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Postdoctoral Research Assistant information

See Ohio salary details

$40.4K

$81.7K

$110.8K

How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research assistant in Ohio is $81,721.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,200.00 and $110,300.00 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 Ohio? The most popular types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in Ohio are:
Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings in Ohio 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 $81,721 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate- Food Microbiology

Central State University

Wilberforce, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Posting Number
0801832
Classification Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate- Food Microbiology
Working Title
Department
Agriculture Research Development Program (ARDP)
Department Contact Email
rkorir@centralstate.edu
Job Summary/Basic Function
JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in food microbiology safety to work on pathogen study projects focused on pre-and post-harvest fresh produce safety, especially those grown in aquaponics and hydroponic systems. The position involves agricultural, food science, and microbiological collaborative projects located at CSU campus in Wilberforce, Ohio. The main goal of our food safety studies is to improve food safety and reduce foodborne illness by examining the routes of contamination of fruits and vegetables with human pathogens. Under guidance from the CSU project directors, the participant will help in designing and conducting all aspects of the experiments from laboratory to growth chambers, greenhouse, aquaponics, and fields trials. The participant will learn methods to reduce bacterial pathogen loads contamination, integrated data collection and analysis, and novel methods to isolate and maintain microbial cells and nucleic acids. This is an integrated produce safety research project, and the participant will have opportunities to learn and participate in our food safety extensions programs.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
• Participates in and coordinates: microbiological research and field research project design.
• Leads experiment execution, sampling, data analysis, reporting, and publication preparation.
• Help design and implement research protocols and coordinate research studies focusing on human pathogenic bacteria, microbiome, biofilms, and fungi in aquaponics and hydroponic systems.
• Assist as needed to analyze water samples for microbiological quality from the CSU extension stakeholder's farmers and industries in states of Ohio.
• Carry out Bio-informatics analysis.
• Evaluation of microbiological quality of the fresh produce in local agricultural and food production systems.
• Perform food microbiology research reviews.
• Supervise research assistant students in the laboratory.
• Contribute to development and improvement of the CSU food safety sanitation and good agricultural practices training program
• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
• Cooperate with the lab technicians to oversee media preparation, culture management, bio-assay studies in growth chambers and greenhouse studies maintenance, experiment media and reagent quality control analysis.
• Perform microbiological and molecular analysis using culturing, DNA & RNA extractions, PCR, and qPCR techniques.
• Collect, analyze, and report research data for presentations in farmers' seminars and research conferences, and for manuscript preparation.
• Ability to adapt and apply academic/practical knowledge to conduct microbiological research on foods and food systems including water quality analysis required.
• Strong background in food microbiology experience particularly working with human pathogenic bacteria, working with technologies such as bioinformatics, SAS; R-studio; experience designing and leading research experiments, supervising undergraduate student research assistants, and analyzing data and manuscript preparation desired.
Minimum Qualifications
A Ph.D., in Microbiology, Food Safety, or Food Science & Technology or equivalent education experience in a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
Posting Date
06/10/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
The applicant must have a valid driver's license. Also, the individual must be authorized to work in the US.
This is a full-time position funded by annual allocation by National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through the Evans Allen Program with matching contributions from the State of Ohio.
The appointment will initially be for two years but may be renewed upon recommendation of CSU project directors and is contingent on the performance and availability of funds.
All offers of employment at Central State University are contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of education and employment history, criminal history check, driving record (if applicable), drug screening, and tax compliance review.
Certain positions may require additional screenings based on job responsibilities, regulatory requirements, or funding sources.
Failure to successfully complete the required background check or provide accurate and complete information may result in withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.
Position Category
Budgeted Annual Salary
Commensurate with experience

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