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Postdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tamus

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Bryan, TX · On-site

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M University Health Science Center ... May assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and/or graduate students who are working ...

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Postdoctoral Research Assistant information

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$116.5K

How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research assistant in the United States is $85,959.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $116,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoctoral Research jobs? The most popular types of Postdoctoral Research jobs are:
What states have the most Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs include:
Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,959 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Harvard University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

133rd of 541 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position
Details
Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
School
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Department/Area
Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Position Description
The Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to advance innovative research on social well-being and digital well-being. The Center is dedicated to building a rigorous and interdisciplinary science of positive health, happiness, and well-being, with a focus on health equity, and to translate the science to influence practice and policy. The Center aims to shift public health from a predominantly deficit-based model toward an asset-based approach that promotes complete physical, mental, and especially social well-being for all, regardless of racial, socioeconomic, political, or geographic circumstances.
Working closely with the Center Director, Dr. Vish Viswanath, the Postdoctoral Research Fellow will play a central role in advancing the Center's research and programmatic priorities. The Fellow will lead and contribute to a portfolio of research projects, mentor research staff, and help translate scientific evidence into actionable strategies for public health practice and policy. Through close mentorship and collaboration, the Fellow will have the opportunity to develop as an independent scholar while conducting cutting-edge research in the science of well-being.
The Center is particularly interested in understanding social well-being and its dynamic interplay with physical and mental well-being. The Center's working definition of social well-being is the well-being of people in a community, determined by how social conditions, relationships, and institutions enable people to feel inclusively connected, respected, supported, and secure so they can fully and equally participate in society thus experience a sense of meaning, purpose, and positive emotions. Candidates must have a primary interest and experience in digital well-being and/or social well-being (e.g., social connection, loneliness, and social isolation). Additional areas of interest include the measurement of well-being and the translation of scientific evidence to inform public health practice and policy.
The Center, Department, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health provide an exceptional environment for professional growth, scholarly development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a rigorous and impactful research agenda; engage with internationally recognized leaders across research, practice, and policy; and join a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to advancing happiness and well-being.
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will report to the Center Director, Dr. Vish Viswanath. This is a one-year appointment, renewable for up to two additional years contingent upon performance-including the quality and impact of contributions and collaborations in support of the Center's mission-and the availability of funding. The Fellow will receive an annual performance review.
Duties & Responsibilities:Research-related (60%): Lead a portfolio of research activities including original research and projects congruent with the Center's research agenda.
  • Design studies (especially community-engaged), oversee data collection, conduct large-scale secondary data analyses, and develop data visualizations.
  • Prepare and publish manuscripts, and disseminate scientific findings.
  • Contribute to grant writing and research development efforts.
  • Supervise research staff and provide mentorship to student interns at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Engage with relevant partners and potential donors within the community and at the national and international levels.
  • Explore the role of new technologies (e.g., AI, social media) in well-being.

Programmatic support (40%): Assist in scientific leadership for the Center. This can include activities such as:
  • Support the conceptualization and implementation of seminars, workshops, and other high-profile events, ensuring scientific rigor.
  • Assist with curriculum/course development at Harvard Chan and/or in ExecEd, HarvardX, or short courses.
  • Contribute to the development of well-being measurement tools and curated repositories of evidence-based interventions.
  • Participate in the evaluation of grant proposals or student funding initiatives.

Schedule:Full-time, hybrid with a minimum of three on-campus days per week, remote work not permitted.
Term: One year from date of hire, with possible extension up to two additional years, contingent upon performance and contribution to the center's mission.
Basic Qualifications
The candidate should possess the following:
  • Doctoral-level degree in public health, social sciences, or a related discipline (must have successfully defended dissertation).
  • Demonstrated interest in social well-being and/or digital well-being.
  • Strong research skills, including study design, data collection, analysis, and scientific writing.
  • Strong quantitative analytical skills.
  • Publication record with contributions to peer-reviewed publications beyond dissertation work.
  • Experience leading research projects and managing teams, including supervising and mentoring staff, coordinating with administrators regarding budget and staffing, and ensuring research activities meet ethical guidelines.
  • Expertise in measuring well-being and resilience.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and project management skills.
  • Ability to define and drive projects to completion while collaborating effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
  • Commitment to advancing research in well-being and public health.

Additional Qualifications
Special Instructions
Please address questions to Kelsey Torres kelsey_torres@hsph.harvard.edu and apply via the ARIeS portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with an application deadline 3 weeks from date of posting.
Contact Information
Kelsey Torres
Assistant Director of Operations
Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Contact Email
kelsey_torres@hsph.harvard.edu
Salary Range
$65,000-73,000 based on qualifications and experience
Minimum Number of References Required
3
Maximum Number of References Allowed
3
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