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Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M University Health Science Center Department Microbial Pathogenesis And Immunology Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Bryan ...

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How much do postdoctoral research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research associate in the United States is $85,959.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $116,000.00 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.

What cities are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs?

Cities with the most Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoctoral Research jobs?

The most popular types of Postdoctoral Research jobs are:

What states have the most Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs include:

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,959 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Tamus

Bryan, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University Health Science Center

Department

Microbial Pathogenesis And Immunology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Bryan, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who we are

As one of the fastest-growing academic health centers in the nation, Texas A&M Health encompasses five colleges and numerous centers and institutes working together to improve health through transformative education, innovative research and team-based health care delivery.

What we want

The Postdoctoral Research Associate, under general supervision, is responsible for conducting research into their field of expertise. The Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Cirillo Laboratory at Texas A&M will engage in research to advance the development of Reporter Enzyme Fluorescence (REFtb), a rapid tuberculosis diagnostic platform based on the Mycobacterium tuberculosis beta-lactamase BlaC and fluorogenic substrate chemistry. This position focuses on developing and optimizing diagnostic assays, with particular emphasis on reagent formulation, enzyme kinetics, and fluorogenic-probe evaluation. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will collaborate closely with Dr. Jeffrey D. Cirillo, laboratory members, and partners in engineering and chemistry to integrate protein biochemistry, analytical methods, molecular microbiology, and quantitative data analysis. These efforts will improve assay sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and performance in clinically relevant sample matrices.

What you need to know

Please Note: Ability to work in a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) environment with potential exposure to bacterial agents and biohazards. This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.

Travel: This position may require travel.
Schedule: This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.

Responsibilities:

Research

  • Under general supervision, is responsible for conducting research into their field of expertise.

  • Design, execute, and interpret experiments supporting development and optimization of REFtb diagnostic reagents and workflows.

  • Express, purify, quantify, and characterize BlaC and related beta-lactamase proteins using recombinant systems and chromatographic methods.

  • Conduct steady-state and inhibition enzyme-kinetics studies, including determination and analysis of kinetic parameters such as Km, kcat, and Ki.

  • Evaluate the activity, selectivity, and performance of fluorogenic BlaC substrates, including comparison with non-target beta-lactamases such as TEM-1, CTX-M, and KPC.

  • Apply biochemical and kinetic results to guide substrate selection, probe design, buffer optimization, reagent formulation, and stabilization strategies for point-of-care or field-deployable use.

  • Develop and validate assays in relevant matrices, including sputum, urine, stool, or other clinical and environmental samples, as appropriate to project goals.

Lab Specific Duties

  • Use analytical techniques, including FPLC and HPLC where applicable, to support protein purification, reagent characterization, and formulation development.

  • Maintain accurate records; analyze and present quantitative datasets; prepare figures, reports, protocols, manuscripts, and conference materials.

  • Contribute to structural or mechanistic studies of BlaC and BlaC-substrate/inhibitor interactions when useful for structure-guided diagnostic development.

Presentations

  • Prepares presentation materials on research topic that may be presented to small and/or large groups.

  • Actively participates in the preparation of required technical progress reports to research sponsors.


Mentoring

  • May assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and/or graduate students who are working on research related to the project.

  • Collaborate effectively across microbiology, chemistry, and diagnostic-development teams; mentor trainees working on related projects.

Qualifications

Required Education

  • Appropriate PhD in biochemistry, chemistry, chemical biology, structural biology, molecular biology, microbiology, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong demonstrated expertise in biochemistry or chemistry, with the ability to independently design and execute rigorous experimental studies.

  • Experience in protein expression and purification and in biochemical characterization of proteins or enzymes.

  • Experience with enzyme kinetics, quantitative data analysis, and interpretation of biochemical assays.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a record of productive scientific work, including publications or manuscripts in preparation.

  • Ability to work independently while contributing constructively to a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.

  • Experience with beta-lactamases, hydrolases, or other enzyme systems relevant to small-molecule substrate or inhibitor development.

  • Experience in fluorogenic probe design, fluorescence-based assay development, imaging-probe chemistry, or diagnostic/point-of-care technology development.

  • Experience with reagent formulation, stability testing, lyophilization, or development of assays for field or resource-limited settings.

  • Experience with FPLC, HPLC, SDS-PAGE, protein quantification, and related analytical techniques.

  • Experience with protein co-crystallization, X-ray crystallography, or structural analysis of enzyme-ligand complexes.

  • Familiarity with assay validation in complex biological matrices and with experimental design for analytical sensitivity, selectivity, precision, and reproducibility.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Excellent verbal and written skills.

  • Presentation skills.

  • Analytical skills.

  • Attention to detail.

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events,state-of-the-artrecreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but witha reasonablecost-of-living and no long commutes.

  • Medical,prescription drug,dental,vision,life and AD&D,flexible spending accounts,and long-term disability insurancewith Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

  • 12-15 daysof annual paid holidays

  • Up toeight hours of paid sick leaveand at leasteight hours of paid vacationeach month

  • Automatic enrollment in theTeacher Retirement System of Texas

  • Health and Wellness:Free exercise programs and release time

  • Professional Development: All employees have access to freeLinkedIn Learningtraining, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

  • Educational release time and tuition assistancefor completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

  • Living Well,a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University 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 pre-populate the online application.

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.