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Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Mercer Island, WA

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Postdoctoral Research Associate information

See Mercer Island, WA salary details

$52.1K

$105.3K

$142.7K

How much do postdoctoral research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research associate in Mercer Island, WA is $105,277.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $142,100.00 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 cities near Mercer Island, WA are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Mercer Island, WA with the most Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings:

Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings in Mercer Island, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,277 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Benaroya Research Institute

Seattle, WA

$80K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

The Bettelli Lab at the Benaroya Research Institute is seeking a motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team. The Benaroya research Institute is devoted to finding causes and cures for immune system diseases and is an international leader in translating discoveries in autoimmune diseases to real life applications. The Bettelli lab focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying immune regulation and autoimmunity in multiple sclerosis.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work on ongoing grant-funded projects centered around defining the roles of CD4+ tissue resident memory T cells in multiple sclerosis and animal models of multiple sclerosis, understanding their interactions with other immune and central nervous system resident cells and modifying them for therapeutic benefits.


Responsibilities include the design and implementation of projects in neuroimmunology research. The candidate will perform in vitro and in vivo experiments including mouse models of multiple sclerosis, tissue harvest and processing, flow cytometry, FACS sorting, immunohistochemistry, cell culture, nucleic acid extractions, scRNA sequencing, and CRISPR gene editing. The candidate is expected to set up and operate laboratory equipment, document and analyze experimental results, maintains accurate records of laboratory activities, write and summarize experimental data for oral and written grant proposals and manuscripts, provide training and oversight for junior research team members, work collaboratively with other staff members.


A Ph.D. in immunology, neuroscience, molecular biology, or a related field is required, along with strong background in immunology, flow cytometry, molecular biology techniques, murine disease models, and strong research and data analysis skills. Expertise working with murine models of multiple sclerosis, human primary cells, multi-dimensional flow cytometry, molecular biology, and bioinformatics analysis is preferred. Applicants with good organizational and analytical skills, with 2 years or less of postdoctoral experience and with at least one first-author publication are encouraged to apply.


$80,182 - $83,000 per year; depending on years of postdoctoral experience.


  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts: health care, dependent care, commuter
  • Short and long-term disability
  • Life and AD&D insurance
  • 403(b) retirement plan with matching funds after one year of employment
  • 13 holidays, 3 weeks of vacation and 2 weeks of sick leave per year
  • Employee assistance program
  • Educational assistance program
  • Subsidized ORCA pass
  • Wellness benefits
  • Voluntary benefits

Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) has a bold mission: to advance the science to predict, prevent, reverse and cure immune system diseases, from autoimmune disease to cancer to asthma and allergies. We create detailed pictures of the immune system in health and disease, aiming to understand how disorders start and how to rebalance the immune system back to health. Equipped with innovative tools and robust biorepositories, our team chips away at the biggest mysteries behind these conditions to work toward our vision of a healthy immune system for everyone. BRI is a nonprofit research institute based in Seattle and affiliated with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. We collaborate with clinicians and patients to accelerate the path from innovative lab discoveries to life-changing patient care.

At BRI, each individual is valued as an important contributor to our vision and mission. Consider making a difference by joining our team. Because together, we are powering possibility.
To learn more, visit benaroyaresearch.org and connect with us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, Facebook and YouTube.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

 

If you need an accommodation or assistance completing the online application, please contact Human Resources at 206-342-6547 or email jobs@benaroyaresearch.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.


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