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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoctoral Associate information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$44.3K

$89.7K

$121.5K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral associate in Riverside, CA is $89,679.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,400.00 and $121,000.00 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 Riverside, CA are hiring for Postdoctoral Associate jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Postdoctoral Associate job openings:

Postdoctoral Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Associate job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,679 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC

Irvine, CA • On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

This is a grant funded, fixed-term position (eligible for renewal)

The Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology (CCMB) at USC's Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry is recruiting a talented Postdoctoral Scholar – Research Associate to join the laboratory of Dr. Yang Chai (https://chailab.usc.edu/).

The Chai Lab is interested in the regulation of developmental patterning, organogenesis, stem cells and regenerative medicine. Our studies seek to define molecular mechanisms governing both normal and abnormal craniofacial development, providing scientific rationales for future therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat craniofacial birth defects, as well as stem cell-based craniofacial regenerative medicine.

CCMB is located on the Health Sciences Campus of USC, which provides a vibrant, highly collaborative and interactive research environment. Postdocs will participate in weekly seminars with other researchers who are interested in developmental biology and stem cells in tissue regeneration. There are ample cross-training opportunities in areas such as bioinformatics, biomedical engineering and translational medicine. Postdocs will also have opportunities to collaborate with experts nationally and internationally.

The candidate must have a PhD and be experienced with molecular and developmental biology. Our research projects are supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

To apply, please send your C.V. and three letters of recommendation to Dr. Yang Chai (c/o Ms. Stephanie Jones sjones99@usc.edu and ychai@usc.edu).

Job Accountabilities:

  • Serves as a research trainee for the purpose of enhancing and developing research competencies. Participates in planning, designing and conducting highly technical and complex research projects under the direction of a supervisor.
  • Identifies, researches, compiles and evaluates data sources, background information and/or technology related to area of specialization.
  • Analyzes and evaluates research data and provides interpretations requiring significant knowledge of a specialized area of research.
  • Searches literature, utilizing all available resources including electronic, regarding new methodology and designs experiments accordingly.
  • Contributes to the development of research documentation for publication and/or prepares technical reports, papers and/or records.
  • Operates and maintains sophisticated laboratory/scientific equipment.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

The Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate will perform and train to use equipment for Immunology, Molecular genetics, Flow Cytometry, Microbiology, DNA & RNA isolation from FFPE tissues, RT qPCR, RT2 Profiler PCR Array, Immunohistochemistry, Tissue microarray, and Digital image analysis.

The annual base salary range for this position is $68,500 - $72,500. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope of responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Position: Postdoctoral Scholar – Research Associate Type: Grant-funded, fixed-term (with potential for renewal) Salary: $68,500 – $72,500 per year Location: USC Health Sciences Campus (Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry) Requirements & Skills Education: Ph.D. required. Background: Experience in molecular and developmental biology. Lab Techniques: You will use and train on advanced methods like DNA/RNA isolation, RT-qPCR, Flow Cytometry, Immunohistochemistry, and digital image analysis.

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