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Postdoctoral Associate information

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$38.6K

$78K

$105.7K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral associate in Tennessee is $78,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $105,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a postdoctoral associate?

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.

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 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 cities in Tennessee are hiring for Postdoctoral Associate jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Postdoctoral Associate job openings:

Postdoctoral Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Associate job openings in Tennessee as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,018 per year, or $37.5 per hour.

Postdoctoral Associate in Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Nashville, TN • On-site

Vanderbilt Medical Group
See more jobs at Vanderbilt Medical Groupexternal

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Johnston Laboratory, Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts & Sciences at Vanderbilt University, is seeking applications from accomplished chemists for a position as a Postdoctoral Associate in synthetic organic chemistry.

Department Chemistry

Full Description

The Johnston Laboratory is supported by multiple NIH awards covering transdisciplinary, collaborative research projects centered in chemistry but spanning chemical biology and therapeutic development. This position presents an exceptional opportunity to train within an outstanding organic synthesis program aligned with an institute (VICB) dedicated to translation of basic discoveries to the clinic.

  • A position is available in catalysis aimed at leveraging Performance Enhancing Asymmetric Catalysis to new reactions using high throughput experimentation (HTE).
  • A position is available in antiarrhythmic therapeutic development that aims to translate cyclic oligomeric depsipeptides to the clinic through structure-activity relationship studies, and the development of design principles for Beyond Rule of 5 (Bro5) candidates.
  • A position is available in the development of innovative new amide bond-forming reactions for the synthesis of complex peptidic natural products exhibiting non-canonical residues.

Our laboratory enjoys modern research space that includes an extensive inventory of enabling instrumentation, including state-of-the‑art tools for organic synthesis experimentation. We are situated within Vanderbilt’s diverse scientific ecosystem that boasts over 2 million square feet of research space throughout the campus. Core facilities include small molecule NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

Competitive applicants will have:
  • 1. PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or Chemical Biology
  • 2. Strong experience in multi-step organic synthesis, including the rigorous structural determination of new molecular entities.
  • 3. Demonstrated research excellence through first-author publications, or unpublished work of exceptional potential impact.
  • 4. Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments independently in a small, fast‑paced research environment with superb documentation skills.
  • 5. Capacity to develop as a scientist and intellect in an environment where receiving and providing mentoring is an expectation.

The ideal candidates will train in an area that is new and complementary to their graduate research. Their overall goal will be to acquire the additional training needed to successfully launch a career in research. Opportunities to develop both as an individual and a team player will include the exploration of new scientific thrusts, the detailed study of new chemistry, and successful publication in high‑impact journals. The candidate must also embrace a lifestyle of continual learning and development that includes weekly reports and presentations of findings, summaries of leading‑edge developments in chemistry and its allied sciences, and problem‑solving exercises. Enthusiasm for training and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students is also a key character trait.

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