Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs
Postdoctoral research associate jobs are open across universities, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, and government laboratories, from entry-level postdoc to senior research associate, with specializations in molecular biology, computational science, and materials research. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.
Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.
Job Description
We have an opening for a Solid State Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopist - Postdoctoral Researcher. We invite PhD graudates in the field of chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, or related fields to apply. You will be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team responsible for conducting and supporting research of f-element science and materials characterization via magnetic resonance This position is in the Material Characterization Group of the Materials Science Division.
You will
- Design and conduct solid state and solution state magnetic resonance experiments including NMR, EPR, and MRI across a broad range of materials including rare earth elements and actinides.
- Perform double quantum NMR, EPR, and MRI measurements to elucidate internuclear and interelectron distances and develop structure property relationships.
- Conduct advanced research in the fields of solid state diffusion and characterization of novel actinide complexes.
- Serve as the primary technical contact on integrating solid state imaging pulse sequences on polymers.
- Convey capabilities and new opportunities to stakeholders across the laboratory.
- Develop and present written analyses and verbal briefings that capture and communicate research results as well as periodic progress reports.
- Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
- PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, or a related field.
- Experience in designing solid state magnetic resonance for elucidation of the structure and/or properties of complex materials, as demonstrated through publications, posters, and/or presentations.
- Experience multidimensional magnetic resonance (2D, 3D, 4D) as demonstrated through publications, posters, and/or presentations.
- Advanced knowledge with Bruker NMR, MRI, and EPR instrumentation.
- Ability to independently and quickly develop new methods and procedures (e.g. pulse sequences and data processing workflows).
- Ability and willingness to work in a laboratory setting handling acutely toxic materials.
- Proficient written and verbal communication skills necessary to deliver presentations and prepare written reports, explain technical information, and provide advice to management.
- Proficient interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff within a collaborative research environment.
Qualifications we desire
- Advanced knowledge in diffusometry, coordination chemistry, and/or radiochemistry.
- Knowledge of other magnetic resonance techniques including solution state characterization, and relaxometry.
- Experience with hyperpolarization techniques (OD NMR, NV NMR, parahydrogen, DNP, SEOP, etc).
Pay Range
$123,048 Annually
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Position Information
This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
- Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
- Flexible Benefits Package
- 401(k)
- Relocation Assistance
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
- Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values
Security Clearance
This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
Wireless and Medical Devices
Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.
How to identify fake job advertisements
Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.
To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Reasonable Accommodation
Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.
California Privacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.
Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.
Job Description
We have an opening for a Solid State Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopist - Postdoctoral Researcher. We invite PhD graudates in the field of chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, or related fields to apply. You will be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team responsible for conducting and supporting research of f-element science and materials characterization via magnetic resonance This position is in the Material Characterization Group of the Materials Science Division.
You will
- Design and conduct solid state and solution state magnetic resonance experiments including NMR, EPR, and MRI across a broad range of materials including rare earth elements and actinides.
- Perform double quantum NMR, EPR, and MRI measurements to elucidate internuclear and interelectron distances and develop structure property relationships.
- Conduct advanced research in the fields of solid state diffusion and characterization of novel actinide complexes.
- Serve as the primary technical contact on integrating solid state imaging pulse sequences on polymers.
- Convey capabilities and new opportunities to stakeholders across the laboratory.
- Develop and present written analyses and verbal briefings that capture and communicate research results as well as periodic progress reports.
- Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
- PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, or a related field.
- Experience in designing solid state magnetic resonance for elucidation of the structure and/or properties of complex materials, as demonstrated through publications, posters, and/or presentations.
- Experience multidimensional magnetic resonance (2D, 3D, 4D) as demonstrated through publications, posters, and/or presentations.
- Advanced knowledge with Bruker NMR, MRI, and EPR instrumentation.
- Ability to independently and quickly develop new methods and procedures (e.g. pulse sequences and data processing workflows).
- Ability and willingness to work in a laboratory setting handling acutely toxic materials.
- Proficient written and verbal communication skills necessary to deliver presentations and prepare written reports, explain technical information, and provide advice to management.
- Proficient interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff within a collaborative research environment.
Qualifications we desire
- Advanced knowledge in diffusometry, coordination chemistry, and/or radiochemistry.
- Knowledge of other magnetic resonance techniques including solution state characterization, and relaxometry.
- Experience with hyperpolarization techniques (OD NMR, NV NMR, parahydrogen, DNP, SEOP, etc).
Pay Range
$123,048 Annually
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Position Information
This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
- Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
- Flexible Benefits Package
- 401(k)
- Relocation Assistance
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
- Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values
Security Clearance
This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
Wireless and Medical Devices
Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.
How to identify fake job advertisements
Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.
To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Reasonable Accommodation
Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.
California Privacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs by Experience Level
Top Cities Hiring Postdoctoral Research Associates
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Find JobsPostdoctoral Research Associate Job Market
Who's Hiring
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital19
- Los Alamos National Laboratory17
- University of Arizona16
- Washington University in St. Louis13
- University of Virginia12
Top Industries Hiring
- Education95
- Healthcare & Medical Services30
- Science & Research22
- Investment & Asset Management10
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals3
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in postdoctoral research associate jobs.
- PhD in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering
- Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publication or manuscript preparation
- Proficiency in laboratory techniques specific to the hiring lab's research area
- Experience with data analysis tools such as Python, R, MATLAB, or ImageJ
- Ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for grant writing and presentations
Tips for Your Postdoctoral Research Associate Job Search
Tailor your CV to each lab's focus
Postdoc applications live or die on specificity. Mirror the principal investigator's active research agenda in your cover letter and reorder your publications list so the work most relevant to that lab's current grants appears first.
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.
Lead your CV with your dissertation output
Hiring committees scan for publications, preprints, and conference presentations before reading anything else. List first-author papers at the top of your CV, including accepted manuscripts and preprints, not just final published versions.
Contact principal investigators directly before applying
Many postdoc positions are filled through direct outreach before a formal listing goes live. Email the PI with a concise research statement tied to a specific paper they published in the last two years, then follow up through the official application portal.
Prepare a chalk talk for the interview stage
Most postdoc interviews include a research seminar and a chalk talk where you outline your independent research agenda. Practice articulating two or three original project ideas that complement the lab's existing work without duplicating it.
Negotiate startup resources, not just stipend
When you receive an offer, ask about access to core facilities, conference travel funding, and authorship norms before you accept. These shape your productivity and your publication record far more than a small stipend difference.
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 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and University of Arizona, with the largest share of openings in Texas, California, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Research universities and national laboratories tend to post the highest volume of openings at any given time.
How many postdoctoral research associate jobs are remote?
About 16% of postdoctoral research associate openings are fully remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most lab-based research. Computational, bioinformatics, and data-science-focused postdoc roles are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements, since their work centers on software and modeling rather than bench work.
How do you become a postdoctoral research associate?
You become a postdoctoral research associate by completing a doctoral degree, then securing a position in a research group led by a principal investigator in your field. The process involves identifying labs whose work aligns with your dissertation research, submitting a CV and research statement, interviewing with the PI and lab members, and negotiating a start date and project scope before joining.
Can you get a postdoctoral research associate position with no prior postdoc experience?
Yes, a postdoc is itself an entry-level position for researchers who have just completed their PhD, so prior postdoc experience is not expected. What matters most is the strength of your doctoral research, your publications or manuscripts in progress, strong letters from your dissertation committee, and a clear alignment between your expertise and the hiring lab's active projects.
What does the postdoctoral research associate interview process look like?
The interview process typically involves an initial call with the principal investigator, followed by an in-person or virtual visit that includes a research seminar where you present your doctoral work and a chalk talk where you outline future research directions. You will also meet with other lab members and sometimes department faculty, who assess how well your research vision fits the lab's goals and funding priorities.
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. Search for roles that match your research background and specialization, then apply directly to each listing that fits your goals and qualifications.
See All 386+ Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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