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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Evanston, IL (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Research Scientist FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Negaunee Integrative Research Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to ...

Postdoctoral Research Scientist FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Negaunee Integrative Research Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Postdoctoral Associate information

See Evanston, IL salary details

$40.8K

$82.5K

$111.8K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral associate in Evanston, IL is $82,492.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,700.00 and $111,300.00 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 Evanston, IL are hiring for Postdoctoral Associate jobs? Cities near Evanston, IL with the most Postdoctoral Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Associate job openings in Evanston, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,492 per year, or $39.7 per hour.
PostDoctoral Associate (Bornhorst Lab)

PostDoctoral Associate (Bornhorst Lab)

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

North Chicago, IL • On-site

$46K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital Of Chicago rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th of 1,020 rated hospitals


Job description

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.
Location
Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center
Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to work on projects related to pediatric brain tumors. An ideal candidate will have experience with working with tissue, RNA and DNA, different sequencing modalities (i.e. RNA-seq, WGS/WES, OGM, Long read sequencing) and experience with sequencing data analysis. Although not required, it would be preferred for the candidate to have mouse handling experience. These tasks may include breeding, genotyping, and collection of samples/data.
Specific Experience Preferred:
Ideal candidate will have experience in genetics, and wet lab techniques (PCR, gels, DNA/RNA extractions, hmwDNA extraction). A successful candidate should have knowledge of basic laboratory methods: agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR analysis, DNA purification, western blotting. A successful candidate should also have experience with sequencing data analysis and R/Python. Experience with mouse handling and/or surgery is not required but preferred. A data analyst with a master's degree and experience with analysis of WGS/WES, RNA-seq and long-read sequencing data
Job Duties:
  • Provide researchers as requested with technical assistance.
  • Performs job functions adhering to principals of innovation, academic excellence and teamwork to provide the highest quality research effort to our Institution, co-workers and others.
  • Genetic studies, molecular biology Redcap/ Imaging software, gene chip arrays and others.
  • Analyzing data.
  • Preparing data for presentations, grants and publications.
  • Help write grant proposals and progress reports related to research projects.
  • Participate in regular lab meetings, journal clubs, and research seminars.
  • Other job functions as assigned.

Knowledge, skills & abilities:
  • Ph. D. or MD in Medical or Biological Science Program.
  • Knowledge in Computer programs, word, excel and power point presentations.
  • Excellent writing and communication skills.
  • Organizational skills: Ability to establish priorities and react promptly to a large variety of requests and needs, sometimes in stressful situations.

Education
PhD: Biology
Pay Range
$46,280.00-$75,670.40 Salary
At Lurie Children's, we are committed to competitive and fair compensation aligned with market rates and internal equity, reflecting individual contributions, experience, and expertise. The pay range for this job indicates minimum and maximum targets for the position. Ranges are regularly reviewed to stay aligned with market conditions. In addition to base salary, Lurie Children's offer a comprehensive rewards package that may include differentials for some hourly employees, leadership incentives for select roles, health and retirement benefits, and wellbeing programs. For more details on other compensation, consult your recruiter or click the following link to learn more about our benefits.
Benefit Statement
For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:
Medical, dental and vision insurance
Employer paid group term life and disability
Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Accounts
Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave
403(b) with a 5% employer match
Various voluntary benefits:
  • Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability
  • Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage
  • Tuition assistance
  • Student loan servicing and support
  • Adoption benefits
  • Backup Childcare and Eldercare
  • Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members
  • Discount on services at Lurie Children's facilities
  • Discount purchasing program

There's a Place for You with Us
At Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and its affiliates (collectively "Lurie Children's"), we embrace and celebrate diversity and equity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints - recognizing that diverse identities strengthen our workplace and the care we can provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging and allyship. This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.
Lurie Children's and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
For questions about how to request an accommodation please contact: employeehealth@luriechildrens.org
AI Notice
Lurie Children's utilizes certain AI-enabled features within our recruiting platform to support candidate engagement and assist recruiters in identifying and prioritizing applicants whose experience aligns with job requirements. All employment decisions are made by individuals.
It is a civil rights violation with respect to recruitment, hiring, promotion, or employment for an employer to use artificial intelligence that has the effect of subjecting employees to discrimination on the basis of protected classes under the Illinois Human Rights Act or to use zip codes as a proxy for protected classes.
For questions about the use of artificial intelligence in this process or any additional support, please contact: peoplequestions@luriechildrens.org

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