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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Duke University

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Durham, NC · On-site

As a Postdoctoral Associate in Pediatrics / Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, you will be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment advancing discovery to improve infant ...

Rutgers University

Postdoctoral Associate

Piscataway, NJ · On-site

$63K/yr

Position Details Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title Postdoctoral Associate Department Advanced Biotechnology & Medic Salary Details A minimum of $63,968 for calendar year appointments ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 535522 Work type: Research Faculty Senior management: College of Science Department: Geosciences Location: Blacksburg, Virginia ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536409 Work type: Research Faculty Senior management: College of Engineering Department: Chemical Engineering Location: Blacksburg ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 534769 Work type: Research Faculty Senior management: College of Science Department: Physics Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories:

Duke University

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Durham, NC

As the Postdoctoral Associate, you'll be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team advancing gene therapy research that supports patients and families impacted by neuromuscular ...

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How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral associate in the United States is $85,959.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $116,000.00 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 are hiring for Postdoctoral Associate jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral Associate job openings:
What states have the most Postdoctoral Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoctoral Associate jobs include:
Postdoctoral Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Full Time, 96% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,959 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate

MIT Human Resources

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, Institute for Medical Eng. and Science (IMES) — The Device Realization Lab, seeks an outstanding Postdoctoral Associate to conduct device, computational, and experimental research in human sensing in daily life. The position will focus on the development, validation, and deployment of non-contact and minimally burdensome sensing technologies for health monitoring in home, clinical, and community settings. The work sits at the intersection of biomedical sensing, digital health, clinical translation, human-centered data science, and real-world health monitoring. The research will involve sensing and analysis methods for assessing human health, function, behavior, and well-being outside traditional clinical environments. Relevant systems may include non-contact sensors, imaging systems, wearable or ambient sensing platforms, physiological monitoring tools, movement and activity sensing, environmental sensing, and multimodal data integration methods. The work will emphasize not only technical development, but also validation, usability, deployment, and interpretation in real-world settings involving patients, caregivers, clinicians, and community participants.

The full job description is available here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:va6c2:ec863f47-6bf9-4cf7-b7c2-64ec2c8d74cc

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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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