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Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Waco, TX

Tamus

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Temple, TX

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Temple Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Temple, Texas Job Type Staff About Texas A&M AgriLife ...

Tamus

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Temple, TX · On-site +1

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Temple Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Temple, Texas Job Type Staff About Texas A&M AgriLife ...

Tamus

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Temple, TX · On-site +1

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Temple Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Temple, Texas Job Type Staff About Texas A&M AgriLife ...

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$37.7K

$76.3K

$103.4K

How much do postdoctoral research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research associate in Waco, TX is $76,311.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,700.00 and $103,000.00 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.

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What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs in Waco, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs in Waco, TX are:

What cities near Waco, TX are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Waco, TX with the most Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings:

Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings in Waco, TX as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,311 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Temple, TX • On-site

Texas A&M AgriLife
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Texas A&M AgriLifeexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Texas A&M University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Research
Department
Temple
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Temple, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
About Texas A&M AgriLife
Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:
  • Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
  • Texas A&M AgriLife Research
  • College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
  • Texas A&M Forest Service
  • Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation's largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.
Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!
Position Information
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Agricultural, Animal, Rangeland, or Environmental Sciences
Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Temple, Texas
Project: Enhancing APEX for simulating environmental and economic impacts of CAFO operations using the APEX model, funded by USDA-NRCS.
Texas A&M AgriLife Research is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Research Associate to support a USDA-funded project evaluating concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and manure management systems using the APEX agroecosystem model. The successful candidate will contribute to the enhancement, integration, and evaluation of model components for farm-scale carbon and nitrogen cycling across various livestock and manure management practices.
Responsibilities:
  • Conduct comprehensive literature reviews and gap analyses on regenerative animal production systems, manure management in CAFOs, and C-N cycling in soils, vegetation, manure, and livestock.
  • Acquire, curate, and analyze field measurement datasets and associated environmental and economic information for model parameterization and validation.
  • Develop or enhance model algorithms simulating carbon and nutrient budgets under varying manure housing and management practices using scientific programming languages.
  • Implement newly developed modules and improvements into the APEX ecosystem simulation model.
  • Assess agroecosystem C-N cycling dynamics influenced by concentrated ruminant-livestock operations and changing environmental conditions.
  • Evaluate and refine the performance of the enhanced model across various dairy systems and livestock/grazing management scenarios.
  • Document model development processes and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and technical reports.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences, Animal Science, Rangeland Management, Environmental Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
  • Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications.
  • Experience in designing, analyzing, and interpreting data from field studies.
  • Strong project management and technical writing capabilities.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proficient understanding of factors governing carbon and nitrogen cycling in farm-scale CAFO operations.
  • Prior experience with process-based models such as EPIC, APEX, RUFAS, BCSM, GLEAM, or similar simulation frameworks.
  • Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, Fortran) for data processing, model development, and computational analysis.

What You Need to Know
Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate's qualifications.
Position Funding: This position is contingents on performance and availability of funding. Continuation of the position is contingent upon ongoing funding.
Applicant Instructions: Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife 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.
Required Documents: CV/ resume, cover letter, list of references, and certifications/ additional documentation, if applicable.
Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?
When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.
In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:
  • Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
  • 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
  • Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
  • Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
  • Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

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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