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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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

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:
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

Rutgers University

New Brunswick, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Rutgers University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

217th of 538 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title
Postdoctoral Associate
Department
Biochemistry & Microbiology
Salary Details
63,968
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

Posting Summary
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. The Laboratory of Dr. Debashish Bhattacharya has an open Postdoctoral Associate position in the field of algal and seaweed multi-omics and metabolic engineering in support of multiple ongoing projects.
Under the direction of Dr. Bhattacharya the individual will be responsible for the independent conduct of a significant element of a larger research activity in algal and seaweed biotechnology, computational biology, and genetics aimed at developing platforms for generating valuable bioproducts from the brown seaweed Sargassum with a focus on bioprospecting using microbiome data. This Postdoctoral Associate will identify carbohydrate active enzymes to be used for downstream applications by collaborators and design and conduct highly specialized and technical research and aid graduate students with their research programs.
The Bhattacharya Lab at Rutgers University leverages many experimental approaches including multi-omics, physiology, live culture, and computational approaches to ask fundamental questions about algal and seaweed biology, adaptation, and conservation and algal plastid origin and evolution as well as algal extremophile biology. The candidate will have the opportunity to join a highly motivated and broadly trained laboratory that seeks to both generate basic knowledge and develop conservation tools.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
  • Performs various research and technical operations independently or as assigned, relating to investigatory activities of a laboratory, followed by appropriate reports, recommendations and conclusions.
  • Assists and conducts independent research relevant to the interest and field of algal and seaweed multi-omics and biotechnological research with living and preserved samples.
  • Participates in the development of performance standards, selection of methodology and instrumentation and coordination of the analytical, biochemical, physiology, genetics, and instrumentation functions with the research areas to ensure conformance with the goals and objectives of the PI's lab.
  • Conducts a continuous program of research and development regarding the analytical and instrumentation functions of the laboratory, constantly evaluating existing procedures where required to keep methodology and procedures current.
  • Contributes to the supervision of the work performed by graduate and undergraduate students and other postdoctoral fellows.

This is a grant funded position, continuation of employment in this position is contingent upon adequate grant funds.
Position Status
Full Time
Posting Number
26FA0173
Posting Open Date
03/01/2026
Posting Close Date
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
The individual must have completed a PhD in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or metabolic engineering with extensive computational research and lab experience.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
A background in algal and or seaweed biology and genetics is preferred.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Overview
The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the undergraduate schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agricultural business and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics.
In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.
Statement
Posting Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For additional information regarding the position, please contact Dr. Debashish Bhattacharya, Search Committee Chair, dbhattac@sebs.rutgers.edu
Quick Link to Posting
https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/269896
Campus
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus
Cook (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

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