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Postdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NorthEastern

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Boston, MA · On-site

$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 ...

Tamus

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Bryan, TX

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M University Health Science Center ... May assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and/or graduate students who are working ...

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How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. 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 Associate, Center for Population Health Research

University of Montana

Missoula, MT • On-site

$63K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

University Of Montana rating

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Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

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Job description

Description
The University of Montana's Center for Population Health Research is actively seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to projects on children's preventive health and vaccination led by Dr. Sophia Newcomer, associate professor of epidemiology. The postdoctoral research associate will support at least two projects. One project is developing innovative strategies for population-based measurement of vaccination uptake in Montana, and the other is a national study of pharmacy-based preventive health services. The postdoctoral research associate's key activities will include but will not be limited to leading study design and protocol development, collecting and managing study data, analyzing large national survey and medical claims data, and disseminating results through presentations and publications. It is expected that the postdoctoral research associate will lead at least two publications as first author. The postdoctoral research associate will also be expected to contribute to some project management activities, including organizing meetings with national collaborators, coordinating regulatory applications, and providing guidance to student research assistants.
The NIH-funded Center for Population Health Research is dedicated to advancing the field of public health through support for cutting-edge research and interventions. CPHR fosters collaboration by uniting faculty from diverse disciplines, such as epidemiology, mathematical sciences, exposure science, health economics, and social and behavioral sciences. This interdisciplinary approach builds a strong community of investigators, enhancing the Center's mission to improve human health research. The postdoctoral research associate will have the opportunity to participate in a range of professional development and networking opportunities offered through CPHR, including monthly Work in Progress meetings, an annual research symposium, and support for developing their own grants and independent research.
Position Details
Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program. This is a two-year position based in Missoula, MT. A modest stipend may be provided to assist with moving expenses.
Salary: $63,480- $66,948 annually, commensurate with experience.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Applicants must have a doctoral degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, health services research, health policy, public policy or a related field.
  • Demonstrated strong quantitative skills and proficiency in programming in either SAS or R.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience analyzing national survey data, such as from the National Survey of Children's Health, NHANES, BRFSS, or the National Immunization Surveys.
  • Experience analyzing large medical claims datasets.
  • Experience in research dissemination, as evidenced through peer-reviewed publications.
  • Experience mentoring graduate research assistants or training personnel in analytic workflows.
  • Defended doctoral dissertation within the past three years.

Application Instructions
Application Instructions
Screening of applications will begin May 27, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.
To apply, please upload the following materials:
  • Letter of Interest - addressing the stated required skills for the position
  • Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
  • Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information
  • Transcripts- Unofficial

The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of "mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

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