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Postdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs in Connecticut

Postdoctoral Research Assistant information

See Connecticut salary details

$40.4K

$81.8K

$110.8K

How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research assistant in Connecticut is $81,772.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $110,300.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in Connecticut?

The most popular types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in Connecticut are:

What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Connecticut with the most Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings:

Postdoctoral Associate

Farmington, CT • On-site


The Jackson Laboratory
Biotechnology Research and Development • 1 - 5K employees

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 120 rated laboratories

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Postdoctoral Position – RNA Biology & Cancer

Dr. Olga Anczuków, PhD, Assistant Professor
The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, CT
About the position: We are looking for talented postdoctoral candidates to investigate how misregulation of alternative RNA splicing contributes to human disease, with a specific focus on cancer. The positions are fully funded through two NIH grants, and awaiting the proper, enthusiastic applicant.
Our research goals are to: i) define the molecular pathways that regulate splicing factors in normal and cancer cells, as well as during cell differentiation; ii) uncover causal splicing alterations in breast tumors; and iii) identify splicing factors and spliced isoforms which could be used as biomarkers to predict disease progression or drug-response, or as targets for RNA-based therapeutics. Our research uses 3D cell culture models, mouse models including patient-derived xenograft, as well as large clinical datasets, and leverages cutting-edge approaches such as RNA-targeting CRISPR, short- and long-read RNA-sequencing, and single-cell approaches, to decipher the role of spliced isoforms and their regulators.

Our research group, consisting of a postdoctoral associate, two graduate students, and two research associates, is diverse and collaborative. We seek to produce top notch science and foster the development of outstanding, independent scientists through nurturing mentorship and interdisciplinary, collaborative efforts. We have close collaboration with members of the JAX NCI-designated Cancer Center and the Nathan Shock Excellence of Research on Aging Center. For more, visit the Anczuków Lab online.


Qualifications:
• PhD (or nearing completion of PhD degree).
• Track record of productivity supported by accepted or in press first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in RNA biology and/or cancer research.
• Outstanding writing and communication skills, with an ability to work both independently and within collaborative teams productively.
• Required experience with mammalian cell culture, and basic molecular biology techniques such as molecular cloning, RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, western blotting, and microscopy.
• Experience with computational analysis of sequencing data is a plus.


How to apply: Interested and qualified individuals should send a current CV, a 1-page Statement of Research Interests and Career Goals, and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Olga Anczukow at olga.anczukow@jax.org.


Candidates will be encouraged to apply for competitive foundation and federal training fellowships and awards. Exceptional candidates also have the opportunity to become a JAX Postdoctoral Scholar, a selective award that includes an independent research budget, travel funds, and a salary above the standard postdoctoral scale.


The Jackson Laboratory (JAX, www.jax.org) is a nonprofit biomedical research institute with over 2,000 employees whose mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for human disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health. A National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center, JAX has a mammalian genetics headquarters in Bar Harbor, Maine, a facility in Sacramento, California, and a genomic medicine facility, The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine (JAX-GM), in Farmington, Connecticut.

JAX-GM is transforming medicine by improving patient care, lowering costs, and increasing life span and health span. JAX-GM’s research focuses on the complex genetic causes of disease and on the development of genomic solutions tailored to each person's unique genetic makeup.


JAX-GM sits on a 17-acre site on the campus of the University of Connecticut Health Center. The 183,500-square-foot facility opened in the fall of 2014. Now, it houses over 300 biomedical researchers, technicians, and support staff in state-of-the-art computing facilities and laboratories.


JAX-GM resides in the scenic town of Farmington, in the state’s capitol region. The Hartford region, which offers some of the best public schools in the country, is made up of both bigger cities and smaller, charming historic New England towns.  JAX-GM is also geographically located within 2 hours of Boston and New York and is close to multiple transportation systems, including bus lines, highways, railroads and international airports.


JAX employees work in a collaborative, value-driven, and team-based environment where the focus is on advancing science and improving patients’ lives. Researchers apply genetics to increase the understanding of human disease and advance treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging, and heart disease. JAX was voted among the top 15 “Best Places to Work in Academia” in the United States in a poll conducted by The Scientist magazine!


Our Values:

INTEGRITY - Courage and commitment to do what is right

PEOPLE - Inspiring our people to enhance the health of all

ONE TEAM - Unified by our promise to transform medicine and science

EXCELLENCE - Achieving world-class results

INNOVATION - Leading with discovery and creative solutions

STEWARDSHIP - Caring for and enhancing the resources entrusted to us


What do we have to offer?

JAX offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, including a medical plan, outstanding retirement plan, generous paid time off, and tuition reimbursement including an MBA program. Our campus offers a fitness center with an award-winning wellness program and an onsite full service cafeteria.


Most importantly, every position contributes to JAX’s mission of discovering precise genomic solutions for human disease and empowering the global biomedical community in our shared quest to improve human health.


The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.


Learn more about career opportunities at JAX: http://www.jax.org/careers.


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