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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Frederick, MD (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoctoral Associate information

See Frederick, MD salary details

$42.3K

$85.5K

$115.8K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral associate in Frederick, MD is $85,467.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,700.00 and $115,300.00 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 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 Frederick, MD are hiring for Postdoctoral Associate jobs?

Cities near Frederick, MD with the most Postdoctoral Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Associate job openings in Frederick, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,467 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004135)

Johns Hopkins University

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
Postdoctoral Research Associate (PREP)
Scanning SQUID Metrology for Superconducting Electronics
This Postdoctoral Research Associate position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP), which supports collaborative research between NIST scientists and researchers at PREP-affiliated academic institutions. The position is ideal for early-career researchers seeking to build an independent research profile while working at the forefront of superconducting electronics and quantum-enabled metrology.
Research Opportunity
Advancing Scanning SQUID Metrology for High-Speed Superconducting Circuits
The postdoctoral associate will conduct original research focused on developing advanced scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry to study superconducting electronic systems. Core research directions include improving SQUID sensor performance, imaging and understanding flux trapping, and evaluating mitigation strategies in high-speed superconducting circuits.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead and shape research directions, contribute to the design and construction of next-generation scanning SQUID instrumentation, and apply these tools to cutting-edge superconducting devices. Our group has deep expertise in microwave metrology, nanoscale device characterization, and superconducting circuit design, fabrication, and measurement.
Key Responsibilities and Opportunities
The postdoctoral associate will have the opportunity to:
  • Lead scanning SQUID imaging studies of trapped flux, superconducting circuits, and novel devices
  • Develop and optimize SQUID sensors and measurement techniques
  • Design and perform high-speed electronic measurements (>10 GHz)
  • Design and fabricate novel superconducting circuits and/or sensors using NIST's advanced cleanroom facilities
  • Develop rigorous data analysis pipelines with appropriate statistical validation
  • Publish results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and present findings at major scientific conferences
  • Collaborate closely with NIST scientists while maintaining scientific independence and ownership of research outcomes
  • Contribute to documentation, software, and data archiving to support long-term impact of the work

Mentorship and Professional Development
This position provides strong mentorship from NIST staff scientists and is structured to support:
  • Development of an independent research program
  • A strong publication record
  • Visibility within the superconducting electronics and quantum metrology communities
  • Preparation for academic, national laboratory, or industry research careers

Qualifications
Required qualifications:
  • PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field (completed or near completion)
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Evidence of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications
  • Demonstration of hands-on experimental research experience with publication(s), e.g. description of experiments constructed, devices fabricated, etc.

Desired qualifications:
  • Experience with cryogenic measurements
  • Experience with scanning SQUID imaging
  • Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages for data analysis and experiment control
  • U.S. citizen preferred

Application Instructions
Please upload the following with your application:
• CV/Resume
*Please limit C.V to 3 pages only and ONLY include a valid email address for your contact info. Your resume will not be considered if the following information is included on your CV/resume.
Self portraits
Phone number
Home address/Country
Citizenship status
Languages spoken
Sex/Gender
Privacy Act Statement
Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876