Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Virginia
Postdoctoral Associate jobs in Virginia are open across Blacksburg, Charlottesville, and Norfolk and other Virginia metros, with employers like Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, and Old Dominion University hiring at every experience level. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 22+ Postdoctoral Associate jobs
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position in the area of heterogeneous catalysis and operando materials characterization. The successful candidate will contribute to an externally funded research program focused on understanding structure-performance relationships in molybdenum-based zeolite catalysts for methane dehydroaromatization.
The postdoctoral associate will play a central role in the processing, analysis, and interpretation of X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) data collected on metal-modified zeolite catalysts under relevant reaction and regeneration environments. This position is well suited for candidates with strong expertise in reactor engineering, spectroscopic techniques, and data analysis who are interested in applying these tools to catalytic reaction engineering and methane conversion chemistry.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related field. The Ph.D. must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment, with a minimum of one year of postdoctoral eligibility remaining.
- Experience in X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XANES/EXAFS), including data processing and spectral fitting.
- Experience using XAS analysis software such as Athena, Artemis, Larch, or equivalent platforms.
- Record of conducting independent research, as demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or prior research experience.
- Evidence of scientific communication through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, conference presentations, or related scholarly activities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience analyzing, modeling, and interpreting complex experimental datasets, as demonstrated through prior research projects, publications, or presentations.
- Experience with spectroscopy, scattering, or other materials characterization techniques.
- Familiarity with scripting or computational tools for data processing, such as Python, MATLAB, or equivalent.
- Prior involvement in data-driven research projects in heterogeneous catalysis, reaction engineering, or related fields.
- Demonstrated adaptability to interdisciplinary research, as shown by collaborative projects, joint publications, or work in diverse scientific environments.
OVERTIME STATUS
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
APPOINTMENT TYPE
Restricted
SALARY INFORMATION
Starting at $62,232; commensurate with experience
HOURS PER WEEK
40
REVIEW DATE
June 24, 2026
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Stacey Ratcliffe at slyons@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position in the area of heterogeneous catalysis and operando materials characterization. The successful candidate will contribute to an externally funded research program focused on understanding structure-performance relationships in molybdenum-based zeolite catalysts for methane dehydroaromatization.
The postdoctoral associate will play a central role in the processing, analysis, and interpretation of X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) data collected on metal-modified zeolite catalysts under relevant reaction and regeneration environments. This position is well suited for candidates with strong expertise in reactor engineering, spectroscopic techniques, and data analysis who are interested in applying these tools to catalytic reaction engineering and methane conversion chemistry.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related field. The Ph.D. must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment, with a minimum of one year of postdoctoral eligibility remaining.
- Experience in X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XANES/EXAFS), including data processing and spectral fitting.
- Experience using XAS analysis software such as Athena, Artemis, Larch, or equivalent platforms.
- Record of conducting independent research, as demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or prior research experience.
- Evidence of scientific communication through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, conference presentations, or related scholarly activities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience analyzing, modeling, and interpreting complex experimental datasets, as demonstrated through prior research projects, publications, or presentations.
- Experience with spectroscopy, scattering, or other materials characterization techniques.
- Familiarity with scripting or computational tools for data processing, such as Python, MATLAB, or equivalent.
- Prior involvement in data-driven research projects in heterogeneous catalysis, reaction engineering, or related fields.
- Demonstrated adaptability to interdisciplinary research, as shown by collaborative projects, joint publications, or work in diverse scientific environments.
OVERTIME STATUS
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
APPOINTMENT TYPE
Restricted
SALARY INFORMATION
Starting at $62,232; commensurate with experience
HOURS PER WEEK
40
REVIEW DATE
June 24, 2026
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Stacey Ratcliffe at slyons@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
See All 22 Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Postdoctoral Associate JobsPostdoctoral Associate Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Postdoctoral Associate Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Virginia Tech17
- University of Virginia3
- Old Dominion University2
Top Industries Hiring
- Agriculture & Farming12
- Education9
- Science & Research1
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in postdoctoral associate jobs across Virginia.
- PhD in a relevant scientific discipline completed or expected before the start date
- Record of peer-reviewed publications or submitted manuscripts in the field
- Proficiency with discipline-specific laboratory techniques or computational tools
- Experience designing and independently executing research projects
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for grant and manuscript preparation
- Ability to mentor graduate or undergraduate students in a research setting
Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How many postdoctoral associate jobs are there in Virginia?
There are 22+ postdoctoral associate openings in Virginia on Migrate Mate as of June 2026, with the most roles in Blacksburg, Charlottesville, and Norfolk. New positions post regularly as employers across Virginia hire.
Which Virginia cities have the most postdoctoral associate jobs?
Blacksburg, Charlottesville, and Norfolk have the most postdoctoral associate openings in Virginia right now, with additional roles spread across smaller metros statewide.
Which companies hire postdoctoral associates in Virginia?
Employers hiring postdoctoral associates in Virginia include Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, and Old Dominion University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026.
Are there remote postdoctoral associate jobs in Virginia?
Yes. About 0% of postdoctoral associate openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of June 2026. The rest are on-site roles based in Virginia metros.
How do I apply for postdoctoral associate jobs in Virginia?
You can apply to postdoctoral associate jobs in Virginia directly on Migrate Mate. Search the listings above, find roles that match your experience and preferred Virginia location, then apply to each one that fits.
See All 22 Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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