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Postdoctoral Research Assistant information

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$31.8K

$64.2K

$87.1K

How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research assistant in Florida is $64,237.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,800.00 and $86,700.00 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 Florida? The most popular types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings:
Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,237 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
The Regional Economic Research Institute (RERI) at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PRA) to join our team. The PRA will work with and directly report to the Director of the RERI, Dr. Amir B. Ferreira Neto and is located in Fort Myers, FL.
This position will engage in nationally visible academic research and sponsored projects, and develop economic projects for RERI stakeholders, including local government, businesses, and university units. The PRA will assist in developing and implementing customized empirical analyses for RERI's internal and external stakeholders, producing documents that address clients' questions and create knowledge relevant to the Southwest Florida community. The PRA will be involved in data acquisition, management, and analysis, writing reports and papers, developing presentations for clients and stakeholders, and applying for external funding, including grants and consultancy-like contracts.
The PRA must have strong empirical research skills (econometrics, statistics, input-output analysis, and/or other quantitative methods). The position does allow for time for work on independent research within work hours, and it therefore provides an opportunity for further developing an independent research portfolio. The position will provide opportunities to develop a teaching portfolio.
This is a 12-month position, with the possibility of renewal, based on performance and pending external funding. The starting date is no later than August 2026.
Salary based on skills & qualifications/experience.
Job Description
Essential Job Functions:
  • Conducts economic research, write briefs and economic impact studies, and produce other reports using results from statistical analysis using software/tools such as IMPLAN, R, Excel, and others.
  • Collaborates with RERI faculty and staff to write reports and make presentations of findings to clients and potentially media outlets.
  • Creates and manages databases.
  • Analyzes the Southwest Florida economy, draws comparisons to the nation and with other areas in the states, and makes presentations of findings.
  • Assists in planning, design, and execution of research projects and preparation of research & grant proposals. May serve as co-Principal Investigator with leadership expectations and primary responsibility for end-to-end execution.
  • Conducts literature searches.
  • Assists in the dissemination of RERI work via social media, print, or other media outlets.
  • Teaches one 3h credit course per semester as determined by the Department of Economics and Finance chair.
  • Supervises undergraduate research assistants

Additional Job Description
Minimum Requirements:
  • PhD or ABD with expected completion by June 1, 2027, in relevant field.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Economics, Applied Economics, Geography, Demography, Sociology, or a related field by start date.
  • Experience in economic and econometric research, fiscal and economic impact analysis, regional economics, report writing, and business development
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to publish research in high ranked economics journals and to present research findings to a variety of audiences.
  • Expertise in Input-Output Models such as IMPLAN and REMI, and econometric and statistical packages such as R, Python and/or Stata
  • Experience with survey analysis and programming in Qualtrics.
  • Experience in working on externally funded research, and writing grant proposals for research funding
  • Experience in working with spatial data and GIS software/packages.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Promote a common purpose consistent with stated University goals and demonstrate a commitment to students and the learning environment.
  • Knowledge of general written standards and procedures utilized, and can read, interpret, and follow procedural and policy manual related to the job tasks.
  • Ability to respond to supervision, guidance, and direction in a positive, receptive manner and in accordance with stated policies.
  • Provide quality customer service by creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
  • Present a professional image in word, action, and attire.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner with staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
  • Apply effective techniques to create working relationships with others to achieve common goals; successfully communicate and collaborates with others to achieve goals.
  • Demonstrate skills necessary to look at situations and processes critically to make recommendations for improvement.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit the following materials: cover letter, curriculum vitae with names, phone numbers and email addresses of 3 recent professional references, and samples of your research (job market paper or representative publication).
Questions about specifics of the Postdoctoral Research Associate may be sent to Amir B. Ferreira Neto (aborgesferreiraneto@fgcu.edu).
Application deadline: 07/31/2026, with priority to applications by 07/01/2026
FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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