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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Sr Psychologist

San Marcos, TX · On-site

$6.2K - $7.4K/mo

... postdoctoral residency or practicum experiences). * 1-2 years engaging with a program or initiative ... The position works with the Associate Director/Clinical Services, the Director, and other Center ...

Senior Scientist, Oceans Science

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$90K - $123K/yr

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Ocean Science, the successful candidate will collaborate ... postdoctoral) * Senior-level contributor in area of specialization with full mastery of subject ...

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Postdoctoral Associate information

See Austin, TX salary details

$42.1K

$85.2K

$115.5K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral associate in Austin, TX is $85,204.00, 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 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 near Austin, TX are hiring for Postdoctoral Associate jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Postdoctoral Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Associate job openings in Austin, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,204 per year, or $41 per hour.
Science Project Manager

$78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Posting Title:
Science Project Manager
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Hiring Department:
John A and Katherine G Jackson School of Geosciences
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
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FLSA Status:
Exempt from FLSA
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Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Jul 01, 2029
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Location:
UT MAIN CAMPUS
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Job Details:
General Notes
The Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin is among the most well-established and well-regarded geoscience programs in the world. The school includes the University's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, one of the country's oldest geoscience departments, and two world-renowned research units, the Institute for Geophysics and the Bureau of Economic Geology. The school has more than 5,000 alumni, 400 graduate and undergraduate students, 120 tenure-track and research faculty members, 110 research staff and postdoctoral scientists, and 140 support staff. The Associate Dean for Research (ADR)'s Office is responsible for fostering an active research culture and promoting the formulation and implementation of major collaborative research initiatives and multi- and interdisciplinary research.
For more information about Jackson School of Geosciences please visit: https://www.jsg.utexas.edu/
BENEFITS: UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
  • 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage at hire
  • Free Capital Metro bus rides
  • Retirement contributions
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website at https://hr.utexas.edu/ to learn more about the total benefits offered.
Purpose
This position will serve as Science Project Manager for the Jackson School of Geosciences' (JSG) Strategic Investment Programs (SIP). The SIPs are interdisciplinary research projects designed to bring together faculty and researchers from across JSG to tackle significant, societally relevant geoscience topics (for example, cascading geohazards; AI, earth resources, global change; and coastal processes). The SIPs, and this position, are funded through the office of the Associate Dean for Research for a three-year period. The successful Coordinator for these programs will provide essential support that will allow faculty to further develop the science underpinning SIP research. We anticipate several activities, including: developing strategies to leverage assets within the SIP projects and across JSG and UT Austin; disseminating research findings, opportunities, and key outcomes through the website and periodic newsletters; and identifying strategies and new opportunities for collaborating with other major international and national programs. The candidate will work closely with SIP leads and ADR office staff to ensure that updates and issues can be communicated and resolved effectively.
This position will be for 3 years, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding.
Responsibilities
  • Strategic support - identify opportunities for cross-SIP, -JSG and -UT campus collaboration that will initiate new and leverage existing research activities.
  • Stakeholders/partners - assist with identifying and engaging (initial and continual) stakeholders and partners to ensure SIP research is relevant and impactful.
  • Publications - help coordinate development of white papers, articles, and other scientific publications.
  • Communications - assist with providing regular updates to the Jackson School community, partners, stakeholders, and funders. This may include periodic newsletters.
  • Advisory Board - assist with managing the members and organizing meetings.
  • Recruitment - assist with the logistics of recruiting early career researchers through the scholarship programs supported by the SIPs.
  • Other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications
M.Sc. in Earth science or related field, or a Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related work experience. Experience in providing strategic direction for new research programs across geoscience disciplines. Ability to manage and assimilate results of research projects and disseminate them to professional peers. Demonstrated ability and interest to work within an integrated team of scientists, engineers, and economists in a dynamic environment. Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines. Excellent interpersonal skills. Education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
PhD in Earth science or related field. More than the minimum required years of experience. Willingness and ability to adapt to changing research priorities and project needs. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Working knowledge in project management skills. Professional demeanor and good interpersonal skills.
Salary Range
$78,000 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
  • May work around standard office conditions
  • Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
  • Use of manual dexterity

Required Materials
  • Resume/CV
  • 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
  • Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
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E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
  • E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

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