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Postdoctoral Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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:

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 ...

Position Details Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title Postdoctoral Associate Job Category Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory) Department Brain Health Institute Overview ...

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 ...

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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Postdoctoral Associate information

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$42.5K

$86K

$116.5K

How much do postdoctoral associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 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

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Posted 1 hour ago


Duke University rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

442nd of 541 rated colleges and universities


Job description

School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System and the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) comprise Duke Health. a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. 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 disorders.

Be Bold.What You'll Do:

Lead research on respiratory pathology and neuropathology in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Design, execute, and document molecular, cellular, biochemical, and immunological experiments.

Conduct whole-body plethysmography, neurophysiology, and post-mortem molecular analyses (qPCR, western blot, histology).

Evaluate adeno-associated viral-mediated gene therapy approaches for respiratory dysfunction.

Optimize and troubleshoot protocols, reagents, and equipment.

Collaborate with lab members and contribute to manuscripts, reports, and research documentation.

Maintain accurate lab notes and remain current on emerging techniques and commercial reagents.

Requirements:

Animal handling experience.

Intellectual curiosity and a growth mindset.

Biostatistics and bioinformatics expertise for scRNA-seq analysis.

Experience with molecular, cellular, biochemical, and immunological assays.

Choose Duke.

At Duke, you'll join a world-class research community committed to translating discoveries from bench to bedside. You'll work closely with clinician-scientists who are driving innovation in neuromuscular and respiratory research.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Ready to Make a Difference? Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.

Definition:

The Postdoctoral Appointee holds a PhD or equivalent doctorate (e.g. ScD, MD, DVM). Candidates with non-US degrees may be required to provide proof of degree equivalency. 1. A candidate may also be appointed to a postdoctoral position if the candidate has completed all of the requirements for a degree but the degree has not been formally conferred: in this case, the candidate may present evidence of completion of the degree requirements, together with a statement documenting the date on which the degree is to be conferred. If the degree is not conferred by this projected date, the postdoctoral appointment may be terminated. 2. Note for international candidates: Generally, immigration classifications (e.g., H-1B, J-1, etc.) require that the requisite degree be conferred before a petition can be filed or a visa document issued to sponsor the individual. The term of the appointment is limited (see Section 5 of the Postdoc Policy for length of appointment). The appointment involves substantially full-time research or scholarship, and may include teaching responsibilities. The appointment is generally preparatory for a full time academic or research career. The appointment is not part of a clinical training program, unless research training under the supervision of a senior mentor is the primary purpose of the appointment. The Postdoctoral Appointee functions under the supervision of a mentor or a department at Duke University. The Postdoctoral Appointee is expected to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of the appointment.

Expectation:

The conscientious discharge of research or scholarship responsibilities, which may include teaching responsibilities for Postdoctoral Associates.

Conformance to standards of responsible conduct in research.

Compliance with good scholarly and research practice.

Maintenance of a laboratory notebook and/or other comparable records of research activity, which remains the property of Duke University upon termination.

Adherence to University standards regarding use of isotopes, chemicals, infectious agents, animals, human subjects, and the like.

Open and timely discussion with the mentor regarding all facets of the Postdoctoral Appointee's research activities.

Postdoctoral Appointees are encouraged to consult the AAMC Compact Between Postdoctoral Appointees and Their Mentors for suggested guidelines for the Postdoctoral Appointee-mentor relationship.

Prompt disclosure to the mentor regarding the possession and desire to distribute materials, reagents, software, copyrightable and potentially patentable discoveries derived from the Postdoctoral Appointee's research.

Collegial conduct towards members of the research group and others as described in the Duke University School of Medicine Honor Code of Professional Conduct and other relevant conduct policies pertaining to other schools at Duke University.

Compliance with all applicable University and departmental policies and procedures.


Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.



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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

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10,000+ Employees

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Durham, NC, US