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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Harrisonburg, VA (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Associate information

See Harrisonburg, VA salary details

$39.6K

$80.1K

$108.6K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral associate in Harrisonburg, VA is $80,116.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,200.00 and $108,100.00 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 Harrisonburg, VA are hiring for Postdoctoral Associate jobs?

Cities near Harrisonburg, VA with the most Postdoctoral Associate job openings:

Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Summary:
The University of Virginia is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Platig Lab. The role involves working with an interdisciplinary team to investigate the role of alternative splicing in Type 1 Diabetes using machine learning approaches.
Responsibilities:
• Integrate long-read and short-read RNA-seq with RBP data (motifs, eCLIP) for splicing and isoform analysis
• Develop machine learning methods to predict functional RNA regulatory elements
• Collaborate with wet-lab partners to design follow-up experiments
• Publish findings and present at national conferences
• Contribute to grant writing and mentorship of graduate students
Qualifications:
Required:
• PhD (awarded or imminent) in bioinformatics, computational biology, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience using long- or short-read RNA-seq to understand alternative splicing
• Experience using machine learning techniques in genomics
• Strong publication record
• Ability to communicate computational techniques to a broad audience
Preferred:
• Experience modeling RNA binding proteins
• Familiarity with T1D
• Experience with machine learning interpretability approaches (xAI)
Company:
The University of Virginia was founded in 1819 as the model for modern universities that has since been emulated all over the world. Founded in 1819, the company is headquartered in Charlottesville, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819