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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

The Duke Department of Neurosurgery is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join our research team investigating the neural mechanisms of naturalistic behavior. The successful ...

Be Bold. A grant funded postdoctoral position is immediately available in the Department of ... Associate Professor of Neurosurgery, Biomedical Engineering, and Pathology. The Ostrom lab is ...

Job Code: 00003820 POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE Job Level: 00 Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability ...

Devinney Lab - Postdoctoral Associate Work Performed • You will perform screening of critically ill patients to assess eligibility for our studies using review of the medical record and information ...

This is reflected in our training mission with multiple interdisciplinary research projects for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to tackle. Also critical to our success as a department is ...

Be Bold. A grant funded postdoctoral position is immediately available in the Department of ... Associate Professor of Neurosurgery, Biomedical Engineering, and Pathology. The Ostrom lab is ...

The Fox laboratory is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow who will perform research related to whole genome duplication (polyploidy) in the fruit fly Drosophila. The candidate will play a ...

The Fox laboratory is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow who will perform research related to whole genome duplication (polyploidy) in the fruit fly Drosophila. The candidate will play a ...

Devinney Lab - Postdoctoral Associate Work Performed You will perform screening of critically ill patients to assess eligibility for our studies using review of the medical record and information ...

Job Code: 00003820 POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE Job Level: 00 Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability ...

Department: Neurosurgery Fully funded postdoctoral positions are immediately available in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Duke University School of Medicine. We are seeking candidates ...

Department: Neurosurgery Fully funded postdoctoral positions are immediately available in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Duke University School of Medicine. We are seeking candidates ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Postdoctoral Associate information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$37.1K

$75.1K

$101.8K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral associate in Raleigh, NC is $75,104.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $101,400.00 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.

How much do postdoctoral associates make in the US?

Postdoctoral associates in the US typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, with salaries varying based on experience, field, and location. Many positions also include benefits such as health insurance and research funding support.

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 postdoc trap?

The postdoc trap refers to the cycle where early-career researchers, including postdoctoral associates, remain in temporary postdoctoral positions for extended periods without progressing to permanent faculty or industry roles. This can lead to job insecurity, limited career advancement, and a competitive job market with few stable opportunities. Managing research output, networking, and planning for alternative careers are important to avoid this trap.

Do I need a PhD to be a research associate?

A Postdoctoral Associate typically holds a PhD, as this role involves advanced research and independent project management. While some research associate positions may accept candidates with a master's degree, a PhD is generally required for postdoctoral roles to demonstrate expertise and research skills.

What does a post-doctoral associate do?

A post-doctoral associate conducts advanced research in a specific field, often working under the supervision of a principal investigator. They perform experiments, analyze data, publish findings, and may mentor graduate students, typically requiring a doctoral degree and strong research skills. The role often involves using specialized tools and adhering to project timelines in academic or research institutions.
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Postdoctoral Associate jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Postdoctoral Associate job openings:
POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Duke University rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

441st of 539 rated colleges and universities


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 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System and the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) comprise Duke Health. a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.
Be Bold. Be You. Choose Duke.
Be Bold.
Position Summary:
The Duke Department of Neurosurgery is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join our research team investigating the neural mechanisms of naturalistic behavior. The successful candidate will contribute to projects involving participants with implanted intracranial electrodes and wearable non-invasive sensors, with a focus on naturalistic behavior and neural decoding in real-world and virtual reality environments.
Be You.
Key Responsibilities:
• Design and implement experiments studying naturalistic behavior, integrating intracranial recordings, wearable sensor data, and behavioral measures.
• Collect, process, and analyze multimodal datasets, including neural, physiological, and motion-tracking signals.
• Develop and refine research protocols and methodologies in collaboration with Dr. Suthana and interdisciplinary team members.
• Apply advanced statistical and computational approaches to investigate neural dynamics underlying naturalistic behavior.
• Prepare manuscripts, presentations, and reports for publication and dissemination at scientific meetings.
• Mentor and supervise graduate students, research assistants, and technicians.
• Stay current with developments in cognitive neuroscience, neurotechnology, and wearable sensing, and integrate new techniques into ongoing research.
Choose Duke.
Min Degree Requirements:
Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g. Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M.).
The applicant should have a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, computer science, or a related field. Expertise in analyzing intracranial electrophysiological data, wearable sensor data, or other multimodal neural and behavioral datasets and with advanced statistical or computational methods for neural decoding, motion-tracking analysis, or physiological signal processing is preferred but not required.
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.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US