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Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Houston, TX

Tamus

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Houston, TX

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M University Health Science Center Department Ibt Center For Translational Cancer Research Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location ...

Tamus

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Galveston, TX

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M University Department Institute For A Disaster Resilient Texas Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Galveston, Texas Job Type ...

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Postdoctoral Research Associate information

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$40.6K

$82.1K

$111.3K

How much do postdoctoral research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research associate in Houston, TX is $82,089.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $110,800.00 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?

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.

More about Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings:
Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,089 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Tamus

Houston, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University Health Science Center

Department

Ibt Center For Translational Cancer Research

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Houston, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents& livedexperiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens ourcorevalueswhich are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Whowe are

As one of the fastest-growing academic health centers in the nation,Texas A&M Healthencompasses five colleges andnumerouscenters and institutes working together to improve health through transformative education, innovativeresearchand team-based health care delivery.

What we want

The Postdoctoral Research Associate is responsible for conducting translational pharmacology research in cancer therapeutics within the Drug Discovery Resource Center, with an initial emphasis on the pharmacology of natural killer cell fortification in collaboration with research partners at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will utilize the skills and expertise granted to them by their education and experience to complete research projects focused on mechanism of action, pharmacologic response, assay development, and translation of positive results toward patient treatment. Writes and may contribute to research papers, articles, and publications. Assists with the preparation and cleaning of worksite. May collaborate with other researchers, faculty, and external partners.

What you need to know

Salary:Will becommensuratebased on the selected hire's education and experience.

Location/Schedule:Houston, TX/Full-Time;

  • May have to work on the weekends and/or after normal hours

  • May travel as required

We encourage you to apply!To help us learn more about your experience and interest in the role, pleasesubmita cover letter andCV/resume. You can upload both documentsinthe CV/Resume section of the application.

Responsibilities

Research

  • Under general supervision, is responsible for conducting research into their field of expertise.

  • Coordinates research activities with Drug Discovery Resource Center leadership and other internal or external collaborators as appropriate to advance translational objectives.

  • Utilizes knowledge and skills granted to them by their education and expertise to complete research projects in their field of expertise.

  • Develops, adapts, and performs biochemical, cell-based, immunologic, imaging, and/or computational assays as appropriate to project goals, including assay-development and drug-discovery workflows.

  • Analyzes research data, summarizes results, and interprets findings in the context of drug discovery and development.

  • Writes and may contribute to research papers, articles, and publications.

  • Assists with the preparation and cleaning of worksite.

Mentoring

  • May assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and/or graduate students who are working on research related to the project, including training in assay execution, data analysis, good laboratory practices, and collaborative drug discovery workflows.

Presentations

  • Prepares presentation materials on research topic that may be presented to small and/or large groups, including internal program meetings, advisory or training-program meetings, external collaborators, and research sponsors.

  • Actively participates in the preparation of required technical progress reports to research sponsors, collaborative project teams, and training or career-development programs as appropriate.

Departmental Support

  • Participates in interdisciplinary proposal-team activities and assists with organization, data compilation, literature review, figure/table preparation, and technical documentation in support of external funding proposals including personal fellowships and program related proposals.

  • Contributes to emerging program efforts in drug discovery and development, including future projects involving blood-brain barrier models and neurodegenerative disease such as DPRIT and related funding opportunities become available.

  • Engages in individualized training in drug discovery and development, regulatory and commercial translation, collaborative research practices, career-development planning, and fellowship/grant preparation to support future independent research in industry or academics.

  • Participates in structured professional-development activities, which may include advisory-committee meetings, Cancer Therapeutics Training Program or GCC Innovative Drug Discovery and Development activities, and preparation for K99/R00 or comparable career-development opportunities as appropriate Remaining.

Required Education and Experience

  • Appropriate PhD in a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in Higher Education

  • Experience with molecular biology, protein biochemistry, mammalian cell culture, cell-based assay development, fluorescence/imaging, flow cytometry, or related methods.

  • Experience with computational drug discovery, molecular modeling, structure-based design, or analysis software such as MOE, AlphaFold/Boltz, GraphPad Prism, Python/R, or related tools.

  • Experience or interest in cancer pharmacology, immuno-oncology, natural killer cell biology, drug discovery and development, translational therapeutics, blood-brain barrier models, or neurodegenerative disease research.

  • Evidence of effective written and oral communication, collaborative research, mentoring, and contribution to publications, presentations, or competitive fellowship/grant preparation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Excellent verbal and written skills.

  • Oral and written presentation skills.

  • Analytical skills, including ability to interpret mechanism-of-action and pharmacologic response data.

  • Attention to detail.

  • Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external research partners.

  • Ability to learn and apply drug discovery and development workflows, pharmacology concepts, translational research practices, and career-development planning activities.

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.

  • Medical,prescription drug,dental,vision,life and AD&D,flexible spending accounts,and long-term disability insurancewith Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

  • 12-15 daysof annual paid holidays

  • Up toeight hours of paid sick leaveand at leasteight hours of paid vacationeach month

  • Automatic enrollment in theTeacher Retirement System of Texas

  • Health and Wellness:Free exercise programs and release time

  • Professional Development: All employees have access to freeLinkedIn Learningtraining, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

  • Educational release time and tuition assistancefor completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

  • Living Well,a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Instructions to Applicants:Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered, or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

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