Entry Level Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs
New grad postdoctoral research associate jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong dissertation, thesis work, or research internship can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Science & Research, with employers like University of Arizona, University of Virginia, and Washington University in St. Louis hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 86+ Entry Level Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs
Job description: A post-doctoral position is available immediately in the Lydy lab at Southern Illinois University (Carbondale, IL, USA). The successful candidate will work on several projects including determining the impacts of pesticide exposure on predator prey relationships for salmon and striped bass, incorporation of contaminants into salmon life cycle models, and conducting field-lab research identifying pesticide exposure pathways and hotspots in aquatic waterways. The postdoc will be an important member of our ecotoxicology team, which is made up of toxicologists, chemists and wildlife biologists. The successful candidates will ideally have a background in either environmental toxicology, ecology or analytical chemistry. The aquatic toxicology lab (www.aquatictox.siu.edu) at SIU houses a well-equipped analytical chemistry lab, as well as a large modern aquatics facility. Carbondale is in a scenic portion of the state, and is near several state parks and national refuges, including the Shawnee National Forest.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in toxicology, environmental chemistry, fish ecology or related field
- Experience working with predatory prey interactions and life cycle models
- Experience working with tracking fish data and use of tracking software
- Demonstrated record analyzing data, writing results, and publishing scientific manuscripts
- Proficiency programming or coding in R, Python, or other software packages·
- Strong organizational and data management skills
- Ability to work independently and on a team
- Ability to stay on schedule and meet deadlines
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with the USGS Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3)
- Experience with pesticide analyses quantification using GC-MS.
Salary: Commensurate with experience (100% time) and includes a benefit package.
Effective Date of Employment: Applications are being accepted immediately with the position starting in Fall 2026. The position is expected to continue for two years; continuation is contingent upon availability of future grant funding.
Application deadline: September 15, 2026, or until filled.
Application Procedure: Send letter of intent describing research interest and goals (including specific experience conducting predatory prey studies) and a resume to: Dr. Michael Lydy, Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have hands-on analytical experience?
Education:
- Doctorate (Preferred)
Experience:
- Laboratory Experience: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Job description: A post-doctoral position is available immediately in the Lydy lab at Southern Illinois University (Carbondale, IL, USA). The successful candidate will work on several projects including determining the impacts of pesticide exposure on predator prey relationships for salmon and striped bass, incorporation of contaminants into salmon life cycle models, and conducting field-lab research identifying pesticide exposure pathways and hotspots in aquatic waterways. The postdoc will be an important member of our ecotoxicology team, which is made up of toxicologists, chemists and wildlife biologists. The successful candidates will ideally have a background in either environmental toxicology, ecology or analytical chemistry. The aquatic toxicology lab (www.aquatictox.siu.edu) at SIU houses a well-equipped analytical chemistry lab, as well as a large modern aquatics facility. Carbondale is in a scenic portion of the state, and is near several state parks and national refuges, including the Shawnee National Forest.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in toxicology, environmental chemistry, fish ecology or related field
- Experience working with predatory prey interactions and life cycle models
- Experience working with tracking fish data and use of tracking software
- Demonstrated record analyzing data, writing results, and publishing scientific manuscripts
- Proficiency programming or coding in R, Python, or other software packages·
- Strong organizational and data management skills
- Ability to work independently and on a team
- Ability to stay on schedule and meet deadlines
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with the USGS Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3)
- Experience with pesticide analyses quantification using GC-MS.
Salary: Commensurate with experience (100% time) and includes a benefit package.
Effective Date of Employment: Applications are being accepted immediately with the position starting in Fall 2026. The position is expected to continue for two years; continuation is contingent upon availability of future grant funding.
Application deadline: September 15, 2026, or until filled.
Application Procedure: Send letter of intent describing research interest and goals (including specific experience conducting predatory prey studies) and a resume to: Dr. Michael Lydy, Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have hands-on analytical experience?
Education:
- Doctorate (Preferred)
Experience:
- Laboratory Experience: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
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Top Industries Hiring
- Education64
- Healthcare & Medical Services18
- Science & Research12
- Investment & Asset Management7
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals3
Entry Level Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level postdoctoral research associate job?
Employers hiring entry level postdoctoral research associates look for a recently completed doctoral degree, published or submitted research, and laboratory or fieldwork experience gained during your graduate program. Strong letters of recommendation from faculty advisors, a clear research statement, and demonstrated familiarity with the methods used in the host lab give candidates a real edge at this stage. Applying during the final year of your PhD program is common and encouraged.
Which companies hire entry level postdoctoral research associates?
Companies hiring entry level postdoctoral research 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. At this level, hiring comes from a mix of research universities, academic medical centers, national laboratories, and life sciences companies that run active research programs and regularly bring on early-career scientists.
Are there remote entry level postdoctoral research associate jobs?
Yes, though most postdoctoral research associate roles require on-site work due to lab or facility access. About 3% of entry level postdoctoral research associate openings are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to be in computational, data-driven, or theoretical research areas where bench work is not required.
Are these new grad postdoctoral research associate jobs?
Yes. The entry level postdoctoral research associate openings on this page include new grad, recent graduate, and junior roles designed for candidates who have just completed or are finishing a doctoral degree. A posting is typically new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of independent research experience, counts graduate research as qualifying experience, or explicitly invites applications from candidates who have recently defended their dissertation.
Which industries hire the most entry level postdoctoral research associates?
Entry Level postdoctoral research associate roles concentrate in Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Science & Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Those sectors drive hiring at this level because they depend on a steady pipeline of newly trained researchers to staff funded grants, advance product pipelines, and support ongoing scientific programs.