therapy of pancreatic diseases, and of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.
The Division continues to maintain highest ambitions for excellence in all three of its major missions: patient services, teaching, and research.

Responsibilities include participating in the design, implementation and evaluation of collaborative research studies; analyzing and interpreting data; creating publication quality figures summarizing data; assisting with manuscript and grant preparation; maintaining a legible and self-explanatory scientific notebook, and presenting results during lab meetings and at appropriate scientific conferences. Above all, your major duties will be to conduct bench research as deemed necessary and appropriate by Dr. Song and to assist and/or collaborate with other research staff on scientific pursuits of mutual interests.

Research Direction, Working Environment and Benefits
The PIs lab mainly focuses on the basic and translational research of liver cancer and metabolic diseases. In addition to basic research, we have made groundbreaking progress in developing miRNA-based immunotherapeutic approaches for liver cancer and NAFLD/NASH. The purpose of the lab is to educate the next generation of research scientists. In addition to teaching basic experimental techniques, PI is eager to develop the ability of postdoctoral fellows and graduates to write manuscripts, apply for grants, and strongly commit to education.
All the projects that the postdoctoral fellows will focus on are well developed. The key phenotypic experiments have been done. The potential to publish in high tier journals is high.
Minneapolis is a quiet, beautiful and safe place to live. The living cost is low.
The promotion chance for postdoctoral fellows with solid publications is high in the Department of Medicine at the University of Minnesota. The PI is committed to provide as much help and strong recommendation.
 

Qualifications
 

Required Qualifications: 
- Ph.D. or MD required
- Less than three years of post-graduate research experience in the fields of liver cancer, immunology, metabolic diseases, microRNA, and RNA drug delivery
- At least one first-author publication. 
- Skills in molecular biology, cellular biology, AI-based bioinformatics, and mouse models required, which includes single-cell RNA sequencing and data analysis, hydrodynamic injection, hepatocyte isolation, DNA and RNA isolation, western blot, northern blot, southern blot, real-time RT-PCR, luciferase assay, florescence microscopy, immunostaining, mouse mating, and small animal surgery. 
- Strong motivation and fast learning ability are required.
Preferred Qualifications: 
- Less than three years of post-graduate research experience in the fields of liver cancer, immunology, metabolic diseases, microRNA, and RNA drug delivery
- At least one first-author publication. 
- Skills in molecular biology, cellular biology, AI-based bioinformatics, and mouse models required, which includes single-cell RNA sequencing and data analysis, hydrodynamic injection, hepatocyte isolation, DNA and RNA isolation, western blot, northern blot, southern blot, real-time RT-PCR, luciferase assay, florescence microscopy, immunostaining, mouse mating, and small animal surgery. 
- Strong motivation and fast learning ability are required.

Pay and Benefits
 

Pay Range: $63,000-78,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience; 

The Medical School aligns Postdoctoral compensation with the NRSA Stipend levels, based on years of Postdoctoral experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

  • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
  • Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
  • Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • University HSA contributions
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Employee wellbeing program
  • Financial counseling services
  • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
How To Apply
 

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

For those interested, please send a CV and names of three references to Dr. Guisheng Song (gsong@umn.edu)
 

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity
 

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements
 

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota
 

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of Americas Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).