ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Postdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA

Research Faculty Senior management: Natural Resources Department: Geography Location: Blacksburg ... The project is led by Junghwan Kim, PhD, MUP, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA

Research Faculty Senior management: College of Science Department: Psychology Location: Blacksburg ... The Postdoctoral Associate will also assist with grant writing, supervise junior trainees, and ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA

Research / Scientific, Veterinary Medicine Looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated postdoctoral ... The candidate will also assist with the development of liver and/or brain organoid cultures ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536557 Work type: Research Faculty ... researchers to develop biologically and clinically meaningful computational tools Assist in data ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPostdoctoral Research JobsPostdoctoral Research Assistant JobsPostdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia

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 Jul 18, 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,222 per year, or $41 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Ray Laboratory

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Ray Laboratory

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

182nd of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Ray laboratory at the Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia, seeks highly qualified applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Associate.
The laboratory explores molecular physiology and cellular mechanisms that precipitate pediatric renal diseases, with a focus on understanding the pathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome, capillary permeability, and angiogenesis in pediatric kidney diseases.
The selected candidate is expected to develop and execute research projects independently, characterize new transgenic mouse and rat models with a combination of genomic, molecular, physiological, and immunohistochemical approaches. The postdoctoral research associate is also expected to assist in grant application, manuscript preparation, general laboratory maintenance and laboratory personnel training.
Postdoctoral employment is temporary and is normally limited to an individual who has been awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within the previous five years and who will be involved in full-time research or scholarship at the University. Employment as a Postdoctoral Research Associate is viewed as training and is preparatory for a full-time academic or research career, is supervised by a senior scholar, and allows the appointee to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship during the training period
This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Doctoral degree in related field
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience working in a nephrology lab and expertise in fly, worm, mice and rat models is required. Proficiency with HIV transgenic mouse and rat models, tissue processing, and immunohistochemistry is necessary.
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.
Salary for this position will be based on the current NIH salary scale and commensurate with the candidate's years of relevant postdoctoral experience.
This is an Exempt-level, benefitted position. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits .
This position is based in Charlottesville, VA and will remain open until filled.
To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .
Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
How to Apply
Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R0084867. Complete an application with the following documents:
  • Resume/CV
  • Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website .
Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
For questions about the application process, please contact Karon Harrington at fak3ph@virginia.edu .
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 .

What University Of Virginia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

University of Virginia logo

About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

View All University of Virginia Jobs

Apply