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Postdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M University Health Science Center ... Order supplies and reagents to ensure uninterrupted research progress. * Assist lab members with ...

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 ...

Major Responsibilities * Assist in initiating, executing, and completing research and experiments ... Seeking Postdoc to lead fMRI data analyses related to aging, LocusCoeruleus and cognition We seek ...

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Postdoctoral Research Assistant information

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$42.5K

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$116.5K

How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 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:
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, and 98% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,959 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Psychology)

Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Psychology)

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


University Of Arizona rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

368th of 532 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Psychology)
Posting Number
req25452
Department
Psychology
Department Website Link
https://psychology.arizona.edu/
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
The University of Arizona's Department of Psychology invites you to apply for the role of Postdoctoral Research Associate. The Postdoctoral Fellow will join a multidisciplinary research project examining aging, risk for Alzheimer's disease, semantic memory, and hippocampal-cortical integrity. This work involves hands-on participation in in-lab experimental behavioral studies, standardized neuropsychological assessments, blood collection for plasma biomarker analysis, and functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging.
The Fellow will play a key role in neuroimaging data collection, preprocessing, and advanced data analysis, including high-resolution structural imaging and task-based fMRI methods. In addition to contributing to all phases of the research, the Postdoctoral Fellow will take a leadership role in disseminating findings through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Lead the MRI component of the project, including neuroimaging data collection, preprocessing, and analysis.
  • Integrate and analyze neuroimaging and cognitive/behavioral data.
  • Contribute to the overall data analytic plan for the project.
  • Supervise and mentor trainees, including graduate students and undergraduate research assistants, in data collection and analysis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge and skills in statistics and fMRI data analysis, as well as basic knowledge in, or willingness to learn about, the psychology of aging.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related field at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications
FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Research
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
NIH Salary Guidelines, Depends on Experience
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
5/15/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
For additional questions, please contact Matthew Grilli, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology, at mdgrilli@arizona.edu.
Open Date
3/17/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Two Additional Documents
Special Instructions to Applicant
Documents required for consideration for the position include:
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover Letter
  • A writing sample
  • A list of two or three individuals who can provide a reference/letter of recommendation.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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