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Postdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs in Tennessee

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Postdoctoral Research Assistant information

See Tennessee salary details

$38.6K

$78K

$105.7K

How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research assistant in Tennessee is $78,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $105,300.00 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 Tennessee?

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

Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,018 per year, or $37.5 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Oncology

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 1,059 rated hospitals

Job description

A fully funded postdoctoral position is immediately available Mark Hatley's laboratory in the Molecular Oncology Division of the Department of Oncology at St. Jude Children's Hospital.
The Hatley lab studies how normal development processes are perturbed to drive pediatric embryonal tumors using rhabdomyosarcoma as a model system. Our findings defined the cell of origin of rhabdomyosarcoma, a presumed skeletal muscle tumor, as an endothelial progenitor cell (Cancer Cell, 33:108-124, 2018 and Nature Communications, 14:729, 2023). We now seek to elucidate the mechanism of this cell reprogramming event and its role in cell transformation. The lab leverages genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived xenografts, human and mouse tumor and primary cell lines as well as human induced pluripotent stem cells as model systems to interrogate the underlying pathobiology of pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma.
The Hatley lab is a very collaborative, interactive environment focused on scientific and career development of trainees. The lab supports a healthy work/life balance and diversity with a focus on career development. Four former postdocs are now tenure track Assistant Professors at academic institutions. Dr. Hatley was the 2019 mentor of the year at St. Jude. Successful applicants should have strong organizational and communication skills with drive and dedication to participate as a member of our team.
https://www.stjude.org/research/labs/hatley-lab.html
@HatleyLab
Minimum Experience:
The ideal candidate should have just received their PhD or have less than one year of postdoctoral research. Experience in mouse models, cell biology, and molecular biology is preferred. Please send a cover letter describing research interests and accomplishments, CV and the names and addresses of three references to mark.hatley@stjude.org.
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

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