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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Associate information

See Reno, NV salary details

$42.4K

$85.7K

$116.2K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral associate in Reno, NV is $85,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,800.00 and $115,700.00 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 Reno, NV are hiring for Postdoctoral Associate jobs?

Cities near Reno, NV with the most Postdoctoral Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Associate job openings in Reno, NV as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,707 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar, Physiology and Cell Biology

The University of Nevada, Reno

Reno, NV

$62K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


University Of Nevada (Reno) rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) appreciates your interest in employment at our growing institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our recruitment helpline at (775) 784-1495 or jobs@unr.edu. For UNR Med professional job postings, please contact the Office of Professional Recruitment at (775) 784-6778.

Job Description

The Dr. Sal Baker Laboratory at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our multidisciplinary research team investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate gastrointestinal (GI) motility.

Our research focuses on the pacemaker system of the gastrointestinal tract, with particular emphasis on Ca signaling in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and the mechanisms by which enteric neurons and gastrointestinal hormones regulate pacemaker activity, mechanotransduction, and smooth muscle function. We employ state-of-the-art approaches, including advanced optical imaging, genetically encoded Ca indicators, electrophysiology, molecular biology, optogenetics/chemogenetics, and transgenic mouse models to understand how cellular signaling networks coordinate normal gut motility and contribute to gastrointestinal disorders.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead independent research projects while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of physiologists, neuroscientists, and imaging specialists.

Required Qualifications

  • A Ph.D. in Physiology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacology, or a related discipline.

  • A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

  • Experience in one or more of the following:

    • Ca imaging or fluorescence microscopy

    • Electrophysiology

    • Gastrointestinal physiology

    • Neuroscience

    • Molecular and cellular biology

    • Mouse models

    • Image analysis and quantitative data analysis

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Completion of a doctoral degree in the appropriate discipline is required.

  • The doctoral degree must have been completed within the five years immediately preceding the first date of appointment as a postdoctoral fellow at the University.

  • The individual cannot have held previous positions in the professional ranks.

Preferred Qualifications

We welcome applicants who are enthusiastic about advancing our understanding of gastrointestinal pacemaker biology and developing innovative approaches to study calcium signaling, neuronal regulation, and hormonal control of gut function.

Compensation Grade

Postdoctoral Scholar

The budgeted salary for this position is $62,232

To view the salary schedule for this position, please visit: Salary Schedules. Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience.

Department Information

Researching smooth muscle physiology and motor neurotransmission from peripheral nerves, with a focus on gastrointestinal (GI) and bladder muscle function. The research examines the role of interstitial pacemaker cells in generating and regulating motility, as well as the mechanisms underlying calcium signaling, ion channels, mechanotransduction, neuroeffector pathways, and cell-to-cell communication. A primary emphasis is placed on understanding diseases and disorders such as overactive bladder, incontinence, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroparesis, and constipation. https://med.unr.edu/directory/research-labs/baker-lab

Exempt

Yes

Full-Time Equivalent

100.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Please note, once you submit your application the only attachment/s viewable to you will be the attachment/s to the resume/CV section of the application. Any additional required attachment/s to the cover letter, references, additional documents sections of the application, will not be viewable to you after you submit your application. All uploaded attachment/s will be on the application for the committee to review. To request updates to attachments, prior to the committee review of applications, please contact the candidate helpdesk at jobs@unr.edu

Attach the following attachments to your application

1) Resume/Curriculum vitae

2) A cover letter describing research interests and career goals

3) Contact Information for Three Professional References

4.) Representative publications (optional)

This posting is open until filled

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received, or a hiring decision has been made.

Posting Close Date

Note to Applicant

A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified, HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member's first day of employment.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

Applicants hired on a federal contract may be subject to E-Verify.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver's license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.

Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.

University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine

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