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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY Acharya Lab - Division of Structural Biology The Acharya Lab in the Division of Structural Biology at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI) is recruiting for a ...

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY Acharya Lab - Division of Structural Biology The Acharya Lab in the Division of Structural Biology at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI) is recruiting for a ...

The Division of Medical Genetics in the Department of Pediatrics is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to join their team. The postdoc's research projects will focus on inherited metabolic ...

Postdoctoral Associate - radiation-induced acute epithelial injury and fibrosis The Lee Lab (Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University) is hiring a full-time Postdoctoral Associate to study ...

Postdoctoral Associate - Oliver Laboratory The Laboratory of Dr. Trudy G. Oliver, Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology and member of the Duke Cancer Institute at Duke ...

The Division of Medical Genetics in the Department of Pediatrics is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to join their team. The postdoc's research projects will focus on inherited metabolic ...

Postdoctoral Associate - Oliver Laboratory The Laboratory of Dr. Trudy G. Oliver, Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology and member of the Duke Cancer Institute at Duke ...

A postdoctoral Research Associate (computational biology and bioinformatics area) position is open at Duke University School of Medicine in the lab of Dr. Yi Zhang starting Mar 2026 or later. The ...

D. (less than 2 years of postdoctoral experience is strongly preferred) in neuroscience, biology, biochemistry or related field and proficiency in molecular and biochemical approaches is required.

The Department of Emergency Medicine and the Global Emergency Medicine Innovation and Implementation Research (GEMINI) Center is recruiting a Postdoctoral Associate to the Division of Translational ...

The Department of Cell Biology is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate position to join a project in the lab of Debby Silver. The Silver lab at Duke University School of Medicine seeks a highly motivated ...

The Department of Emergency Medicine and the Global Emergency Medicine Innovation and Implementation Research (GEMINI) Center is recruiting a Postdoctoral Associate to the Division of Translational ...

D. is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral associate with research interest in metastasis and the tumor microenvironment. Our group has a diverse and stimulating environment with projects in basic ...

D. (less than 2 years of postdoctoral experience is strongly preferred) in neuroscience, biology, biochemistry or related field and proficiency in molecular and biochemical approaches is required.

D. is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral associate with research interest in metastasis and the tumor microenvironment. Our group has a diverse and stimulating environment with projects in basic ...

The Department of Cell Biology is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate position to join a project in the lab of Debby Silver. The Silver lab at Duke University School of Medicine seeks a highly motivated ...

Shihuan Kuang, PhD, a premier researcher at Duke University, has a postdoctoral associate position in his lab * PhD is required * Prior experience working with transgenic mice is essential * Onsite.

Matt Hilton, a premier researcher at Duke University, has a postdoctoral associate position in his lab working on an NIH funded project aimed at understanding the molecular regulation of post ...

Be You. Postdoctoral Position in Epitranscriptomics in the Meyer Lab (Duke University) The Meyer Laboratory at Duke University is seeking highly motivated postdoctoral fellows to join an ...

Shihuan Kuang, PhD, a premier researcher at Duke University, has a postdoctoral associate position in his lab * PhD is required * Prior experience working with transgenic mice is essential * Onsite.

Showing results 21-40

Postdoctoral Associate information

See Durham, NC salary details

$41K

$83K

$112.5K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral associate in Durham, NC is $82,991.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,100.00 and $112,000.00 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 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 cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Postdoctoral Associate jobs? Cities near Durham, NC with the most Postdoctoral Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Associate job openings in Durham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,991 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


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Job description

School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY

Acharya Lab - Division of Structural Biology

The Acharya Lab in the Division of Structural Biology at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI) is recruiting for a Postdoctoral Associate. We study the structures of viral glycoproteins, their interactions with host molecules, and their roles in viral entry. Working at the interface of basic and translational research, we collaborate with multiple labs in DHVI and beyond to apply insights from structural biology to vaccine design. We have state-of-the-art facilities that include tissue culture labs, FPLCs, X-ray crystallography robots, a biophysics suite that includes a Biacore T200, Octet Red 384, ITC, DSC, and a plate reader for absorbance and fluorescence assays, Leica EM GP2 and other equipment for cryo-EM grid preparation, and a 100 keV Tundra cryo-TEM. We have regular access to the 22-ID beamline at the Argonne Photon Source for X-ray data collection, as well as to a Titan Krios microscope equipped with a Gatan K3 camera at Duke University for cryo-EM.

This position will involve structural determination using high-resolution cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography of viral envelope and fusion proteins and their complexes with host receptors and antibodies, biophysical and biochemical analyses to complement structural results, and collaborations with virology and immunology labs to understand the functional implications of the structural findings.

At DHVI, our postdoctoral associates work in concert with Duke faculty and staff in an invigorating research training environment. One of our primary scientific missions is to support and train early-stage investigators to become the next generation of scientific leaders equipped to identify and implement solutions to improve human health worldwide. We are committed to providing an outstanding training environment and research experiences that will enhance your career and provide an avenue to incorporate your education, expertise, initiative, and dedication to the success of the studies.

The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. degree, with a strong background in biochemistry and structural biology. Experience with expression and purification of proteins from mammalian cells, measurement of biomolecular interactions using Biolayer Interferometry or surface plasmon resonance, structural determination using single-particle cryo-EM analysis, and atomic model building is required. Deep knowledge and experience in working with virus surface glycoproteins, demonstrated with peer-reviewed publications, is a requirement for this position, and the candidate must have at least 1 first/co-first author publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.

The application materials should include a CV and cover letter with a 1-page summary explaining your past research, your interests, and how joining the Acharya Lab fits within your overall career objectives, and the contact information for 3references.  You will be contacted if we are interested in exploring your credentials in more detail.


Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.



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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

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Durham, NC, US