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Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Springfield, OH

WSU -

Postdoctoral Researcher

Dayton, OH

Research Department NeuroSci Cell Bio Physiology-BSOM EEO number: 26H039 Position FTE 100% Minimum Hourly Rate $40,000.00 Salary Band: RS S05 Job Summary/Basic Function: The Postdoctoral researcher ...

WSU -

Assistant/Associate Professor

Dayton, OH

Faculty Rank or Job Title Assistant/Associate Professor Job Category: Faculty/Instructional ... Preferred Qualifications 1. At least two years of postdoctoral research experience with ...

All JobsPostdoctoral Research Associate JobsPostdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Springfield, OH

Postdoctoral Research Associate information

See Springfield, OH salary details

$38.3K

$77.4K

$104.9K

How much do postdoctoral research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research associate in Springfield, OH is $77,427.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,400.00 and $104,500.00 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 Springfield, OH are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Springfield, OH with the most Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings:

Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings in Springfield, OH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,427 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate- Food Microbiology

Central State University

Wilberforce, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Posting Number
0801832
Classification Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate- Food Microbiology
Working Title
Department
Agriculture Research Development Program (ARDP)
Department Contact Email
rkorir@centralstate.edu
Job Summary/Basic Function
JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in food microbiology safety to work on pathogen study projects focused on pre-and post-harvest fresh produce safety, especially those grown in aquaponics and hydroponic systems. The position involves agricultural, food science, and microbiological collaborative projects located at CSU campus in Wilberforce, Ohio. The main goal of our food safety studies is to improve food safety and reduce foodborne illness by examining the routes of contamination of fruits and vegetables with human pathogens. Under guidance from the CSU project directors, the participant will help in designing and conducting all aspects of the experiments from laboratory to growth chambers, greenhouse, aquaponics, and fields trials. The participant will learn methods to reduce bacterial pathogen loads contamination, integrated data collection and analysis, and novel methods to isolate and maintain microbial cells and nucleic acids. This is an integrated produce safety research project, and the participant will have opportunities to learn and participate in our food safety extensions programs.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
• Participates in and coordinates: microbiological research and field research project design.
• Leads experiment execution, sampling, data analysis, reporting, and publication preparation.
• Help design and implement research protocols and coordinate research studies focusing on human pathogenic bacteria, microbiome, biofilms, and fungi in aquaponics and hydroponic systems.
• Assist as needed to analyze water samples for microbiological quality from the CSU extension stakeholder's farmers and industries in states of Ohio.
• Carry out Bio-informatics analysis.
• Evaluation of microbiological quality of the fresh produce in local agricultural and food production systems.
• Perform food microbiology research reviews.
• Supervise research assistant students in the laboratory.
• Contribute to development and improvement of the CSU food safety sanitation and good agricultural practices training program
• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
• Cooperate with the lab technicians to oversee media preparation, culture management, bio-assay studies in growth chambers and greenhouse studies maintenance, experiment media and reagent quality control analysis.
• Perform microbiological and molecular analysis using culturing, DNA & RNA extractions, PCR, and qPCR techniques.
• Collect, analyze, and report research data for presentations in farmers' seminars and research conferences, and for manuscript preparation.
• Ability to adapt and apply academic/practical knowledge to conduct microbiological research on foods and food systems including water quality analysis required.
• Strong background in food microbiology experience particularly working with human pathogenic bacteria, working with technologies such as bioinformatics, SAS; R-studio; experience designing and leading research experiments, supervising undergraduate student research assistants, and analyzing data and manuscript preparation desired.
Minimum Qualifications
A Ph.D., in Microbiology, Food Safety, or Food Science & Technology or equivalent education experience in a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
Posting Date
06/10/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
The applicant must have a valid driver's license. Also, the individual must be authorized to work in the US.
This is a full-time position funded by annual allocation by National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through the Evans Allen Program with matching contributions from the State of Ohio.
The appointment will initially be for two years but may be renewed upon recommendation of CSU project directors and is contingent on the performance and availability of funds.
All offers of employment at Central State University are contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of education and employment history, criminal history check, driving record (if applicable), drug screening, and tax compliance review.
Certain positions may require additional screenings based on job responsibilities, regulatory requirements, or funding sources.
Failure to successfully complete the required background check or provide accurate and complete information may result in withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.
Position Category
Budgeted Annual Salary
Commensurate with experience

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