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60 Msd Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs Hiring Near You

Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$101.40K - $154.70K/yr

... postdoctoral or industrial experience preferred. o Master's degree may be considered with at least 6 years of independent and productive research or development experience in relevant field. o ...

... Associate's degree in Biology or related field, with a minimum of one year in a regulated ... BENEFITS SUMMARY At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well ...

ASSOCIATE SCIENTIST/ENGINEER - Upstream Vaccines and Advanced Biotechnologies Process R&D Our ... We are part of the Process R&D organization, which enables modality-agnostic DS/DP process ...

Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. We translate molecules to medicines, working from the ... We are seeking a motivated engineer / associate scientist to work collaboratively in a team ...

Showing results 21-40

MSD Jobs Information

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 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?

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 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 the most popular categories at Msd?
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Associate job openings at Msd in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Scientist

Scientist

MSD

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$101.40K - $154.70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position is responsible for developing, planning, and executing research and product development projects in coordination with team members and managers. The incumbent will be responsible for designing and executing experiments and analyzing data to further product development and research goals. This position may supervise the work of others directly and/or across interdisciplinary teams.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Independently develops, designs, and executes experiments to support research, feasibility, and product development and qualification efforts.
• Anticipates full scope of experimental goals and organizes steps to meet those goals.
• Leads experiments with input from manager.
• Prepares experimental procedures, maintains laboratory notebooks and prepares procedures, batch/test records to support product development and research efforts.
• Analyzes data using appropriate software, including statistical analyses, and prepares tables/graphs to highlight findings.
• Presents findings/analyses and any associated issues/solutions to peer groups and managers; makes recommendations for project advancement based on experimental data, analyses and research.
• Troubleshoots and optimizes experiments; communicates issues and solutions to managers.
• Performs literature and market research on new research or product areas.
• Procures reagents and equipment needed to perform experiments.
• Establishes and monitors direct report performance and development goals, assigns accountabilities, sets objectives, establishes priorities, and provides continuous feedback and recognition on performance.
• Prepares and/or supports preparation of invention disclosures, patent applications, grant proposals, posters and papers.
• Keeps up with current technological developments in area of expertise, expands knowledge through independent learning.
• Communicates experimental findings to peers, management and/or customers.
• Keeps organized, detailed and clear project records.
• Takes on extra roles as needed to support the R&D organization, such as training or lab management activities.
• Understands, follows and enforces laboratory safety precautions to ensure compliance with company safety policies.
• Specific duties may vary depending upon departmental requirements.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
• Ph.D. in Life Sciences, Engineering or related field preferred.
o Additional postdoctoral or industrial experience preferred.
o Master's degree may be considered with at least 6 years of independent and productive research or development experience in relevant field.
o Bachelor's degree may be considered with at least 7 years of independent and productive research or development experience in relevant field.
o Phage display, antibody discovery (or antibody engineering), and molecular biology OR structural biology and membrane protein experience highly desirable.
o Supervisory/management experience desired.
• A strong publication record desired.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Strong scientific fundamentals and analytical background.
• Problem solving skills and demonstrated ability to organize and move project tasks forward in an orderly and structured fashion.
• Leadership skills with demonstrated knowledge and understanding of staff management practices and processes. Ability to establish accountabilities and expectations and manage performance to achieve results.
• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned tasks.
• Strong analytical skills with the demonstrated ability to gather and evaluate complex data and information and develop a recommendation and plan of action.
• Team player with solid communication (written and verbal) skills regardless of the format (e.g., documents, public speaking situations, presentations, etc.).
• Attention to detail with demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) desired.
• Strong knowledge in statistics required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to sit and stand for long periods. The individual is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Up to 70 % of the day may be spent at a laboratory bench.
• There are aspects of the positions duties that require a person in this role to work at heights above four (4) feet on occasion and move/lift up to 25 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Laboratory environment working with chemical reagents and performing some Biosafety Level 2 work
o May involve handling of BSL-2 materials and organisms including human blood and/or blood products.
COMPENSATION SUMMARY
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $101,400. to $154,700. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.
BENEFITS SUMMARY
At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.
EEO/AA STATEMENT
MSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit here.
Meso Scale Diagnostics uses E-Verify to validate the work eligibility of candidates.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.