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Postdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoctoral Research Assistant information

See Kansas salary details

$37.9K

$76.7K

$103.9K

How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research assistant in Kansas is $76,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,900.00 and $103,500.00 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 Kansas? The most popular types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings:
Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings in Kansas 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 $76,663 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Postdoctoral Researcher - POOL

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

Other

Posted 29 days ago

University Of Kansas rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 615 rated colleges and universities

Job description

50% - Conduct research in the scientific area of a faculty member in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and its affiliated researchers. This includes maintaining appropriate data collection and analysis documentation, providing written reports on research progress, and participating in research group meetings when asked.
25% - Disseminate research findings by 1) presenting research results at local, national and/or international conferences or colloquia, and 2) contributing to peer-reviewed publication(s) including, but not limited to data analysis, generating figures, writing drafts and revisions of manuscripts, responding to peer-reviews.
15% - Assist with supervision of graduate and undergraduate student research. This includes training and mentoring students in project design, data collection, data analysis, research results dissemination, and proper procedures for all instruments and safety regulations in the laboratory setting.
10%- Engage in career development activities. This includes completing responsible conduct in research training provided by the KU Office of Research, developing and submitting grant proposals for new projects (as appropriate), attending KU and/or Scientific Society led workshops on building skills for specific career trajectories (as appropriate), developing materials for job applications to move to next career stage, and practicing interviewing to move to next career stage.
 ,The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology invites qualified Ph.D. biologists to submit applications, which will be reviewed by individual faculty members and placed in a pool for consideration for research positions in all fields and related areas. To see a list of faculty members and their research opportunities please visit the following web site: http://eeb.ku.edu/faculty. If you are interested in a postdoctoral position with an EEB faculty member, please contact the faculty member directly to inquire about opportunities in their research group.
This is for a one-year initial appointment, with possibility of renewal based on funding and performance. 

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