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Postdoctoral Research Associate information

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$42.1K

$85.2K

$115.5K

How much do postdoctoral research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research associate in Virginia is $85,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $115,000.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,222 per year, or $41 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 hours ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Platig Lab at the University of Virginia. The candidate would be part of an interdisciplinary team of computational biologists, data scientists, and RNA biologists investigating the role of alternative splicing in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). The project will leverage large-scale generation (400+ samples) of long-read RNA-seq from CD4+ T cells in a T1D cohort across multiple time points. A core aim of this project will be to develop interpretable machine learning approaches to understand how RNA binding proteins (RBPs) regulate observed splicing changes and to test putative mechanisms experimentally.
This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of machine learning, RNA biology, and immunology, with translational relevance to T1D.
Postdoctoral employment is temporary and is normally limited to an individual who has been awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within the previous five years and who will be involved in full-time research or scholarship at the University. Employment as a Postdoctoral Research Associate is viewed as training and is preparatory for a full-time academic or research career, is supervised by a senior scholar, and allows the appointee to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship during the training period
This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.
Responsibilities
  • Integrate long-read and short-read RNA-seq with RBP data (motifs, eCLIP) for splicing and isoform analysis
  • Develop machine learning methods to predict functional RNA regulatory elements
  • Collaborate with wet-lab partners to design follow-up experiments
  • Publish findings and present at national conferences
  • Contribute to grant writing and mentorship of graduate students

Minimum Qualifications
  • PhD (awarded or imminent) in bioinformatics, computational biology, or a closely related field
  • Demonstrated experience using long- or short-read RNA-seq to understand alternative splicing
  • Experience using machine learning techniques in genomics
  • Strong publication record
  • Ability to communicate computational techniques to a broad audience

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience modeling RNA binding proteins
  • Familiarity with T1D
  • Experience with machine learning interpretability approaches (xAI)

Physical Demands
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
Salary will be commensurate with education, experience, and NIH guidelines.
This is an Exempt-level, benefitted position. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits .
This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.
To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .
Application review/deadline This position will remain open until filled.
Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
Please apply online through Online and search for R0083627. Complete the application and upload the following required materials:
Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website .
  • Cover letter
  • Resume

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website .
Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
For questions about the application process, please contact Bill Crane, Xer5ff@virginia.edu.
For questions about the position, please contact Jennifer Dean, jmdean@virginia.edu
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

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10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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