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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Burlington, NC (NOW HIRING)

Position Information Position Number 999970 Functional Title Associate Professor Position Type ... postdoctoral training. Competitive candidates will have an excellent research record, as ...

Postdoctoral Associate information

See Burlington, NC salary details

$35.5K

$71.8K

$97.3K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral associate in Burlington, NC is $71,756.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,700.00 and $96,800.00 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 near Burlington, NC are hiring for Postdoctoral Associate jobs?

Cities near Burlington, NC with the most Postdoctoral Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Associate job openings in Burlington, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,756 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Post Doctoral Research Associate

Greensboro, NC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Classification Information
Classification Type EHRA
Position Overview
Primary Purpose of Position
The Center for Excellence in Post-Harvest Technologies (CEPHT) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position to join our multidisciplinary research team investigating the role of polyphenols and bioactive ingredients on human health. Our current research spans the gut microbiome, diabetes, lipid dysbiosis, and food allergies, integrating cellular, molecular, and analytical approaches to understand nutrition-health interactions. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct independent and collaborative research focused on the role of polyphenols and bioactive food ingredients on human health outcomes. This includes designing, executing, and optimizing in vitro cell culture and microbiological experiments relevant to gut microbiome function, diabetes, lipid dysbiosis, and food allergy mechanisms. The incumbent will apply molecular and biochemical techniques to investigate cellular and microbial responses to bioactive compounds. The position requires maintaining detailed experimental records and ensuring reproducibility of results. The employee will interpret findings within the broader context of nutrition, metabolism, and host-microbe interactions.
Primary Function of Organizational Unit
N.C. A&T is a public, land-grant, doctoral research institution and has been the largest historically Black university in the country for the past decade. With an enrollment of 14,311 students in Fall 2024, the university offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 36 master's programs, and 12 doctoral programs. It is America's top producer of Black graduates in Engineering and Agricultural Science bachelor's programs, as well as a top five producer in numerous additional disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Communications/Journalism. It also ranks no. 3 in master's degrees awarded to Black graduates in Engineering Technologies and Related Fields, no. 4 in master's degrees in Engineering, and no. 11 best business school for women in the nation. 
  
Nationally recognized for its leadership and excellence in STEM education and research, N.C. A&T is classified as "R2-High Research Activity" in the Carnegie Classifications and is poised to achieve "R1-Very High Research Activity" status. It also holds Carnegie's earned credential in Community Engagement and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation. With an annual economic impact of $2.4 billion, N.C. A&T plays a vital role as a higher-education economic driver in North Carolina's Piedmont Triad region and across a state that is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the second straight year as "best for business" by the CNBC financial network. 

The Center for Excellence in Post- Harvest Technologies fosters interdisciplinary research in post-harvest technologies, including: developing and testing functional foods, isolating and characterizing the health-promoting components in foods, improving processes to extend shelf life and control spoilage and food-borne pathogens, developing new value-added products from agricultural commodities, evaluating and modeling consumer acceptance of food products, developing and testing novel biodegradable and bioactive food packaging, and optimizing parameters for process-engineering. CEPHT provides unique opportunities for experiential education of young scientists in cutting-edge technologies and applied post-harvest research. CEPHT seeks science-based solutions to post-harvest issues facing growers, food processors, distributors and consumers. We provide seminars, short courses, workshops, and educational materials that respond to the needs of growers, and food processing and packing industries. With advanced tools, facilities and personnel, CEPHT is prepared to help producers, processors, distributors and retailers with all aspects of post-harvest processing, including packaging, consumer research, analysis of food components, and development of new food products
Minimum Requirements
Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field (earned or near completion).
Demonstrated expertise in cell culture and microbiological techniques.
Proficiency with PCR, Western blotting, HPLC, LC-MS, flow cytometry, and fluorescent microscopy is essential.
Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and effective communication skills.
Experience working with polyphenols, natural bioactives, or host-microbiome systems is highly desirable
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education Required License or Certification Is this position eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. On-site (Employees are primarily in the office and/or have a critical job requirement that requires dedicated office space on-site)
Position Information
Working Title Post Doctoral Research Associate Position Number 009735 Recruitment Salary Range 48,000 - 51,000 FLSA Exempt Appointment Type Time Limited - Full-time Tenure Track No FTE 40 hours/week, 12 months If Time Limited, Appointment Length 12/31/2026 Organizational Division CEPHT Organizational Location College of Ag & Environ Sciences Organizational Unit CEPHT
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number EPA2951 Open Date 01/22/2026 Close Date - for postings that do not use Open Until Filled Open Until Filled Yes Open Until Filled Minimum Application Period Postings: Positions remaining posted after this date are continuing to accept applications, but may close at any time. Applications received by this date will receive full consideration, applications received after this date may receive consideration depending upon the status of the search Date Position Available 02/15/2026 Special Instructions to Applicant
You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.
Employee Benefits available to NC A & T permanent employees include the following and more;
  • Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave for Eligible Employees
  • Community Service Leave
  • Aetna - State Health Benefits of North Carolina
  • NCFlex - Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)
  • Optional Supplemental Plans - 401k, 403b, 457b and 457
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Campus Recreation Center Discount
  • University Bookstore Discount
  • and more
This position may be eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. N.C. A&T employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Quick Link https://ncat-sb.peopleadmin.com/postings/39440