Postdoctoral research associates generally assist tenured professors and/or senior researchers and work in a university environment or laboratory, though they also work independently. They often assist principal investigators in performing experimental investigations; on behalf of principal investigators, they may provide guidance to laboratory technicians and/or support staff. They may need to utilize recording devices or use statistical procedures for research relevant to their assigned field, and are also required to review quality control of various laboratory techniques.

Postdoctoral research associates must know how to use various automated tools and computerized technology to conduct research. They must also be able to troubleshoot system/equipment issues and call relevant repairmen if necessary. They must always ensure that their work area and all instruments and supply materials are clean and sterile, and they are also responsible for writing reports on their research projects.

Those in this position must be proficient with Microsoft Office products, such as Word, Exel, PowerPoint and Outlook, as they may occasionally be required to conduct presentations; they should also be able to work well in team environments. Employers generally require that candidates have a master's degree or Ph.D.

These research associates may need to interact with clients, so effective oral and written communication skills are important in this position. They must be innovative and dedicated, and are often required to travel to attend conferences or workshops and read professional journals. Some may occasionally be required to work overtime in order to meet deadlines, and some may train and coach new and junior research associates. (Copyright 2018 PayScale.com)

Postdoctoral Research Associate Tasks

• Design, perform, and evaluate experiments and their results.
• Create presentations, diagrams, and graphs to convey results to funders, the public and other researchers.
• Write up results in lab notebooks as well as for publication.
• Maintain, inspect, and use laboratory and equipment.

For Postdoctoral Research Associates, busy Washington offers a higher-than-average pay rate, 9 percent above the national average. Postdoctoral Research Associates will also find cushy salaries in San Francisco (+8 percent), Berkeley (+7 percent), Los Angeles (+7 percent), and New York (+6 percent). Trailing the national average by 7 percent, Houston is the market with the smallest paychecks. Two other places where employers offer below-median salaries are Chicago (6 percent less) and Austin (5 percent less).