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Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Virginia

Engineering, Research / Scientific The Department of Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position in the area of heterogeneous catalysis and ...

Research Faculty Senior management: College of Engineering Department: Chemical Engineering Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Engineering, Research / Scientific A postdoctoral associate ...

Research Faculty Senior management: College of Science Department: Chemistry Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Research / Scientific A Postdoctoral Associate position is available within the ...

Research / Scientific The Relationships and Stress Laboratory at Virginia Tech, directed by Dr. Amy Marshall, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position. The key aim of our research ...

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536195 Work type ... Research Faculty Senior management: Greater Washington, D.C Area Department: Institute for Advanced ...

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Postdoctoral Research Associate information

See Virginia salary details

$42.1K

$85.2K

$115.5K

How much do postdoctoral research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 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 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,222 per year, or $41 per hour.
Postdoctoral Associate

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


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Job description

Postdoctoral Associate
Job no: 524417
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Natural Resources
Department: Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific, Natural Resources
Job Description
The Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech is accepting applications for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate. Research will focus on developing and publishing a resource equivalency analysis (REA) model for freshwater mussels for use in the Department of Interior's (DOI) Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) cases. Accomplishment of this objective will provide NRDAR program managers and the general wildlife management community with REA modeling tools that can be used to estimate lost mussel service-years and replacement value for damage cases. The project will focus on native mussels and the REA model will accommodate life history knowledge about this unique animal group, which has special conservation significance in North America. The ecology and reproduction of mussels provides unique opportunities for developing and testing REA models, including modeling their longevity, breeding age, fecundity, and other life history factors. The incumbent will work collaboratively with Virginia Tech's Dr. Paul Angermeier and Dr. Jess Jones and DOI economists to develop Leslie matrix-based models utilizing Excel and r-script coding in Program R. A main goal of the modelling is to allow for flexibility to inform of a wide variety mussel restoration planning options, including injury quantification, restoration scaling, and incorporating varied mussel life history and demographic scenarios.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in quantitative ecology, natural resource economics, or a related discipline. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
- Experience in programming in Excel and r-script coding in Program R
- Demonstrated scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications
- Strong statistical modeling and analytical skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficiency with programming in R
- Experience with Leslie matrix-based demographic modeling
- Excellent writing and speaking skills
- Emphasis on aquatic ecosystems and freshwater mussel restoration
Pay Band
{lPayScaleID}
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Review Date
2/6/23
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact (insert name) at (insert email address) during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: January 25, 2023
Applications close:
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About Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

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