Entry Level Postdoctoral Associate Jobs
New grad postdoctoral associate jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with little to no experience, where a strong dissertation chapter, lab rotation, or internship can carry more weight than years on a resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Education, Science & Research, and Healthcare & Medical Services, with employers like University of Arizona, University of Virginia, and Washington University in St. Louis hiring at this level now.
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The Postdoctoral Research Associate will perform the characterization of well-defined metal, oxide and oxide/metal surfaces using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The studies will be an essential part in a project aimed at catalyst characterization and mechanistic studies linked to C1 chemistry {CO2 hydrogenation and methane activation and conversion} on model catalysts that is funded by the US Department of Energy.
The studies will be carried out using a combination of a variable temperature ultra-high vacuum STM and a STM which can be operated under moderate pressures (up to 100 Torr) and temperatures. Parallel to the STM studies, we will be investigating the surface chemistry of C1 processes using infrared spectroscopy and ambient-pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (in lab and synchrotron based). Due to the nature of the experiments, the new research associate should have a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering or physics with extensive experience in scanning tunneling microscopy and surface science.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Due to the nature of the experiments, the new research associate should have a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering or physics or related fields.
- Extensive experience in the use of different types of scanning tunneling microscopes and their use in surface science.
- Demonstrated commitment to working safely, acting ethically, and taking personal accountability for operational excellence.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge in the use of spectroscopy techniques such as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x-stay absorption spectroscopy. Experience doing research at synchrotron facilities.
Additional Information:
- Initial 2-year term appointment subject to renewal contingent on performance and funding.
- Candidates must have completed all degree requirements by the commencement of employment
- BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in and R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events. Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $82,000–$85,000 per year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.
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Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country, learn more at BNL | Opportunities for Veterans at Brookhaven National Laboratory .
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Guided by our core values of integrity, responsibility, innovation, respect, and teamwork, Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer-Vets/Disabled. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. *VEVRAA Federal Contractor
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Entry Level Postdoctoral Associate Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level postdoctoral associate job?
Entry level postdoctoral associate roles typically look for a recently completed or nearly complete doctoral degree in a relevant field. What gives candidates an edge at this stage is demonstrated research output: published papers, conference presentations, or a dissertation that aligns closely with the lab or department's focus. Strong letters of recommendation from dissertation advisors and a clear research statement tailored to the position also set applicants apart.
Which companies hire entry level postdoctoral associates?
Companies hiring entry level postdoctoral associates right now include University of Arizona, University of Virginia, and Washington University in St. Louis, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Hiring at this level covers research universities, academic medical centers, national laboratories, and private-sector R&D teams actively building early-career research pipelines.
Are there remote entry level postdoctoral associate jobs?
Yes, though most postdoctoral associate roles are lab- or campus-based by nature. About 0% of entry level postdoctoral associate openings are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, concentrated in computational, data-driven, or theoretical research areas where wet-lab access is not required.
Are these new grad postdoctoral associate jobs?
Yes. The listings here include new grad, recent graduate, and junior postdoctoral associate roles. A posting is typically new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of postdoctoral experience, accepts candidates who are ABD or have defended within the past year, and values internship or graduate research experience in place of independent post-PhD work.
Which industries hire the most entry level postdoctoral associates?
Entry Level postdoctoral associate roles concentrate in Education, Science & Research, and Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because their research pipelines depend on a continuous flow of newly credentialed scientists and scholars to advance ongoing projects and secure grant funding.