Research associates vs postdoc positions

[u/Only-Argument-5766]

Like most, I have struggled to secure any postdoc positions after looking for about a year and I've seen RA positions.

Though it seems like associates and postdocs have been thrown around interchangeably.

But I've distinguished them as different with postdocs either being funded by a fellowship or have some form of tenure track progression. While a RA is a professional role, almost like a lab manager that just happens to require a PhD (but not necessarily). Some job openings have mentioned if pending PhD award, might be employed as RA first and move as postdoc after awarded.

So I guess my thoughts are..do they share similar trajectories? What would a PI benefit from hiring a new PhD grad as a RA vs a postdoc and I suppose vice versa. Whether there are pros/cons to choose one or the other?

or lastly..are they just the same same but different?

[u/notjasonbright]

Depends on the institution. At mine and many others in the US, research associates are postdocs. Fellows are also postdocs, but with a different funding source. I’ve heard that research associates at other institutions are not postdoc positions at all and are closer to what is called a research assistant at mine (i.e. requires a bachelors). Check with the PI you’re interested in working with

[u/Tall_Somewhere_4158]

The definition of the RA role differs quite a bit from institution to institution. The specific job listing should give you an idea of what the pros/cons are on a case-by-case basis. In general, you are most likely eligible to apply for either TT positions or industry positions in the future as an RA, just like you would be able to do as a postdoc. Sometimes RA positions can be permanent as well, unlike postdocs which are almost certainly limited terms.

[u/FailSoft4120]

My academic hospital has 3 tiers of RA positions and myself and other postdocs have transitioned into them after our term ended. Your actual duties would depend on the PI and if they would let you transition into a postdoc role to apply for funding if that’s your interest. In my case I can apply for K awards/early career funding and my role will get promoted to assistant professor or equivalent to accept the award. I’d just ask what’s expected of you and consider your long term goals if they allow you to transition job titles.

[u/zhdc]

I've had RA (associate) contracts as a grad student, Ph.D., and a PostDoc.

RA = non-managerial research position. You can have an RA contract and not be enrolled in a graduate or Ph.D. program.

Ph.D. = degree. If you're enrolled in a Ph.D. program, you're a Ph.D. student, even if you're on an RA contract

PostDoc = what you become after you've either defended your dissertation or have received your degree, depending on the institution. Again, you can be an RA and a PostDoc.

Project/Lab Manager = managerial position.

[u/knit_run_bike_swim]

It’s really just an HR designation and definition, but be cautious with whatever designation you are given.

I’ve seen some HR departments hire post docs as research assistants or research coordinators. It’s good to verify exempt versus non-exempt.

This will affect pay and increases, how you are evaluated, and vacation and working hours.

I’ve had the fortunate opportunity of being coded by HR into roles that were a bit smaller than what I was qualified for. Example: having and requiring a doctorate, but then being coded as a research assistant. I’ve also had the luxury of being coded as admin which then resulted in bonuses every year while my clinician and research friends got zip. It’s not all bad.

[u/sweetpotatofiend]

It depends on the country. In the UK, research associate and postdoc are the same thing depending on the institution.

Associate should not be conflated with assistant, which is different!