1

Postdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Post Doc Res Assoc

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$70K - $82K/yr

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be expected to lead and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and technical reports, present research findings, assist with research proposals and project ...

Post Doc Res Assoc

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$70K - $82K/yr

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be expected to lead and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and technical reports, present research findings, assist with research proposals and project ...

Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior research scientist. * Recent (last ~5 years) representative publications in the relevant subfield, with ...

Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior research scientist. * Recent (last ~5 years) representative publications in the relevant subfield, with ...

Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior research scientist. * Recent (last ~5 years) representative publications in the relevant subfield, with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Postdoctoral Research Assistant information

See Utah salary details

$38.7K

$78.3K

$106.1K

How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research assistant in Utah is $78,255.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $105,600.00 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 cities in Utah are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,255 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Engineer, Laboratory Manager, Research Assistant

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago


University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 623 rated colleges and universities


Job description

We are excited to share that the DigiPharma Laboratory at the University of Utah is growing! We are recruiting for several new positions:

  • Postdoctoral Fellow
  • Research Engineer
  • Laboratory Manager
  • Research Assistant

We would especially like to hear from people with experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Microfluidics and bioanalytical systems: microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip technologies, assay miniaturization, and automated sample processing
  • RNA and molecular analytics: RNA therapeutics, molecular assay development, and analytical method development and validation
  • Scientific instrumentation: optics, electronics, sensors, instrument design, and laboratory automation
  • Research operations and quality: laboratory management, quality systems, regulatory affairs, and program management
  • Software and data: scientific imaging, data systems, machine learning, and instrument software and control

You do not need to match every category. We are looking for people with real depth in at least one area, evidence that they can build or improve experiments, technologies, instruments, or research operations, and enthusiasm for working across disciplines.

We are entering an exciting new stage of growth. People who join now will have a real opportunity to help shape the projects, technologies, workflows, and team culture we build next.

Formal University of Utah application links will be posted shortly. In the meantime, please send me your CV through LinkedIn, together with the role that interests you, and a few sentences about one project or accomplishment you are particularly proud of.


What University Of Utah employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


University of Utah logo

About University of Utah

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US