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Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Virginia

Williammary

Postdoctoral Researcher

Gloucester Point, VA · On-site

$70K/yr

Faculty - Postdoctoral Research Associate (12 months) Worker Sub-Type: Fixed Term (requires end date - benefited) (Fixed Term) Job Requisition Primary Location: Virginia Institute of Marine Science ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

  • Life

  • Retirement

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 535868 Work type ... Research Faculty Senior management: College of Business Department: Accounting & Information ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 535677 Work type ... Research Faculty Senior management: Natural Resources Department: Geography Location: Blacksburg ...

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All JobsPostdoctoral Research Associate JobsPostdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Virginia

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 19, 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.

Research Associate, Department of Ophthalmology

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days 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 619 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Virginia is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in the lab of Dr. Zhou performing experimental design, statistical analysis, lab duties, manuscripts and grant drafting, and attending oral and poster presentations. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator who works well in a team setting and has strong basic science knowledge using advanced techniques in one or more fields encompassing ophthalmology/vision science and vascular biology. The ideal candidate will possess the following skills: Significant animal handling, genotyping, tissue harvest, histology and in vivo imaging; Solid cell biology including cell isolation, cell culture, cell transfection, FACS, and confocal microscopy; Molecular biology experience in RNA isolation, qRT-PCR, protein immunoblotting, scRNA-seq prep and analyses.
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.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctoral degree
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.
The projected salary is $62,232, commensurate with education and experience.
This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .
This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability. This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.
This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.
To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .
Application review will begin after May 7, 2026
Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
How to Apply
Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R0082874. Complete an application with the following documents:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

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: 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 position, please contact Dr. Jenny Zhou, wrc8bn@virginia.edu .
For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, sxv9zv@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

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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