Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania
Postdoctoral research associate jobs in Pennsylvania are concentrated in life sciences, biomedical research, materials science, and computational neuroscience, with the state ranking among the most active markets in the country for early-career research talent. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and State College are the primary hiring hubs, anchored by institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and Penn State University. The most in-demand specialties right now are cancer biology, drug discovery, and machine learning applications in research. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 30+ Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs
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!
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) ranks among the best in the country. Our research programs are at the forefront of the technologies that have changed the world we live in. Our interdisciplinary approach to education and research allows faculty and students across the university and beyond to collaborate on problems that have a significant impact on the world around us.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment.
Core Responsibilities:
- Collect and analyze data, including periodical/literature search and utilizing specialized skills in related field to analyze the collected data.
- Conduct research experiments within the predetermined research scope and methodology of department and university.
- Lab maintenance, including equipment maintenance and ordering of supplies may be required depending on area and specialty.
- Participate/assist in manuscript writing for publication in scientific journals and/or presentations. May also assist in grant writing.
- Other duties as assigned.
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can 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. required
- 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.
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, PA
Job Function
Pre/Post-Doctoral Associates & Fellows
Position Type
Postdoctoral Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)
Full Time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
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!
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) ranks among the best in the country. Our research programs are at the forefront of the technologies that have changed the world we live in. Our interdisciplinary approach to education and research allows faculty and students across the university and beyond to collaborate on problems that have a significant impact on the world around us.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment.
Core Responsibilities:
- Collect and analyze data, including periodical/literature search and utilizing specialized skills in related field to analyze the collected data.
- Conduct research experiments within the predetermined research scope and methodology of department and university.
- Lab maintenance, including equipment maintenance and ordering of supplies may be required depending on area and specialty.
- Participate/assist in manuscript writing for publication in scientific journals and/or presentations. May also assist in grant writing.
- Other duties as assigned.
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can 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. required
- 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.
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, PA
Job Function
Pre/Post-Doctoral Associates & Fellows
Position Type
Postdoctoral Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)
Full Time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
See All 30 Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsPostdoctoral Research Associate Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Postdoctoral Research Associate Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Carnegie Mellon University11
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia11
- Rodale Institute2
- Drexel University1
- Lehigh University1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in postdoctoral research associate jobs across Pennsylvania.
- PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline required or expected upon start
- Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publication in a related research area
- Hands-on experience with laboratory techniques, data analysis tools, or computational methods relevant to the position
- Ability to work independently and contribute to collaborative research projects and grant proposals
- Strong written and oral communication skills for presenting findings and preparing manuscripts
- Experience with grant-funded research environments, including compliance with institutional review processes
Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a postdoctoral research associate in Pennsylvania?
You become a postdoctoral research associate in Pennsylvania by completing a doctoral degree and applying directly to posted positions at universities, medical centers, or research institutes. Pennsylvania does not require a state-issued license for this role. Most positions are secured through faculty contacts, institutional postdoc office listings, or direct applications to research groups at institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon, Temple University, or the University of Pittsburgh.
Which companies hire postdoctoral research associates in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania postdoctoral research associate roles are posted by Carnegie Mellon University, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Rodale Institute and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Pennsylvania's deep concentration of research universities, academic medical centers, and pharmaceutical companies along the I-95 corridor means postdoc openings appear consistently throughout the year.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most postdoctoral research associate jobs?
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Kutztown have the most postdoctoral research associate openings in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia leads because of its cluster of major research universities and health systems, Pittsburgh draws heavily from Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh's strong science and engineering programs, and State College reflects Penn State's substantial federally funded research portfolio.
Are there remote postdoctoral research associate jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but they're rare. About 25% of postdoctoral research associate openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, since most positions require hands-on laboratory work or on-site collaboration. The portions of the role most likely to be performed remotely are computational analysis, manuscript preparation, and data modeling work within primarily dry-lab or bioinformatics-focused research groups.
How can I get hired as a postdoctoral research associate in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing your doctoral dissertation and reaching out to principal investigators directly before your degree is conferred. Many large Pennsylvania research institutions, including the University of Pittsburgh, Thomas Jefferson University, and the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia, host postdoctoral office programs that match new doctoral graduates with available research groups. Lateral moves from graduate research assistant, laboratory technician, or clinical research coordinator roles are also common entry points, and a strong publication record or conference presentation gives candidates a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to postdoctoral research associate jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to postdoctoral research associate jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current Pennsylvania openings across research institutions, universities, medical centers, and industry labs. Search the listings to find roles that match your research background and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 30 Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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