1

Postdoctoral Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Focus & Expectations Postdoctoral Associates are encouraged to pursue their own research agenda during the appointment. However, we will give priority to applicants who propose a ...

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 ...

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 ...

The Heaton Laboratory has an opening for a Postdoctoral Associate at the Duke University School of Medicine. We are seeking a motivated person to research the mechanisms of, and interventions for ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Postdoctoral Associate information

See salary details

$42.5K

$86K

$116.5K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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 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 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 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Associate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $85,959 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Associate

Rutgers University

New Brunswick, NJ • On-site

$63.97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Rutgers University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

211th of 530 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title
Postdoctoral Associate
Job Category
Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)
Department
RWJ - Child Health Institute
Overview
New Jersey's academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University-New Brunswick and collaborating university wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research.
Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers.
Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state-at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, including Piscataway; and at locations in Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Newark's University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates.
Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate for the Child Health Institute of NJ at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Postdoctoral Associate(s) will be responsible for the performance and analysis of experiments focused on development and function of novel immune cells. Our research focuses on development and function of novel innate immune cells in vital tissues such as the lung and the brain. The Postdoctoral Associate will explore components of innate immunity in tissues, and how the interaction between immune and non-immune cells influences the disease outcome of airway and brain disorders (Eur Respir J. 2025 65:2401114, Nature Immunology. 2022 23:1714). The candidate should have strong interests in exploring novel immune cells and the mechanisms of human health and disease. In addition, the Postdoc(s) will participate in lab meetings, research in progress seminars, and presentations at conferences. They will prepare manuscripts based on their research, aid in developing the PI's grant applications, and will be expected to apply for personal grant funding.
As part of their career development to transition to the next phase of their career, the applicant(s) will be trained in improving their experimental design skills and their oral and written presentation skills. Multiple resources for career development to aid with these requirements will be provided by the PI and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
  • Designs, performs and analyzes experiments using specific laboratory techniques that involve flow cytometry analysis, animal models of airway and brain disorders, single-cell RNA-seq, multiplex cytokine assays, and immunofluorescence imaging.
  • Assists in the establishment of performance standards, the selection of research methodologies and instrumentation, and coordination of experimental approaches in support of CHI research.
  • Keeps up to date on the relevant literature in both peer-reviewed and preprint form and assist the PI in preparation of manuscripts and grant applications relevant to own experimental work.
  • Assists in the instruction and training of students (undergraduate/graduate) in techniques and procedures of the laboratory.
  • Keeps clear and detailed records of procedures and experiments in accordance with laboratory guidelines, maintain data in shared and readily accessible locations. Communicate and present data to the PI and other lab members in a timely manner.

FLSA
Exempt
Grade
Salary Details
Based on experience; Minimum base salary $63,968
Minimum Salary
20,000
Mid Range Salary
90,000
Maximum Salary
200,000
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
  • Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
  • Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
  • Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
  • Life insurance coverage
  • Employee discount programs

Position Status
Full Time
Working Hours
37.5
Standard Hours
37.50
Daily Work Shift
Day
Work Arrangement
This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description
Post Docs - Regular Salaried
Payroll Designation
PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment
Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility
ABP
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
  • Qualified candidate must hold a PhD degree.
  • Candidates in ABD (all but degree) status will also be considered.

Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Must have written and published scientific articles.
  • Must have effective oral and written communication skills; and ability to understand and communicate in English to sufficiently perform the job duties.
  • Must be computer literate with proficiency and working knowledge of database and reporting tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Must have the ability to work collaboratively and independently.
  • Must be highly motivated, self-driven, creative, and interactive.

Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Physical Demands:
  • Must be able to work in a laboratory environment.
  • Must be able to perform laboratory research.
  • Exposure: laboratory environment, moderate noise, hazardous chemicals.
  • Some lifting may be required: laboratory items and/or boxes.
  • Walking, standing, sitting is required.

Work Environment:
  • Must pass employee health clearance, TB Test and required safety training.
  • Must follow all safety precautions in laboratory, as required.

Special Conditions
Posting Details
Posting Number
25ST1859
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus
College Ave (RU-New Brunswick)
City
New Brunswick
State
NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

What Rutgers University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom