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Postdoctoral Salary Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match * Professional Development ... Sergei Nekhai. She/he will be guided by a postdoctoral fellow. Experimental design will be ...

Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match * Professional Development ... Sergei Nekhai. She/he will be guided by a postdoctoral fellow. Experimental design will be ...

Ensure that all specialty laboratory staff members and postdoctoral clinical microbiology fellows ... The annual salary range for this position is $149,000.00-$248,000.00. Compensation decisions depend ...

Ensure that all specialty laboratory staff members and postdoctoral clinical microbiology fellows ... The annual salary range for this position is $149,000.00-$248,000.00. Compensation decisions depend ...

Ensure that all specialty laboratory staff members and postdoctoral Clinical Chemistry fellows are ... The annual salary range for this position is $149,000.00-$248,000.00. Compensation decisions depend ...

Ensure that all specialty laboratory staff members and postdoctoral Clinical Chemistry fellows are ... The annual salary range for this position is $149,000.00-$248,000.00. Compensation decisions depend ...

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Postdoctoral Salary information

See Reston, VA salary details

$26K

$61.4K

$86.9K

How much do postdoctoral salary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral salary in Reston, VA is $61,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $69,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a postdoctoral salary?

A postdoctoral salary refers to the annual compensation paid to individuals holding postdoctoral positions, typically after earning a Ph.D. Postdoctoral salaries can vary widely depending on the institution, location, field of study, and funding source. In the United States, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) sets a recommended minimum stipend for postdocs, which is often used as a benchmark; as of 2024, this minimum is around $56,484 per year for new postdocs. However, actual salaries may be higher or lower depending on factors like cost of living and institutional policies. It is important for prospective postdocs to review salary details with their potential employer before accepting a position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a postdoctoral researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Researcher, you generally need a Ph.D. in a relevant field, strong research and analytical skills, and experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, data analysis software (such as R, Python, or MATLAB), and grant-writing tools is typically required. Critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to work independently or collaboratively are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for advancing research projects, contributing original knowledge, and building a successful academic or industry career.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Salary vs Research Scientist Salary?

AspectPostdoctoral SalaryResearch Scientist Salary
Required CredentialsPhD or equivalentMaster's or PhD, often with more experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutionsResearch labs, industry, or corporate R&D
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agenciesPrivate companies, biotech, pharma
Typical Salary Range$45,000 - $65,000$70,000 - $120,000

Postdoctoral salaries are generally lower than research scientist salaries due to differences in experience, responsibilities, and industry settings. Postdocs focus on research and academic contributions, while research scientists often have more independence and industry-oriented roles, leading to higher compensation.

Is it hard to get a postdoctoral position?

Securing a postdoctoral position can be competitive, often requiring a strong research record, relevant skills, and a doctoral degree. Applicants typically need to demonstrate expertise in their field and may undergo a rigorous selection process involving interviews and review of publications.

Do postdoctoral researchers get paid a lot?

Postdoctoral researchers typically earn modest salaries that vary by field, institution, and location, often ranging from $45,000 to $65,000 annually. While they receive specialized training and conduct research, their pay generally does not compare to industry or senior academic positions.

What are the typical responsibilities and collaborative expectations for a postdoctoral researcher in an academic setting?

Postdoctoral researchers in academia are often responsible for designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and publishing research findings. They typically work closely with principal investigators, graduate students, and sometimes undergraduate researchers, contributing both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Regular responsibilities include attending lab meetings, mentoring junior lab members, and presenting research at conferences. Collaboration with other departments or external institutions is common and helps broaden research perspectives while building professional networks.
What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral Salary jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral Salary jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Postdoctoral Salary jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Postdoctoral Salary job openings:

Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004192)

Johns Hopkins University

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago


Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
PREP Research Associate
This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Research Title:
Infrared Microscopy for Microplastics Characterization (U.S. Citizens preferred)
The work will entail:
The Material Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified persons (U.S. Citizens preferred) to advance a novel quantum cascade laser (QCL) infrared (IR) microscopy technique for high-throughput measurement of size distribution and chemical identification of microplastic samples. The position will harness a groundbreaking QCL-IR imaging of microplastics in water by addressing nontrivial measurement problems due to the strong IR absorption by water and strong scattering contribution at <10 µm microplastics. The outputs of this work will help improve measurement assurance for microplastics characterization with less irregularity in sample preparation and more reproducibility in size quantitation. Working at NIST offers the rare opportunity to collaborate with world-class experts in a mission-driven environment, utilizing state-of-the-art microscopes to turn observations into reproducible science. It is a chance to leave a lasting legacy on the circular and champion sustainability by ensuring a foundation of sound measurement science.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
§ Advance the instrumentation for high-throughput QCL-IR microscopy
§ Collect and analyze IR hyperspectral images of microplastics
§ Discuss progress and results with NIST staff
§ Present results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders
§ Write papers based on method advancements and datasets collected
Qualifications
§ Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, Physics, Polymer Physics, or a related field
§ 2+ years of experience with IR microscopy
§ Ability to analyze vibrational spectral data
§ Strong oral and written communication skills
Application Instructions
Please upload the following with your application:
• CV/Resume
*Please limit C.V to 3 pages only and ONLY include a valid email address for your contact info. Your resume will not be considered if the following information is included on your CV/resume.
Self portraits
Phone number
Home address/Country
Citizenship status
Languages spoken
Sex/Gender
Privacy Act Statement
Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Salary Range
The referenced salary range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. The actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University.
Total Rewards
Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. The University is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors or demographic characteristics that are irrelevant to the program involved.
Pre-Employment Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the HR Business Services Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations at Johns Hopkins University for disabilities, medical conditions (including medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), accessibility, or religious reasons, please visit accessibility.jhu.edu.
Background Checks
After receiving a conditional offer, the successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check including education verification. When deciding whether a candidate's conviction history is job-disqualifying, the University considers the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the nature of the job being sought.
EEO is the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/employees-job-applicants
Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine.
Exceptions to the seasonal flu vaccine or COVID-19 vaccine (for SOM) requirement(s) may be provided to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs or medical conditions that preclude them from receiving the vaccine. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.
The following additional vaccine requirements may apply, depending upon your campus. Please contact the hiring department for more information.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those candidates who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876