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Postdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA

$62K/yr

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537411 Work type: Research Faculty ... and will assist in mentoring students involved in related research activities. Required ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537094 Work type: Research Faculty ... research leadership, scientific outreach, and teaching. Opportunities may also exist to assist the ...

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Postdoctoral Research Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$42.1K

$85.2K

$115.5K

How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research assistant in Virginia is $85,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $115,000.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in Virginia?

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs?

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

Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings in Virginia 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 $85,222 per year, or $41 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Contemplative Research Fellow

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team.

  • Co-author scholarship related to CIRCL research.

  • Participate in regular CIRCL meetings and CSC community activities.

University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

Contemplative Research Fellows are Postdoctoral Research Associates who specialize in the investigation of contemplative practices and experiences. This position will possess demonstrated expertise in the Humanities as it relates to methods in the interdisciplinary contemplative sciences.
The Contemplative Sciences Center (CSC) is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate, a Contemplative Research Fellow who is trained in the Humanities to join ongoing and emerging research in the CSC's CIRCL, Contemplative Innovation + Research Co-Lab . The CIRCL is a collaboratory for experimental research homed in the Contemplative Commons that facilitates diverse disciplinary expertise to study a broad spectrum of topics related to how contemplative practices operate in human bodies, minds, cultures, and ecologies. Research in the CIRCL co-lab investigates how contemplation intersects with themes of nature, technology, and the arts. Though studies involve a range of populations and contexts, a focus is how contemplation can enhance wellbeing among young adults. Experimental studies currently include meditation in different environmental exposures, immersive technologies of light and sound, Virtual Reality, and lucid dreaming, among other areas.
CSC's Contemplative Research Fellow postdoctoral program is designed to train and mentor emerging scholars and scientists in the transdisciplinary study of contemplation to prepare the next generation of researchers, grow expertise at the University of Virginia, and contribute to the advancement of contemplative knowledge and know-how. The Fellow will work as an integral member of the CIRCL co-lab, join a consortium of researchers from across the University and around the world, and conduct research and scholarship in their specialized area of humanistic inquiry as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary research team of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate research assistants. Fellows receive mentorship from faculty, professional training in transdisciplinary methods, experience in contemplative research design, and administrative support.
Research Focus
  • Fellows are expected to work on experimental studies in the CIRCL as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
  • Depending on priorities and experience, Fellows will develop a research focus in their area of specialization, contribute to collaborative research, and take on varying degrees of managing a research project.
  • Areas of study include, but are not limited to, investigations of attention, mind-wandering, spontaneity, imagination, mental imagery simulation, enhanced cognition, somatic awareness, multisensory experiences, emotional regulation, prosocial affect, psychological flexibility, psychedelics, ecological immersion, and nondual awareness.

Minimum Requirements/Eligibility
  • Applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or related) in the Humanities (Religious Studies/Philosophy/Cultural Psychology or relevant field) by the start date of the fellowship or have received their doctorate within 5-years prior to their start date.

Key Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team.
  • Co-author scholarship related to CIRCL research.
  • Participate in regular CIRCL meetings and CSC community activities.
  • Engage with an interdisciplinary cohort of Postdoctoral Research Associates at UVA.
  • Other responsibilities to be detailed that align with the fellowship.

Desired Skills and Experience
  • Ability to think critically, comparatively, and analytically about issues related to historical and contemporary contemplative practices.
  • Training in humanistic methodologies, such as phenomenological, text critical, philosophical, historical, ethnographic, psychological, cross-cultural methods.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team with diverse expertise.
  • Ability to problem solve and innovate.
  • Previous experience conducting interdisciplinary experimental research on contemplative practice/s is a plus, not required.
  • Training in phenomenological interview method/s is a plus, not required.
  • Previous experience coordinating research is a plus, not required.
  • Excellent written communication skills. Ability to work with co-authors to publish.
  • Collaborative. Organized. Dependable. Responsive. Attentive to detail.

Time Period
  • The fellowship is three one-year renewable appointments . Each year is contingent on a successful review by the supervisor, which will be conducted during the ninth month of their appointment. Criteria of evaluation include: (i) Rigor of research, (ii) Ability to collaborate and work efficiently, and (iii) Commitment to shared values.

Compensation and Benefits
  • Fellows are classified as Postdoctoral Research Associates at the University and will receive a competitive salary in the range of $55,000-$65,000 along with the benefits awarded for a Postdoctoral Research Associate by UVA.
  • Fellows will receive $5,000 per year for conferences and professional development.
  • Employment is contingent on successful completion of background check.

How to Apply
Applicants must complete an application and submit the following on the UVA Job Board :
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover letter (2-pages max) that describes the candidate's research focus and interests, and how their training aligns with the mission of CSC's CIRCL research.
  • 3 professional references upon request.

Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website .
The application deadline is October 2, 2026. The anticipated start date is January 2, 2027.
Contact Michael Sheehy, Director of Research at the Contemplative Sciences Center, circl@virginia.edu for questions about the position. For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo , Senior Academic Recruiter.
Physical Demands
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

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