Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs
Postdoctoral research associate jobs are open across academia, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and government research institutions, at levels from newly minted PhD to senior postdoc, with specializations in molecular biology, computational research, and clinical sciences. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 436+ Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs
About the Opportunity
Summary
Research involves developing and implementing material models to predict microstructure, phase change and residual stress in processes in high energy processes in metal additive manufacturing applications. The Ideal candidate will also have experience in conducting experiments and have a strong grasp of continuum mechanics, cohesive zone, crystal plasticity, experience with using Abaqus, user subroutines, and Python scripting.
Qualifications
- Must have a Ph.D. or equivalent; be able to undertake substantial full-time research and scholarship; working under the supervision of a senior scholar.
- Knowledge of commercial FEA package Abaqus and the programming language Python.
- The successful candidate will have a good knowledge of numerical implementation of plasticity, cohesive zone modeling, and will interface with the molecular dynamics group to create customized scripts for implementing.
Responsibilities:
- Conducting experimental research
- Conducting theoretical research and modeling
- Write grant applications
- Write journal papers
- Supervision of undergraduate and graduate students
Position Type
Research
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
108S
Expected Hiring Range:
$60,315.00 - $85,192.50
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.
About the Opportunity
Summary
Research involves developing and implementing material models to predict microstructure, phase change and residual stress in processes in high energy processes in metal additive manufacturing applications. The Ideal candidate will also have experience in conducting experiments and have a strong grasp of continuum mechanics, cohesive zone, crystal plasticity, experience with using Abaqus, user subroutines, and Python scripting.
Qualifications
- Must have a Ph.D. or equivalent; be able to undertake substantial full-time research and scholarship; working under the supervision of a senior scholar.
- Knowledge of commercial FEA package Abaqus and the programming language Python.
- The successful candidate will have a good knowledge of numerical implementation of plasticity, cohesive zone modeling, and will interface with the molecular dynamics group to create customized scripts for implementing.
Responsibilities:
- Conducting experimental research
- Conducting theoretical research and modeling
- Write grant applications
- Write journal papers
- Supervision of undergraduate and graduate students
Position Type
Research
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
108S
Expected Hiring Range:
$60,315.00 - $85,192.50
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.
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Find JobsPostdoctoral Research Associate Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Rutgers University38
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital32
- University of Arizona27
- Baylor College of Medicine22
- Washington University in St. Louis19
Top Industries Hiring
- Education332
- Healthcare & Medical Services53
- Science & Research42
- Non-Profit & Social Services21
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals14
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in postdoctoral research associate jobs.
- PhD in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, neuroscience, or a related discipline
- Experience with discipline-specific laboratory techniques such as CRISPR, sequencing, or imaging
- Record of peer-reviewed publication or manuscripts in preparation
- Proficiency with statistical or computational tools such as R, Python, or MATLAB
- Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot independent research projects
- Strong written and oral communication skills for grant writing and conference presentations
Tips for Your Postdoctoral Research Associate Job Search
Tailor your CV for each lab
Your postdoc CV should mirror the principal investigator's active grant language and methodology vocabulary. Hiring committees read dozens of applications, so surface your most relevant techniques and publication outcomes in the first half of page one.
Target labs with active funding cycles
Postdoc openings almost always follow a new R01 or NSF award. Check NIH Reporter and NSF Award Search for recently funded PIs in your subfield, then look for corresponding job postings before those positions get buried in search results.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists postdoctoral research associate openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Request informational calls before applying
Cold-emailing a PI to ask about lab culture and current projects before submitting a formal application signals genuine interest and gives you details that sharpen your cover letter far beyond what the posting reveals.
Prepare a chalk talk, not just a presentation
Many postdoc interviews include a research proposal segment where you explain what you would do in that lab. Practice articulating a two-year research plan that uses the lab's existing equipment and complements the PI's current funded work.
Negotiate your start date and publication rights
Before accepting an offer, clarify authorship expectations on ongoing projects you will inherit and whether you can complete a manuscript from your doctoral work. These terms are easier to set at acceptance than six months into your appointment.
Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most postdoctoral research associates?
The companies hiring the most postdoctoral research associates right now include Rutgers University, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and University of Arizona, with the largest share of openings in Texas, Florida, and New Jersey, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Research universities and large pharmaceutical employers tend to post the highest volume of positions year-round.
How many postdoctoral research associate jobs are remote?
About 4% of postdoctoral research associate openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, which is lower than most professional roles because bench science requires on-site lab access. Computational biology, bioinformatics, and data-focused research positions account for the largest share of remote-eligible postdoc roles.
How do you become a postdoctoral research associate?
You become a postdoctoral research associate by first completing a doctoral degree in a relevant discipline, then identifying PIs whose research aligns with your expertise. Most candidates apply directly to faculty or respond to posted openings, submitting a CV, cover letter, and writing samples such as published papers. Networking at conferences and through doctoral advisor referrals significantly accelerates placement.
Can you get a postdoctoral research associate position with no prior postdoc experience?
Yes, most postdoctoral research associate positions are specifically designed for candidates entering their first appointment after completing a PhD, so no prior postdoc experience is expected. What labs evaluate instead is your doctoral research output, technical skill set, and how closely your dissertation work matches the lab's active projects. A strong publication record and clear research vision compensate for limited independent experience.
What does the postdoctoral research associate interview process look like?
The interview process typically starts with an initial call with the PI to discuss your background and fit, followed by an on-site or video visit that includes a seminar presentation of your doctoral research and meetings with lab members and departmental faculty. Many labs also ask for a short research proposal outlining what you would pursue in that specific environment, which is evaluated for scientific rigor and alignment with the lab's direction.
Where can I find and apply to postdoctoral research associate jobs?
You can find and apply to postdoctoral research associate jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find roles that match your research background and apply directly to each listing without leaving the platform.
See All 436+ Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any postdoctoral research associate role that fits.
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