Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Virginia
Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs in Virginia are concentrated in academic research, biomedical sciences, and national security-adjacent STEM fields, with demand anchored by world-class universities and federally funded research centers. The largest hiring hubs are the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. corridor, the Richmond metro, and the Charlottesville area, where institutions like the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and George Mason University maintain active postdoctoral programs. The most in-demand specialties in Virginia are computational biology, neuroscience, materials science, and data-driven policy research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 25+ Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs
Muscle contraction is required for vital bodily functions such as breathing, heart contractility, and movement. It is based on the interaction between two filamentous systems: the thick (myosin) and the thin (actin) filaments. This interaction is regulated by Ca2+ and myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C). We use state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy and computational approaches to study the regulation of thin filaments by Ca2+ and cMyBP-C in order to reveal molecular mechanisms that underlie heart diseases. Our studies pave the way for new therapeutic approaches and drug discovery. We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow who either has experience working with muscle proteins or has training in high-resolution cryo-EM.
Job Responsibilities:Image analysis of cryo-EM images of thin filaments, their complexes with cMyBP-C, or pathogenic variants.
Purification of thin filaments, preparation of samples fror cryo-EM
Education and/or training: PhD
Level and type of experience: experience working with muscle proteins or training in high-resolution cryo-EM
Specific knowledge, skills, and abilities: knowledge of the structure of cardiac muscle and its components, experience in biochemistry or biophysical approaches to muscle proteins; and/or experience in cryo-EM, RELION, Cryo-SPARC, PHENIX, Chimera
Other: knowledge of modeling and MDS is a plus
This position is being filled through the Research Foundation, which is a separate entity from Old Dominion University (ODU). While we work in support of ODU, the Research Foundation operates independently and is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
To apply: click Job Browsing; and follow the link for position #26-046. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled
The organization is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer (AA/EOE/M/F/Disability/VETS/Drug-Free Workplace). We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions — including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, and promotion — are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Affirmative action efforts are conducted consistent with applicable laws to promote equal opportunity in employment and advancement.
As part of our commitment to pay transparency and compliance with applicable laws, the Research Foundation includes a good-faith salary range in all job postings. These ranges represent the expected hiring range for the position, not the full compensation band.
Final salary offers may vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity, and budget availability. The anticipated salary range for this position is: $60,000.00 to $70,000.00
Muscle contraction is required for vital bodily functions such as breathing, heart contractility, and movement. It is based on the interaction between two filamentous systems: the thick (myosin) and the thin (actin) filaments. This interaction is regulated by Ca2+ and myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C). We use state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy and computational approaches to study the regulation of thin filaments by Ca2+ and cMyBP-C in order to reveal molecular mechanisms that underlie heart diseases. Our studies pave the way for new therapeutic approaches and drug discovery. We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow who either has experience working with muscle proteins or has training in high-resolution cryo-EM.
Job Responsibilities:Image analysis of cryo-EM images of thin filaments, their complexes with cMyBP-C, or pathogenic variants.
Purification of thin filaments, preparation of samples fror cryo-EM
Education and/or training: PhD
Level and type of experience: experience working with muscle proteins or training in high-resolution cryo-EM
Specific knowledge, skills, and abilities: knowledge of the structure of cardiac muscle and its components, experience in biochemistry or biophysical approaches to muscle proteins; and/or experience in cryo-EM, RELION, Cryo-SPARC, PHENIX, Chimera
Other: knowledge of modeling and MDS is a plus
This position is being filled through the Research Foundation, which is a separate entity from Old Dominion University (ODU). While we work in support of ODU, the Research Foundation operates independently and is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
To apply: click Job Browsing; and follow the link for position #26-046. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled
The organization is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer (AA/EOE/M/F/Disability/VETS/Drug-Free Workplace). We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions — including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, and promotion — are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Affirmative action efforts are conducted consistent with applicable laws to promote equal opportunity in employment and advancement.
As part of our commitment to pay transparency and compliance with applicable laws, the Research Foundation includes a good-faith salary range in all job postings. These ranges represent the expected hiring range for the position, not the full compensation band.
Final salary offers may vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity, and budget availability. The anticipated salary range for this position is: $60,000.00 to $70,000.00
See All 25 Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsPostdoctoral Research Associate Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Postdoctoral Research Associate Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- University of Virginia13
- Old Dominion University5
- William & Mary3
- Virginia Tech1
- Inova Health System1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education12
- Healthcare & Medical Services8
- Investment & Asset Management8
- Science & Research2
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in postdoctoral research associate jobs across Virginia.
- PhD or doctoral degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline required
- Active research record with peer-reviewed publications in the area of study
- Demonstrated proficiency with laboratory techniques or computational tools specific to the discipline
- Experience designing, executing, and documenting independent research projects
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for grant writing and scientific presentations
- Ability to mentor graduate students and contribute to collaborative research teams
Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a postdoctoral research associate in Virginia?
Becoming a postdoctoral research associate in Virginia requires completing a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in the relevant discipline, as the role is a post-doctoral training position, not a licensed profession with a state board. Virginia institutions such as the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia Tech post openings through their graduate school and research office portals. Applicants typically submit a CV, research statement, and letters of recommendation directly to the principal investigator or hiring department.
Which companies hire postdoctoral research associates in Virginia?
Companies currently hiring postdoctoral research associates in Virginia include University of Virginia, Old Dominion University, and William & Mary, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Virginia's mix of research universities, federal contractors, and national laboratories means postdoctoral openings appear across both academic and private-sector research environments throughout the state.
Which Virginia cities have the most postdoctoral research associate jobs?
The cities with the most postdoctoral research associate openings in Virginia are Charlottesville, Norfolk, and Virginia. Northern Virginia's concentration of federal agencies and defense research contractors drives volume in that corridor, while Charlottesville and Blacksburg reflect the large research footprints of the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, and Richmond's biomedical and life sciences sector adds consistent demand through Virginia Commonwealth University Health.
Are there remote postdoctoral research associate jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. Postdoctoral research associate work is largely hands-on and lab- or campus-based, making fully remote positions uncommon. About 60% of postdoctoral research associate openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and these tend to be in computational, data science, or policy-focused research where wet-lab access is not required.
How can I get hired as a postdoctoral research associate in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a first postdoctoral appointment directly from a PhD program, which is the standard pipeline Virginia institutions expect. Large Virginia research employers like the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and George Mason University post entry-level postdoctoral fellowships designed for new graduates. Candidates without a completed PhD can build toward the role through research assistantships, graduate teaching positions, or laboratory technician roles at these same institutions, using publications and a strong dissertation committee recommendation as the primary credential for a competitive application.
Where can I find and apply to postdoctoral research associate jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to postdoctoral research associate jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across research institutions, universities, federal contractors, and private-sector labs. Find roles that fit your discipline and experience level and apply directly to the positions listed.
See All 25 Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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