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, Science & Research, and Healthcare & Medical Services, with employers like University of Arizona, Texas A&M University, and Carnegie Mellon University hiring at this level now.
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Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!
Innovation. Interdisciplinary collaboration. Complex problem solving. In Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, faculty members, researchers, and students are revolutionizing focus areas in advanced manufacturing, bioengineering, computational engineering, energy and the environment, product design, and robotics. In addition, they are using their expertise in interdisciplinary research centers across the university.
Carnegie Mellon University’s department of Mechanical Engineering is searching for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment. In this role, you will work in the applied nanotechnology lab, assisting in the development and execution of research projects related to the production and characterization of multivalent DNA origami nanosensors. This role requires analysis of data collected and summarizing experiment results and such other tasks that are assigned to you.
Your core responsibilities will include:
- Leads lab activities related to cloning and/or synthesis of nucleic acid nanotechnology.
- Designs and validates the performance of molecular sensing circuits.
- Designs and carries out experiments in BSL2 lab space.
- Performs quantitative analyses and generates data-rich visualizations from data.
- Demonstrates ability to perform multidisciplinary research.
- Develops SOPs for critical activities and trains lab members on their performance.
- Possess strong verbal and written communication skills and a passion for research.
- Possesses an eagerness to learn new techniques and lead projects independently.
- Other tasks as assigned.
Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Engineering, Computational Biology, Biophysics, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics or related field.
- Laboratory expertise in DNA nanotechnology and/or molecular programming. Strong skills in analytical chemistry are a plus.
- A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits, available to all full-time Carnegie Mellon University employees. Experience the full spectrum of advantages, from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to enticing retirement savings programs. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, and take well-deserved breaks with generous paid time off and holidays. Rest easy knowing you're covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. For a comprehensive overview of the benefits awaiting you, explore: https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance .
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role & responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique key skills and the diverse perspectives you bring. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive
work environment means we also account for geographic differentials. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access , and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page .
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
Pre/Post-Doctoral Associates & FellowsPosition Type
Postdoctoral Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)Full Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalarySee All 86 Entry Level Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs
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Find JobsEntry Level Postdoctoral Research Associate Job Market
Who's Hiring
- University of Arizona11

- Texas A&M University4

- Carnegie Mellon University3

- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute3

- UT Southwestern Medical Center3

Top Industries Hiring
- Education61
- Science & Research13
- Healthcare & Medical Services11
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals7
- Non-Profit & Social Services2
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, Texas A&M University, and Carnegie Mellon University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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 8% of entry level postdoctoral research associate openings are remote or hybrid as of November 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, Science & Research, and Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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.