1

Biochemistry Postdoc Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Staff Scientist

Maywood, IL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Field of study in molecular biology, biology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, immunology, or related biomedical sciences. * Minimum 2‑5 years of postdoctoral scientific ...

Staff Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... gene regulation using biochemical, molecular, genomic, and computational approaches ... Mentors graduate students, postdoctoral trainees, technicians, and undergraduate researchers.

Postdoctoral Scholar

Evanston, IL · On-site

$61K - $68K/yr

A broad spectrum of methods, including bioinformatics, biochemistry, cell culture, next generation sequencing, and animal models. * Investment in career development, fostering critical research ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Biochemistry Postdoc information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.8K

$60.8K

$86K

How much do biochemistry postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for biochemistry postdoc in Chicago, IL is $60,801.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $68,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a biochemistry postdoc?

A Biochemistry Postdoc is a temporary research position designed for scientists who have recently earned their Ph.D. in biochemistry or a related field. Postdocs work under the supervision of a principal investigator (PI) to conduct advanced research, publish scientific papers, and develop new experimental techniques. The goal of a postdoc is to gain specialized expertise, expand professional networks, and prepare for independent research careers in academia, industry, or government.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a biochemistry postdoc?

Biochemistry Postdocs generally spend their days designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and troubleshooting laboratory protocols. They also participate in regular meetings with their principal investigator and lab team to discuss results and plan future research directions. Writing manuscripts, preparing presentations, and staying up-to-date with current literature are also important aspects of the role. Collaborative work is common, often involving interaction with researchers from other labs or departments to advance interdisciplinary projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biochemistry postdoc?

To thrive as a Biochemistry Postdoc, you need a PhD in biochemistry or a related field, with expertise in experimental design, molecular biology techniques, and data analysis. Proficiency in laboratory tools such as mass spectrometers, chromatography systems, and software for statistical analysis and data visualization is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and the capacity to work collaboratively are key soft skills in this research-driven position. These skills enable postdocs to design and complete impactful research projects, contribute to scientific publications, and integrate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

What are popular job titles related to Biochemistry Postdoc jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Biochemistry Postdoc jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Biochemistry Postdoc job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $60,801 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar - Yap Lab

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • On-site

$63K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Northwestern University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department: MED-Microbiology-Immunology
Salary/Grade: RES/
Target hiring range for this position will be $63,480 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated recent Ph.D. graduate with expertise in biochemistry and/or microbiology to investigate the molecular mechanisms of ribosome regulation and RNA/ribosome degradation in the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus.
Please note: Occasional weekends and evenings as requested and with some possible travel, as required.
Specific Responsibilities:
  • Study execution and data analysis
  • Manuscript preparation and presentation at national and international meetings
  • Communicating research findings in both written and oral formats
  • Supervising junior researchers
  • Assisting day-to-day operation of the laboratory activities (making shared reagents, proper recording of strain/oligo databases, purchasing)
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biophysics or a closely related field.
  • Less than 2 years of postdoc experience.
  • At least 1 first author peer-reviewed paper accepted or in revision.
  • Knowledge and interest in RNA biology and protein synthesis.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
  • Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills with a track record of writing papers in peer reviewed journals and presentations at scientific meetings
  • Ability to work independently, but also contribute to a research team
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous training in RNA/ribosome biology, enzymology and structural biology is a plus.
  • Candidates who have hands-on experience or are interested in applying deep-sequencing technology and ribosome/RNA biochemistry are preferable.
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
  • Candidates interested in establishing an independent career are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Coachability: Receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement.
  • Meets deadlines: Displays consistency and success in adhering to deadlines.
  • Multi-tasking: Demonstrates ability to work on multiple experiments simultaneously.
  • Organization: Plans, organizes and schedules in an efficient, productive manner; anticipates contingencies and pays attention to detail.
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .
#LI-GY2

What Northwestern University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom