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Postdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs in Seattle, WA

Uw

Research Scientist/Engineer 2

Seattle, WA · On-site

Work directly with Principal Investigators, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and laboratory ... assist with laboratory-wide EH&S compliance (5%) Assist with managing undergraduate research ...

FHLB Des Moines

Research Scientist/Engineer 2

Seattle, WA · On-site

$69.60 - $96/hr

Work directly with Principal Investigators, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and laboratory ... assist with laboratory-wide EH&S compliance(5%) Assist with managing undergraduate research ...

micro1 AI

AI Training Specialist - Physics

Everett, WA · On-site +1

$80 - $150/hr

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 ...

micro1 AI

AI Training Specialist - Physics

Kent, WA · On-site +1

$80 - $150/hr

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 ...

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Postdoctoral Research Assistant information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$48.4K

$97.9K

$132.7K

How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research assistant in Seattle, WA is $97,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,800.00 and $132,100.00 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,879 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Radiology, Diagnostic Imaging Sciences Center (DISC)

University of Washington

Seattle, WA • On-site

$5.7K - $6.1K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

University Of Washington School Of Medicine rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The University of Washington, Department of Radiology, has openings for multiple postdoctoral scholar positions. The research projects will focus on advancing rapid, quantitative, and multiparametric MRI protocols, evaluating their reproducibility, and facilitating their clinical translation across various body regions and disease types. The work will primarily utilize Philips 3T and 1.5T scanners as the main platform, while with additional access to state-of-art Siemens, GE scanners, as well as a United Imaging PET/MRI system located nearby-providing an ideal setup for multi-vendor studies. The prospective postdocs will collaborate with a diverse team of experts, including radiologists and physicians from various specialties at the University of Washington and its affiliated hospitals. Anticipated start date of November 1, 2025.
The base salary range for this position will be $68,460 - $74,136/year ($5,705 to $6,178 per month), commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by the U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.
Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are initially for 12-months with opportunities to renew. This appointment may not exceed 5 years, including postdoctoral experience(s) at other institutions. This is a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar position on an annual, 12-month appointment. Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Completed PhD in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a medical imaging related field.
  • Experience with developing advanced pulse sequences or accelerated acquisition and reconstruction algorithms will be highly valued.

Application Instructions
Interested candidates should apply via Interfolio link with their CV (including a full list of publications), a statement of research interests, and contact information for three referees.
For questions please email:
Dan Zhu, PhD, Research Assistant Professor of Radiology, Assistant Director of MRI Protocols for DISC, at dzhu6@uw.edu;
Qin Qin, PhD, Research Professor of Radiology, Director of DISC, at qqin@uw.edu.

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