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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

They are seeking multiple full-time Postdoctoral Associates to develop agentic AI systems for computational catalysis and experimental design, collaborating with interdisciplinary research groups in ...

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536321 Work type: Research Faculty Senior management: College of Engineering Department: Chemical Engineering Location: Blacksburg ...

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 535824 Work type: Research Faculty Senior management: Natural Resources Department: For Resources & Environ Consrv Location: Blacksburg ...

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536804 Work type: Research Faculty Senior management: Vice President for Research Department: Fralin Biomedical Res. Institute Location:

They are seeking multiple postdoctoral associates in Artificial Intelligence focused on biomolecular modeling, contributing to drug discovery and scientific advancements. Responsibilities : • ...

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536930 Work type: Research Faculty Senior management: Vice President for Research Department: Fralin Biomedical Res. Institute Location:

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 535513 Work type: Research Faculty Senior management: College of Veterinary Medicine Department: Biomedical Science Location:

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 526011 Work type: Research Faculty Senior management: College of Veterinary Medicine Department: Biomedical Science Location:

Showing results 41-60

Postdoctoral Associate information

See Virginia salary details

$42.1K

$85.2K

$115.5K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral associate in Virginia is $85,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $115,000.00 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 Virginia are hiring for Postdoctoral Associate jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Postdoctoral Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Associate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,222 per year, or $41 per hour.

Postdoctoral Associate

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

237th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Summary:
Virginia Tech is a leading global research institution dedicated to knowledge and creativity. They are seeking multiple full-time Postdoctoral Associates to develop agentic AI systems for computational catalysis and experimental design, collaborating with interdisciplinary research groups in materials discovery.
Responsibilities:
• Contribute to building AI-native frameworks that combine physics-based modeling, machine-learning methods, knowledge-graph and ontology-based scientific data infrastructures, and agentic workflows for autonomous hypothesis generation, mechanistic exploration, and design of catalytic systems.
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary research groups advancing materials discovery through the convergence of computational chemistry, machine learning, and agentic science.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• Strong expertise in multiscale/multiphysics modeling relevant to catalysis, and experience with machine learning models.
• Deep understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and structure-reactivity relationships in catalytic systems.
• Demonstrated experience with agentic AI, including automated data curation, ML model integration, workflow orchestration, or AI-assisted experimental design.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research, collaborate across disciplines, and publish high-quality scientific work.
Company:
Virginia Tech is a public research university that offers a range of academic programs and conducts research across various fields. Founded in 1872, the company is headquartered in Blacksburg, USA, with a team of 5001-10000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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