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Postdoctoral Research Associate information

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$31.8K

$64.2K

$87.1K

How much do postdoctoral research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research associate in Florida is $64,237.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,800.00 and $86,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Postdoctoral Research Associate?

A Postdoctoral Research Associate, often called a postdoc, is a person who has recently completed their doctoral studies (PhD or equivalent) and is engaged in scholarly research as part of a temporary position, usually at a university or research institution. The role is designed to deepen their expertise in a specific field, contribute to research projects, publish academic papers, and develop skills for future independent research or academic positions. Postdocs typically work under the supervision of a principal investigator (PI) and may also mentor graduate or undergraduate students.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you need an advanced degree (typically a Ph.D.) in a relevant field, strong research methodology skills, and a track record of scholarly publications. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, or programming languages is often required, depending on the research area. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective written and verbal communication set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality research, contributing to scientific advancement, and securing future academic or industry positions.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoctoral Research AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) in relevant fieldMaster's or Ph.D., often with more industry experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutions, labsIndustry, corporate R&D, or academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government labs, research institutesPrivate companies, biotech, pharma, tech firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Postdoctoral Research Associates typically hold a Ph.D. and work in academic or research institutions focusing on specialized research projects. Research Scientists often have similar credentials but may work in industry settings with broader responsibilities, including product development and applied research. The main difference lies in the work environment and career stage, with Postdoctoral Research Associates usually in early career research roles and Research Scientists in more advanced, industry-focused positions.

What are some common challenges faced by Postdoctoral Research Associates when transitioning to independent research roles?

Postdoctoral Research Associates often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple research projects, securing independent funding, and developing a unique research identity separate from their advisor. Navigating the transition also involves building professional networks and gaining experience in grant writing, mentoring, and publishing as a lead author. Proactively seeking mentorship and collaborating across disciplines can help ease these challenges and support a successful move to an independent research career.

What Is a Postdoctoral Research Associate?

Postdoctoral research associates are professionals who have completed their doctorate and are continuing their research to gain hands-on experience before starting their academic careers. Their duties usually include researching with the support of a small team and writing papers for academic journals. Depending on the field of research, a postdoctoral research associate may also have other responsibilities. These positions are typically short-term.

More about Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings:
Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,237 per year, or $30.9 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
The Regional Economic Research Institute (RERI) at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PRA) to join our team. The PRA will work with and directly report to the Director of the RERI, Dr. Amir B. Ferreira Neto and is located in Fort Myers, FL.
This position will engage in nationally visible academic research and sponsored projects, and develop economic projects for RERI stakeholders, including local government, businesses, and university units. The PRA will assist in developing and implementing customized empirical analyses for RERI's internal and external stakeholders, producing documents that address clients' questions and create knowledge relevant to the Southwest Florida community. The PRA will be involved in data acquisition, management, and analysis, writing reports and papers, developing presentations for clients and stakeholders, and applying for external funding, including grants and consultancy-like contracts.
The PRA must have strong empirical research skills (econometrics, statistics, input-output analysis, and/or other quantitative methods). The position does allow for time for work on independent research within work hours, and it therefore provides an opportunity for further developing an independent research portfolio. The position will provide opportunities to develop a teaching portfolio.
This is a 12-month position, with the possibility of renewal, based on performance and pending external funding. The starting date is no later than August 2026.
Salary based on skills & qualifications/experience.
Job Description
Essential Job Functions:
  • Conducts economic research, write briefs and economic impact studies, and produce other reports using results from statistical analysis using software/tools such as IMPLAN, R, Excel, and others.
  • Collaborates with RERI faculty and staff to write reports and make presentations of findings to clients and potentially media outlets.
  • Creates and manages databases.
  • Analyzes the Southwest Florida economy, draws comparisons to the nation and with other areas in the states, and makes presentations of findings.
  • Assists in planning, design, and execution of research projects and preparation of research & grant proposals. May serve as co-Principal Investigator with leadership expectations and primary responsibility for end-to-end execution.
  • Conducts literature searches.
  • Assists in the dissemination of RERI work via social media, print, or other media outlets.
  • Teaches one 3h credit course per semester as determined by the Department of Economics and Finance chair.
  • Supervises undergraduate research assistants

Additional Job Description
Minimum Requirements:
  • PhD or ABD with expected completion by June 1, 2027, in relevant field.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Economics, Applied Economics, Geography, Demography, Sociology, or a related field by start date.
  • Experience in economic and econometric research, fiscal and economic impact analysis, regional economics, report writing, and business development
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to publish research in high ranked economics journals and to present research findings to a variety of audiences.
  • Expertise in Input-Output Models such as IMPLAN and REMI, and econometric and statistical packages such as R, Python and/or Stata
  • Experience with survey analysis and programming in Qualtrics.
  • Experience in working on externally funded research, and writing grant proposals for research funding
  • Experience in working with spatial data and GIS software/packages.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Promote a common purpose consistent with stated University goals and demonstrate a commitment to students and the learning environment.
  • Knowledge of general written standards and procedures utilized, and can read, interpret, and follow procedural and policy manual related to the job tasks.
  • Ability to respond to supervision, guidance, and direction in a positive, receptive manner and in accordance with stated policies.
  • Provide quality customer service by creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
  • Present a professional image in word, action, and attire.
  • Ability to interact in a professional manner with staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
  • Apply effective techniques to create working relationships with others to achieve common goals; successfully communicate and collaborates with others to achieve goals.
  • Demonstrate skills necessary to look at situations and processes critically to make recommendations for improvement.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit the following materials: cover letter, curriculum vitae with names, phone numbers and email addresses of 3 recent professional references, and samples of your research (job market paper or representative publication).
Questions about specifics of the Postdoctoral Research Associate may be sent to Amir B. Ferreira Neto (aborgesferreiraneto@fgcu.edu).
Application deadline: 07/31/2026, with priority to applications by 07/01/2026
FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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