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Postdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NorthEastern

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Boston, MA

$60K - $85K/yr

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will assist the supervisor in the interpretation and publication of results and grants. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will maintain the laboratory research ...

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How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research assistant 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 Research Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant, you need a PhD in a relevant field, strong analytical and experimental skills, and a solid record of academic research. Familiarity with domain-specific laboratory techniques, data analysis software like MATLAB or R, and experience with academic publishing are typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively help you stand out. These skills are essential for producing high-quality research, disseminating findings, and contributing effectively to scientific teams.

What are some common challenges faced by Postdoctoral Research Assistants when transitioning to independent research roles?

One common challenge for Postdoctoral Research Assistants is balancing the demands of supporting their supervisor's projects while developing their own independent research ideas. Navigating grant applications, building a publication record, and establishing professional networks can also be daunting. Additionally, adapting to new institutional cultures and expectations, especially when moving between universities or countries, requires flexibility and strong communication skills. Proactively seeking mentorship and collaborating with colleagues can help ease this transition and set the stage for a successful independent research career.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Research Assistant vs Research Fellow?

AspectPostdoctoral Research AssistantResearch Fellow
Required credentialsPhD or equivalentPhD or equivalent, often with additional experience
Work environmentResearch labs, universities, academic settingsResearch projects, academic institutions, sometimes independent
Employer and industry usageUniversities, research institutesUniversities, research organizations, sometimes industry
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding entry-level research rolesAdvanced research roles, independent research

The main difference between a Postdoctoral Research Assistant and a Research Fellow lies in experience level and independence. Postdoctoral Research Assistants typically work under supervision on specific projects, while Research Fellows often have more independence and may lead their own research. Both roles require a PhD and are common in academic and research settings.

What is a Postdoctoral Research Assistant?

A Postdoctoral Research Assistant is a researcher who has recently completed their doctoral studies (PhD) and is engaged in further academic or scientific research. Their primary role is to conduct independent or collaborative research projects, often under the supervision of senior academics or principal investigators. Postdoctoral Research Assistants contribute to publications, grant writing, and may also mentor graduate or undergraduate students. This position is typically temporary and is designed to provide additional training and experience before transitioning to more permanent academic or research roles.
What cities are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoctoral Research jobs? The most popular types of Postdoctoral Research jobs are:
What states have the most Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs include:
Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, and 98% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,959 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 532 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Req Id: 41473
Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Assistant
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
The Postdoctoral Fellow will join the Jaiswal Laboratory in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at Purdue University. The lab's research focuses on understanding how cellular metabolism regulates tissue function, skeletal muscle plasticity, neuromuscular junction integrity, immune-metabolic interactions, and organismal health during aging and metabolic disease. The fellow will conduct independent and collaborative research projects investigating molecular and metabolic mechanisms controlling muscle physiology, glucose homeostasis, and immune cell function, using advanced in vivo, ex vivo, and molecular techniques. This position provides specialized training in experimental design, metabolic phenotyping, and scientific communication, preparing the fellow for a successful career in academia or industry.
Core Competencies
Education and Experience:
  • Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, Metabolic Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a related field.
  • Experience with animal models, skeletal muscle physiology, metabolic assays, and molecular biology techniques preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot complex experiments.

Skills:
  • Strong written and oral scientific communication skills.
  • Proficiency in statistical analysis, data visualization, and bioinformatics approaches.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team.
  • Familiarity with laboratory safety and institutional protocols for animal and cell research.

How to Apply
To apply, submit a letter of application, curriculum vite, statement of research, and the names and contact infromation of three references through the "apply" link.
Review of applications will begin immedietly and will continue until the position is filled. Anticipated start date is June 1, 2026.
For more information regarding the position, contact Dr. Natasha Jaiswal at jaiswa19@purdue.edu.
A background check will be required for employment in this position.
Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disibilities, and veterans, are encouraged to apply.
About Purdue
Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, Indiana, within easy driving distance of Indianapolis and Chicago.
Purdue University is one of the nation's leading land-grant universities, with a full range of academic majors, more than 45,000 students and more than 10,000 employees.
FLSA Status
Exempt

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