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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Watertown, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoctoral Associate information

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$46.2K

$93.5K

$126.7K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral associate in Watertown, MA is $93,488.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,900.00 and $126,200.00 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 Watertown, MA are hiring for Postdoctoral Associate jobs? Cities near Watertown, MA with the most Postdoctoral Associate job openings:
Postdoctoral Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Associate job openings in Watertown, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,488 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Postdoctoral Associate

MIT Human Resources

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, Biology, to develop experimental approaches for understanding how genetic perturbations shape microbial cellular phenotypes. The postdoctoral associate will be jointly advised by Professors Yunha Hwang and Gene-Wei Li and will work at the interface of microbial genetics, functional genomics, systems biology, and multi-omic measurement; and design and execute bacterial perturbation experiments, develop scalable molecular biology workflows, and generate high-quality transcriptomic, physiological, proteomic, and metabolomic datasets. This position offers substantial intellectual independence and opportunities to collaborate closely with machine learning scientists developing predictive models of cellular function. Machine learning experience is not required.

The full job description is available here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:e833c527-a3d6-4b16-be41-e52cd24651f8

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About MIT Human Resources

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Our mission is to advance a vibrant and diverse work community where individuals and groups thrive and contribute to MIT's excellence. We offer Support, Services, and Programs to enhance your work life. We're here to help. MIT is committed to helping employees achieve a healthy balance between their careers and the full lives they lead off-campus. Explore all of MIT's Work & Life resources, including MyLife Services, which provides 24/7 access to a network of experts available to help with life’s challenges.

Industry

Human resource programs administration

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, MA, US

Year founded

2014

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