Research assistant / postdoc

A research assistant or postdoctoral researcher conducts the hands-on work of academic research, usually after completing a PhD (for postdocs) or while building toward one. They design and run experiments, collect and analyze data, review literature, write papers and grant proposals, and support a faculty member's research program, developing the skills and publication record to advance their careers.

The role is the engine of academic research, demanding deep expertise and persistence through uncertain, often unglamorous work. Postdocs work in university and research-institute labs.

The job suits dedicated, curious, resilient people committed to research, typically as a step toward a faculty or research career.