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Control Engineer Postdoc Jobs in Cambridge, MA (NOW HIRING)

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Control Engineer Postdoc information

See Cambridge, MA salary details

$39.3K

$88.5K

$138.3K

How much do control engineer postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for control engineer postdoc in Cambridge, MA is $88,532.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $106,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Control Engineer Postdoc, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Control Engineer Postdoc, you need an advanced degree (PhD) in control engineering or a related field, with strong expertise in systems modeling, control theory, and applied mathematics. Proficiency in simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink and experience with programming languages like Python or C++, as well as familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop and embedded systems, are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively make a candidate stand out. These skills and qualities are critical for conducting advanced research, developing innovative control solutions, and contributing to interdisciplinary projects.

What is the difference between Control Engineer Postdoc vs Control Engineer?

AspectControl Engineer PostdocControl Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Engineering or related field, research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, professional experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic research labs, universitiesIndustrial settings, manufacturing, automation companies
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutionsManufacturing firms, tech companies
Common Search & ComparisonResearch-focused roles, academic positionsIndustry-focused roles, engineering positions

The main difference between a Control Engineer Postdoc and a Control Engineer lies in their focus and work environment. A Control Engineer Postdoc is primarily involved in academic research, requiring a PhD and working in universities or research labs. In contrast, a Control Engineer typically works in industry, applying engineering principles in manufacturing or automation settings. Both roles require a strong background in control systems, but their career paths and work environments differ significantly.

What are Control Engineer Postdocs?

Control Engineer Postdocs are researchers with a Ph.D. who specialize in the design, analysis, and implementation of control systems. They work in academic or industrial research settings, often focusing on advancing knowledge in areas like automation, robotics, or process control. Their responsibilities include conducting experiments, developing new algorithms or methods, publishing research findings, and sometimes mentoring students. This position is typically a temporary role intended to further develop expertise before pursuing a permanent academic or industry position.

What are some common challenges faced by Control Engineer Postdocs when transitioning from academia to industry-focused projects?

One common challenge for Control Engineer Postdocs moving into industry-oriented projects is adapting to faster-paced development cycles and stricter project deadlines. Unlike academic research, industry projects often require practical, scalable solutions rather than theoretical proofs. Additionally, postdocs may need to collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including software developers, product managers, and hardware engineers, making strong communication and teamwork skills essential. This transition also often involves working with proprietary tools and adhering to industry standards, which may require additional training.
What are popular job titles related to Control Engineer Postdoc jobs in Cambridge, MA? For Control Engineer Postdoc jobs in Cambridge, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Control Engineer Postdoc jobs in Cambridge, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Control Engineer Postdoc jobs in Cambridge, MA are:
Control Engineer Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control Engineer Postdoc job openings in Cambridge, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $88,532 per year, or $42.6 per hour.
Open Postdoc Position - Rowland Institute

Open Postdoc Position - Rowland Institute

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$67K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Harvard University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 612 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position
Details
Title
Open Postdoc Position - Rowland Institute
School
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area
Optical microscopy
Position Description
The brain computes through distributed neural circuits on millisecond timescales. To understand how the brain operates, the Z. Wang Lab at the Rowland Institute at Harvard develops optical tools to record and control neural activity across the entire brain at cellular and millisecond resolution. By combining advanced microscopy, genetically encoded voltage indicators, two-photon optogenetics, and zebrafish neuroscience, we aim to enable causal interrogation of brain-wide neural dynamics at single-cell and single-spike resolution.
We invite applications for a postdoctoral fellow to develop an integrated optical platform for simultaneous whole-brain voltage imaging and targeted optogenetic stimulation in larval zebrafish. The system will combine a high-speed light-sheet microscope, a two-photon holographic stimulation system, and software for instrument control, synchronization, and image acquisition.
This project builds on our recent paper (Nature Methods 2026, in press, preprint) on voltage imaging of neurons distributed across the larval zebrafish brain at over 200 Hz. The postdoctoral fellow will play a leading role in designing, building, integrating, and validating the next-generation platform.
More information is available at https://www.wang-lab.science.
Basic Qualifications
Applicants must hold, or expect to soon receive, a Ph.D. in physics, optics, engineering, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
Candidates should have experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Optical microscope design and construction;
• Light-sheet or multiphoton microscopy;
• Holography, spatial light modulators, or wavefront shaping;
• Laser optics, high-speed imaging, or experimental control;
• Microscope-control and data-acquisition software development.
A strong record of research in optical imaging, microscopy, scientific instrumentation, or related fields is preferred.
Additional Qualifications
Experience in neuroscience, optogenetics, or zebrafish research is helpful but not required.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit:
• A brief statement (maximum 1 page) describing past research, future interests, and motivation for joining the Z. Wang Lab
• A curriculum vitae
• Contact information for two referees, who will be asked to submit letters of recommendation through the application system
Contact Information
Zeguan Wang, Ph.D.
The Rowland Institute at Harvard
Northwest Building
52 Oxford St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
Contact Email
zeguanwang@fas.harvard.edu
Salary Range
$67,600-$80,000/year. Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field.
Minimum Number of References Required
2
Maximum Number of References Allowed
3
Keywords
optics, microscopy, imaging, systems neuroscience, voltage imaging, optogenetics

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