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Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania

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Postdoctoral Research Associate information

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$42.6K

$86.2K

$116.8K

How much do postdoctoral research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research associate in Pennsylvania is $86,166.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,100.00 and $116,300.00 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a postdoctoral research associate?

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 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 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.

More about Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Postdoctoral Research jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings:

Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,166 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Xu lab

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Carnegie Mellon University rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 623 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
Postdoc Positions in Image Analysis
The Xu lab at the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University is looking for multiple postdoctoral research associates who will be using cutting edge computer vision and machine learning tools for analyzing cryo-ET 3D image data. Will support on-going research programs in the lab and manage sub-projects, write up results as journal papers.
Qualifications
  • Doctorate degree in Computer Science, Electric Engineering, computational biology, or related fields.
  • A good track of publication records in related areas.
  • Excellent analytical and oral/written communication skills.

Application Instructions
Interested applicants should submit a CV with publication list and contact information for three references, and send an email notification to mxu1@cs.cmu.edu

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