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Postdoctoral Research Assistant information

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$41.9K

$84.8K

$115K

How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research assistant in California is $84,834.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $114,500.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in California? The most popular types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings:
Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,834 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Postdoctoral Researcher

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$6.9K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago

University Of San Diego rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher

Apply now Posting #: 5559
Position Status: Faculty, Full-time temporary
Location: San Diego
Position Type: Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences

Position Title & Department:

 Postdoctoral Researcher Posting #

5559

Department Description:

The Department of Mathematics aims to be a welcoming and supportive home within the College of Arts and Sciences for the development and training of logical and computational thinking, emphasizing the value of human reasoning as well as its interaction and synergy with machine reasoning.

The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego. Our philosophy is built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, ethical conduct and compassionate service. The College aims to establish an academic foundation for students to thrive and gain a comprehensive education, which spans the sciences, arts and social sciences. Through our exemplary liberal arts education and rigorous scholarship, we aspire to not only educate the mind but also develop the whole person.

University Description:

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges.

Detailed Description:

The postdoctoral researcher will be part of the team working on the grant "Proof assistants for formalization of higher category theory".  The primary task at this site of the grant is to finish development of the experimental proof assistant Narya and explore its uses for formalization of higher category theory. Secondary tasks include developing the metatheory of type theory for the purpose of establishing the formal theory of Narya, and developing the higher-categorical model category theory for the purpose of establishing its categorical semantics.

The postdoctoral researcher will operate under the general guidance of the Supervisor. Research goals for the postdoc will be set collaboratively between the researcher and the supervisor, based on the postdoc's background, skills, interests, and prior achievements and work in progress. Depending on the specific research goals, the postdoc may work largely independently, in close collaboration with the supervisor, or somewhere in between. In any case, the postdoc should expect to meet at least weekly with the supervisor to discuss research.

This is a full-time/benefit-based position with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2027. The appointment is renewable at the discretion of the University and dependent upon performance and continued funding.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

The successful candidates will:

  • A PhD in Mathematics or Computer Science
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
  • Persons offered employment will be required to provide official transcripts for degree verification purposes.
Posting Salary:

This appointment is a full-time 11-month contract, benefits-eligible with a salary of $6,900/Monthly; Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers.  Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.  USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position.  Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Special Application Instructions:

Applicants are asked to submit the following materials.

  1. A brief letter of application, including an overview of any current and past research and background that is applicable to the goals of the grant project.
  2. Curriculum vita
  3. Contact information for two references who will be sent a link to upload letters.

Candidates are asked to submit these materials by June 7, 2026. Inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Michael Shulman at shulman@sandiego.edu.

 If you have any technical difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu. 
Additional Details:

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.

Advertised: May 19, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: August 06, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

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