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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoctoral Associate information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$41.9K

$84.8K

$114.9K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral associate in Rochester, NY is $84,814.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $114,500.00 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.

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.

How much do postdoctoral associates make?

Postdoctoral associates typically earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on the field, location, and experience. Salaries can vary based on funding sources, institution policies, and whether the position is in academia or industry, with some positions offering additional benefits such as health insurance and research stipends.

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.

Does a postdoctoral associate have a PhD?

Yes, a postdoctoral associate typically holds a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in their field. This position involves advanced research and often requires specialized skills and knowledge gained during doctoral studies.

What does a post-doctoral associate do?

A post-doctoral associate conducts advanced research in a specific field, often under the supervision of a principal investigator or faculty member. They perform experiments, analyze data, publish findings, and may mentor graduate students, typically working in academic or research institutions with specialized tools and methodologies.

Is postdoc harder than PhD?

A postdoctoral associate role typically involves more independent research, higher expectations for productivity, and longer hours compared to a PhD program. While a PhD focuses on completing coursework and a dissertation, a postdoc emphasizes publishing, grant writing, and establishing an independent research agenda, making it generally more demanding in terms of responsibility and workload.
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Postdoctoral Associate jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Postdoctoral Associate job openings:
Postdoctoral Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Associate job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $84,814 per year, or $40.8 per hour.
Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

University Of Rochester rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 183 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
Description:
The University of Rochester's Ice Core and Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory, located in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, has an opening for a postdoctoral position. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Aparajeo Chattopadhyay and Professor Vasilii Petrenko on an atmospheric chemistry gas kinetics project recently funded by the National Science Foundation's Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (NSF-AGS). In this laboratory project, we aim to investigate the kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) of methane (CH4) in atmospheric removal through reactions with the hydroxyl (OH) radical and the chlorine (Cl) atom, employing a temperature and pressure-controlled laser photochemical reactor coupled with online and offline spectroscopic determinations of relevant chemical species for kinetic analysis. Tunable Infrared Laser Direct Absorption Spectroscopy (TILDAS) is the primary analytical technique used in this study for high-precision measurement of methane isotopologues (d13C and dD). The improved uncertainty in our measured KIEs is expected to better constrain the global CH4 budget from atmospheric CH4 isotopic measurements.
For more information about this project, please visit the following link:
Kinetic Isotope Effects in Atmospheric Sinks of Methane
Information about our laboratory can be found here:
Ice Core and Atmospheric Chemistry Lab
Please direct all questions about the position to Dr. Aparajeo Chattopadhyay at aparajeo.chattopadhyay@rochester.edu.
Key Responsibilities:
  1. Participate in the fabrication and testing of a photochemical reactor
  2. Design, plan, and perform laboratory experiments
  3. Analyze data and interpret results
  4. Maintain and develop laboratory equipment
  5. Prepare project reports, manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, and present findings at professional conferences
  6. Mentor undergraduate or graduate students as needed

Appointment Details:
Start date: As early as March 2026 (negotiable)
Duration: Initial appointment for 2 years, with potential for renewal based on performance and available funding.
Qualifications
  1. A Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, Atmospheric Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Chemical Physics, or related field is mandatory (must be completed by the start date)
  2. Strong research background and experience in experimental chemical kinetic methods and data analysis/interpretation are desirable
  3. Experience with IR and UV spectroscopy, pulsed laser systems, and gas handling systems is preferred
  4. Ability to conduct independent research and work as part of a team
  5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  6. Record of publications in peer-reviewed journals

Application Instructions
Application Instructions
If you already have an Interfolio account, please sign in to apply to this position. If not, please create an Interfolio account.
Interested applicants should submit:
  • A cover letter describing research interests and career goals
  • Curriculum vitae (CV) including publications record
  • Names and contact information of 3 professional references (Letters will only be requested after shortlisting)

Review of applications will start immediately and continue until the position is filled.

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