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$40.2K

$81.3K

$110.1K

How much do postdoctoral research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research associate in Tucson, AZ is $81,273.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,900.00 and $109,700.00 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 Tucson, AZ are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings:

Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings in Tucson, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,273 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Tucson, AZ • On-site

University of Arizona
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

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Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Posting Number
req26319
Department
Psychiatry
Department Website Link
https://medicine.arizona.edu/psychiatry
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
The College of Medicine Department of Psychiatry is now considering applications for a Post-Doctoral level associate. We are leading the effort to understand, diagnose, treat, and prevent psychiatric disorders, prepare future clinicians, provide state-of-the-art care, and give direction to community efforts to improve behavioral health. William "Scott" Killgore, PhD, is a Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience that joined the University of Arizona July 1, 2014. He brings an active research program from Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, including his Social, Cognitive, and Affective Neuroscience (SCAN) Laboratory. The Lab is devoted to the study of emotional intelligence, PTSD, mTBI, stress and related conditions. Dr. Killgore's innovative work is funded by the Department of Defense, and recent research focuses on effects of prolonged sleep deprivation, chronic sleep restriction, and the use of stimulant countermeasures on the cognitive-affective systems within the brain. A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available within the Social, Cognitive, and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory directed by William "Scott" Killgore, PhD. https://scanlab.arizona.edu/ This position is focused on the area of emotional intelligence training and will work alongside Dr. Killgore to lead a study on the efficacy and refinement of an online emotional intelligence training program. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work collaboratively with the Study Coordinator, Lab Manager, and Principal Investigator to play an integral role in all aspects of this research project.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Design emotional intelligence training materials.
  • Write protocols, reports, and grants.
  • Oversee overall study coordination including subject recruitment, research technician training and education.
  • Administer emotional, personality, and psychophysiological assessments.
  • Conduct statistical analysis of behavioral, psychophysiological, and neuroimaging data.
  • Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and other venues.
  • Travel and assist with aspects of project that are conducted at remote sites, as necessary, and various other duties or projects as assigned.

Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Technological knowledge base in graphic design, computer programming and/or user interface design.
  • Skilled in developing web-based intervention platforms.
  • Background in computational methods used in neuroimaging (e.g., Matlab, UNIX, LINUX, C/C++, SPM, AFNI, Freesurfer, FSL, TrackVis,CONN).
  • Exceptional skills in experimental design, quantitative methods, and statistical analysis, and the ability to carry out independent data manipulation and sophisticated statistical analyses using standard software packages (e.g., SPSS, R, STATA, BMDP, JMP, SAS).

Minimum Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in psychology, affective neuroscience, cognitive/social neuroscience, and/or other related field.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Background in studying emotional/social processes using psychophysiological (e.g., EEG, skin conductance, heart rate variability, biomarkers) or neuroimaging (e.g., fMRI, DTI, VBM, PET, connectivity) methods.
  • Background in computational methods used in neuroimaging (e.g., Matlab, UNIX, LINUX, C/C++, SPM, AFNI, Freesurfer, FSL, TrackVis,CONN).
  • Strong peer-reviewed publication record in the area of emotional intelligence, social cognition, or affective neuroscience.
  • History of work on projects relating to emotional intelligence, emotional/social cognition, and/or affective neuroscience.
  • Demonstrated solid mastery of written English. -Interest in sleep research.
  • Experience in neuroimaging and/or psychophysiological data collection and analysis.

FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Research
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Sarah Green srgreen1@arizona.edu
Open Date
6/22/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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