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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA

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 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 ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536638 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: 532241 Work type: Research Faculty Senior management: College of Science Department: Psychology Location: Blacksburg, Virginia ...

University at Buffalo

Postdoctoral Associate

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

The postdoctoral associate will employ state-of-the-art experimental techniques, innovative methodologies, and/or numerical models to make fundamental advances to existing literature. Duties will ...

Duke University

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Durham, NC · On-site

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 Jul 15, 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.

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. 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

Baylor College of Medicine

Houston, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Baylor College of Medicine rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Summary

Baylor College of Medicine has a postdoctoral position available immediately for a highly motivated research scientist to join our Elephant Endotheliotrophic Herpes Virus (EEHV) research group. The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct mentor facilitated independent research, publish their research in peer-reviewed journals, present their research progress at relevant scientific meetings and public forums, and apply for funding opportunities where applicable. The primary focus of the research is to understand at a molecular level the immune responses that are protective against EEHV and to leverage these findings to generate effective EEHV vaccines. 
 
The Elephant Endotheliotrophic Herpes Virus Research Group is a dynamic and highly interactive group that is composed of clinical veterinarians, PhD scientists, and elephant caretakers. Efforts from our research program resulted in generation of EEHV specific qPCR tests that are widely used around the world, EEHV-specific serology tests, and genomic sequencing of this novel virus. Future and ongoing studies include implementation of state-of-the art methods for understanding immunology of infection, evaluation of anti-herpesvirus drugs, and generation and implementation of an effective EEHV vaccine.

Baylor College of Medicine typically follows similar to the NIH stipulated stipend guidelines for Postdoctoral Associates.

Job Duties
  • Plans, directs and conducts specialized and advanced research experiments.
  • Evaluates and analyzes data.
  • Establishes new research protocols and procedures.
  • Summarizes research findings and publish results in research journals. 
  • Maintains laboratory operations.
  • Supervises research staff.
  • Conducts mentor facilitated independent research.
  • Publishes their research in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Presents their research progress at relevant scientific meetings and public forums.
  • Applies for funding opportunities where applicable.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
  • MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
  • No experience required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • PhD, DVM, or both.
  • Experience with using modern molecular biology and virology techniques and preferably in immunology and/or vaccinology.

Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.

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