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Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Mentoring undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, and participating in ... Associate Professor. * Demonstrated ability in obtaining extramural funding. * Evidence of research ...

Postdoctoral Research Associate information

See Hawaii salary details

$44.2K

$89.3K

$121K

How much do postdoctoral research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research associate in Hawaii is $89,308.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $120,500.00 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.

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings in Hawaii as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,308 per year, or $42.9 per hour.
Assistant/Associate Professor - Marine Biologist (0082434)

Assistant/Associate Professor - Marine Biologist (0082434)

University of Hawaii

Honolulu, HI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


University Of Hawaii System rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : UH Manoa, Honolulu, HI
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 2026-00338
Department: University of Hawai'i at Manoa - College of Natural Sciences - School of Life Sciences
Opening Date: 02/25/2026
Position Number:: 0082434
Description
Title: Assistant / Associate Professor (Marine Biologist)
Position Numbers: 0082434
Hiring Unit: College of Natural Sciences - School of Life Sciences
Location: Manoa
Date Posted: February 25, 2026
Closing Date: Application review begins March 19, 2026
Salary Information: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Monthly Type: 9 Month
Tenure Track: Tenure
Full/Part Time: Full time
Temp/Perm: Permanent
Funding: General Funds
Position Description
The School of Life Sciences (SoLS) at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa seeks a candidate for an Assistant (F3) or Associate Professor (F4) of Marine Biology position who uses integrative approaches to investigate the underlying mechanisms of responses of marine organisms, populations, or communities to environmental change. Research should connect organismal biology and ecology, and may integrate multiple biological, spatial, and/or temporal scales. Research that will focus on Hawaiian species is of particular interest. The successful candidate can have research experience in any area of marine biology, including but not limited to physiological, ecological, and/or evolutionary approaches. This is a permanent, tenure-track, full-time, 9-month facutly appointment to begin August 1, 2026, subject to position clearance, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
The University of Hawai'i at Manoa (UHM) is a Carnegie Research 1 University with strong emphases on research and undergraduate and graduate education. Our campus welcomes all students but given our responsibilities to the community in which we operate, as part of our strategic mission, we strive to become a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning, a place that is committed to integrating Native Hawaiian language, culture and/or values into its academic and campus environment. Our vision is to be locally and globally recognized as a premier student-centered and community-serving university (The School of Life Sciences hosts the largest academic program on the University of Hawai'i's flagship campus, serving over 1,500 undergraduate majors and 150 graduate students for degrees in biology, botany, marine biology, microbiology, molecular cell biology, and zoology. Research interests of the 40 faculty members span all biological scales, with many focusing on ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. The School of Life Sciences is committed to serving our community and state and to excellence in research and teaching. (
Assistant Professor Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and sustain an innovative, externally funded research program
- Mentor and advise graduate and undergraduate students in the School of Life Sciences
- Provide high-quality teaching in support of the Marine Biology B.S. and B.A. degree programs
- Develop and teach graduate courses in their area of expertise that directly contribute to one or more of the graduate degrees offered by the School of Life Sciences
- Serve on departmental, college, and university committees as appropriate
- Render service to the professional and local/regional community that is relevant to the individual's academic specialty
Associate Professor Duties and Responsibilities
- In addition to the duties and responsibilities associated with the Assistant Professor rank, the role encompasses leadership at the University and national levels.
Assistant Professor Minimum Qualifications
- A Ph.D or equivalent terminal degree from a college or university of recognized standing in a field relevant to the position.
- Research experience in marine biology or a related field
- Excellence and creativity in research, as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Ability to teach and mentor students of various backgrounds in core classes in the Marine Biology major, such as algal diversity, invertebrate biology, fish biology, marine microbiology, marine ecology and evolution, or an advanced capstone course, among others
- Commitment to supporting the key principles of the School of Life Sciences, which include personal and professional integrity, and the pursuit of excellence in instruction and research
- Professionalism in meeting and conferring with others.
Associate Professor Minimum Qualifications
In addition to those of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor minimum qualifications include:
- Four years in the rank of Assistant Professor
- Documented participation in the scholarly and academic affairs of their Department, University, or professional organization
- Clear recognition among peers at the local and/or regional levels
Assistant Professor Desirable Qualifications
- Postdoctoral research experience
- Evidence of external research funding
- Demonstrated experience and excellence in instruction of undergraduate and graduate students in the life sciences, with an emphasis on marine biology
- Experience working with students of various backgrounds and various community populations
- Vision of research that takes advantage of Hawai'i's unique location, resources, and faculty expertise in the School of Life Sciences, other university units, and state and federal agencies engaged in marine research
- Connection to global change issues
Associate Professor Desirable Qualifications
In addition to those of Assistant Professor, Associate Processor desirable qualifications include:
- Departmental leadership experience
- Demonstrated record of excellent evaluations on teaching of students and other trainees
- Scientific peer-reviewed publication in major journals related to their field
To Apply
Applicants should submit: 1) a cover letter in which you identify the position for which you are applying and indicate how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a statement of research interests, activities, and plans (up to 3 pages in length); 4) a statement of teaching philosophy, interests, and plans (up to 2 pages in length); 5) copies of up to three relevant publications; and 6) names and contact information (including email addresses and telephone numbers) for three professional references. Additional information about Manoa's Strategic Vision as a Native Hawaiian place of learning can be found here:
Official transcripts with proof of degree conferred will be required upon hire.
Inquiries: Dr. Megan Porter,
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: , or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link:

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About University of Hawaii

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The University of Hawaii, located in Honolulu, HI, US, is an internationally recognized institution of higher learning. Spanning across ten campuses, including one online university, it represents the public system of higher education in the state of Hawaii. Established in 1907, the university operates in the educational services industry, its mission rooted in quality and affordable education for all. It offers over 600 different study programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in a broad spectrum of disciplines. Some of its unrivaled specialties encompass tropical agriculture, tropical medicine, oceanography, astronomy, electrical engineering, volcanology, and Pacific Islands and Asian area studies.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Honolulu, HI, US

Year founded

1907