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Postdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

$86K

$116.5K

How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,959 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Northeastern University

Boston, MA • On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

About the Opportunity
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
JOB SUMMARY
General Summary: Performs basic or applied research of a limited scope, primarily using existing methods and theories. Assists the supervisor in the interpretation and publication of results and assists in reporting related to grants. Maintains the laboratory and may exercise functional supervision over supporting research staff. Primary responsibility is ensuring that the research is complete. The appointment generally does not extend beyond two years.
Major Responsibilities
  • Assist in initiating, executing, and completing research and experiments (60%)
  • Prepare and write research papers and presentations (25%)
  • Laboratory management (5%)
  • Train students and other personnel (5%)
  • Professional Development Activities (grant writing, teaching, designer and user experience training) (5%)

Qualifications. Must have a Ph.D. or equivalent; be able to undertake substantially full-time research or scholarship; work under the supervision of a senior scholar.
Please use the space below to identify specific requirements for this position.
Seeking Postdoc to lead fMRI data analyses related to aging, Locus Coeruleus and cognition
We seek to hire an interdisciplinary post-doctoral researcher in a joint project focused to understand fMRI of Aging with a focus on the Locus Coeruleus. This project involves a collaboration between Aaron Seitz at Northeastern University, Xiaoping Hu, Ilana Bennett, and Weiwei Zhang at the University of California Riverside and Megan Peters at the University of California Irvine. This opportunity will involve working on an NIA-funded project to understand how individual differences in the structure and function of the locus coeruleus moderate perception and memory in an older adult population. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to take a lead role in data analyses related to the project.
Successful candidates should have a strong background in fMRI data collection and analysis, advanced computational and statistical competencies, project management skills, creativity and a high-level of conscientiousness. They should also have expertise in one or more of the following areas (and knowledge of the others): cognitive aging, brain aging, psychophysics, perception or memory processes, eye-tracking, metacognition, and the role of the locus coeruleus in cognition. Researchers must possess a doctoral degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, or a related field.
We seek post-doctoral researchers who aim to take leading roles in projects, including setting up experiments, collecting and analyzing data, training and supervision of graduate students and undergraduate research assistants, dissemination of results at conferences and in research publications, as well as grant writing. Successful candidates should have strong technical skills, including experiment design and data analysis, along with excellent management and communication skills, creativity and a high-level of conscientiousness, as these are required to play a lead role in our many sizeable projects. We especially encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups to apply.
Applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, 1-2 sample publications, statement of research interests and the names of three to five references with phone numbers and emails. Review of applications will begin Nov 1, 2025 and may continue until the position is filled. Salary is based on research experience. The initial appointment is for 1 year with a possibility of extension.
Position Type
Research
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
108S
Expected Hiring Range:
$60,315.00 - $85,192.50
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.