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Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Springfield, VA

Umd

Post-Doctoral Associate

College Park, MD · Hybrid

$70K - $80K/yr

The Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) at the University of Maryland (UMD) is hiring up to three Postdoctoral Research Associates to support climate and sustainability research. This full-time, ...

Umd

Post-Doctoral Associate

College Park, MD

$55K - $65K/yr

The Postdoctoral Associate will engage in independent and collaborative research, support the training of undergraduate and graduate students, and contribute to the day-to-day operations of the ...

Umd

Post Doctoral Associate

College Park, MD

$48K - $65K/yr

Summary The MathQuantum RTG (Research Training Group) seeks to hire a postdoctoral fellow working at the intersection of mathematics and quantum information science (QIS). MathQuantum is a community ...

Umd

Post Doctoral Associate

College Park, MD

$55K - $67K/yr

Three Postdoctoral Associates positions are available at the Department of Veterinary Medicine ... The department provides an excellent research environment and advanced research facilities ...

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Postdoctoral Research Associate information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$44.4K

$89.8K

$121.7K

How much do postdoctoral research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research associate in Springfield, VA is $89,787.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $121,200.00 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.

More about Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings:
Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs near you
Post-Doctoral Associate

Post-Doctoral Associate

University of Maryland

College Park, MD • On-site

$62K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

University Of Maryland, Baltimore rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Description Summary
Organization's Summary Statement:
IBBR is a joint research enterprise of the University of Maryland, College Park, the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. IBBR leverages state-of-art integrative methods for bioanalytical, biophysical and structural characterization of biomolecules: cryo-electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, x-ray crystallography, small angle neutron and x-ray scattering and mass spectrometry. IBBR researchers seek to advance therapeutic development, biomanufacturing, and state-of-the-art measurement technologies, to support accelerated delivery of safe and effective medicines to the public. IBBR is a major initiative and supported in part by the University of Maryland Strategic Partnership: MPowering the State (MPower), an initiative designed to achieve innovation and impact through collaboration.
Job Description Summary:
The candidate will join NIH-funded research focused on understanding immune responses to viral pathogens in support of vaccine and immunotherapeutics development. Projects may involve a variety of experimental approaches, including structural characterization of antibody-antigen interactions using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and/or X-ray crystallography, immunological profiling of antibody responses following natural infection and vaccination, and structure-function studies investigating mechanisms of viral entry.
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must hold a PhD in biophysics, biochemistry, structural biology, or a closely related discipline.
Preferences:
Prior experience in structural biology, immunology, and/or virology is preferred but not required.
Additional Job Details
Required Application Materials:
1) Cover letter
2) CV
3) List of references (minimum of 3)
Best Consideration Date: 03/11/2026
Posting Close Date: N/A
Open Until Filled: Yes
Financial Disclosure Required
No
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
CMNS-IBBR
Worker Sub-Type
Faculty Regular
Salary Range
$62,232- $75,000
Benefits Summary
For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice
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