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Nih Postdoctoral Fellow Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Fellow-MSH

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$53K - $73K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow, who will primarily assist in managing our NIH-funded research projects which utilize innovative neuroimaging, immunological, and clinical trial ...

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Nih Postdoctoral Fellow information

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$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do nih postdoctoral fellow jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for nih postdoctoral fellow in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges NIH postdoctoral fellows face when transitioning to independent research roles?

NIH Postdoctoral Fellows often encounter challenges such as securing independent funding, managing the shift from collaborative projects to leading their own research, and balancing administrative responsibilities with scientific work. Many fellows also need to build strong professional networks and develop skills in grant writing and lab management to advance their careers. Proactively seeking mentorship, attending professional development workshops, and collaborating across disciplines can help address these challenges and prepare for a successful transition to independent research or faculty positions.

What is an NIH postdoctoral fellow?

NIH Postdoctoral Fellows are researchers who have completed their doctoral degrees and are conducting advanced training in biomedical or behavioral research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These fellowships provide early-career scientists the opportunity to develop their research skills, work alongside experienced investigators, and contribute to cutting-edge scientific projects. The positions typically last several years and are designed to prepare fellows for independent research careers in academia, industry, or government. NIH Postdoctoral Fellows benefit from a collaborative environment, access to extensive resources, and mentorship opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an NIH postdoctoral fellow, and why are they important?

To thrive as a NIH Postdoctoral Fellow, you need a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field, strong research methodology skills, and a proven publication record. Proficiency with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as R or Python), and compliance with NIH research protocols is typically required. Strong communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help fellows effectively share findings and work within multidisciplinary research teams. These competencies are crucial for advancing scientific discovery, securing future funding, and contributing to impactful research projects.

What is the difference between Nih Postdoctoral Fellow vs Research Scientist?

AspectNih Postdoctoral FellowResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in relevant fieldMaster's or PhD, depending on the role
Work EnvironmentAcademic research labs, NIH facilitiesResearch institutions, biotech companies, academia
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily NIH and academic settingsResearch organizations, industry R&D
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for research roles, training, and career pathMore permanent research roles, career advancement

The Nih Postdoctoral Fellow is primarily a training position focused on developing research skills within NIH or academic settings. In contrast, a Research Scientist typically holds a more permanent role with responsibilities for independent research and project management. While both roles require advanced degrees, the Fellow is often in a transitional phase, whereas the Research Scientist is a more established position in the research career ladder.

More about Nih Postdoctoral Fellow jobs
Infographic showing various Nih Postdoctoral Fellow job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellow in Medical and Molecular Genetics

Indiana University Academic Positions

Kokomo, IN

$42K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 hours ago


Job description

Position Details
Title Postdoctoral Fellow in Medical and Molecular Genetics Specific Title Appointment Type Postdoctoral Fellow Department IUSM - Medical & Molecular Genetics Campus IU School of Medicine Indianapolis Position Summary
Postdoctoral Fellow in Neuropsychiatric Genetics
The Lai Laboratory in the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics at the Indiana University School of Medicine is seeking highly motivated postdoctoral fellows to join our growing research team.

About the Lab
Our mission is to uncover the genetic and molecular basis of complex diseases and translate these discoveries into precision medicine. We develop computational and statistical methods while integrating human genetics, single-cell and multi-omics, large-scale biobank resources, and experimental disease models to identify disease mechanisms, discover therapeutic targets, and improve disease prediction, prevention, and treatment.
Our research focuses primarily on substance use disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, where we combine genomic discovery with functional validation and clinical investigation to develop clinically actionable polygenic scores, identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and advance genetically informed drug repurposing.
Our laboratory is supported by multiple NIH grants and internal funding and offers an outstanding collaborative environment with investigators across Indiana University and leading national and international research institutions. We are committed to helping postdoctoral fellows establish independent research programs through strong mentorship, high-impact publications, grant writing, and career development.
We especially welcome applicants with backgrounds in psychiatry, neuroscience, or neurobiology who are eager to develop expertise in statistical genetics and computational genomics. Our lab provides a collaborative environment with strong mentorship in quantitative methods, enabling fellows to integrate experimental and computational approaches to study complex brain disorders.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:
  • Conduct innovative genetic and translational research in substance use disorders or neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Analyze large-scale genomic, single-cell, multi-omics, and biobank datasets.
  • Design research studies, analyze and interpret data, and prepare manuscripts for publication.
  • Present research at national and international conferences and organize scientific symposia.
  • Contribute to fellowship and NIH grant applications.
  • Lead independent research projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Establish new scientific collaborations within and outside Indiana University.
Training and Career Development
Our goal is to prepare postdoctoral fellows for successful independent research careers. Fellows receive close mentorship and support from the PI, lab mates, and an interdisciplinary network of collaborators in genetics, neuroscience, psychiatry, computational biology and bioinformatics, statistics, and clinical research.
Training emphasizes:
Developing an independent research program
Publishing high-impact manuscripts
Scientific communication and leadership
Fellowship and NIH grant writing
Building a long-term academic career
This position is particularly well suited for candidates pursuing independent academic careers in psychiatric genetics, neurogenetics, or precision medicine.
IU School of Medicine is committed to being a welcoming campus community and we seek candidates whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to robust learning and working environments for all students, staff, and faculty. We invite individuals who will join us in our mission to improve health equity and well-being for all throughout the state of Indiana.

Basic Qualifications
Required
  • PH.D. (or equivalent) in Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Genetics, or related fields.
  • Strong interests in manuscript preparation and grant development.
  • Experience with statistical genetics, bioinformatics, genomics, or computational biology.
  • Experience using high-performance computing and/or cloud computing.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
Preferred
  • Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
  • Statistical genetics and polygenic scores
  • Single-cell RNA-seq, proteomics, or other multi-omics analyses
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning
  • Biobank and electronic health record (EHR) analyses
  • Drug repurposing or translational genomics
  • R, Python, Linux or cloud computing platforms
Department Contact for Questions
Applicants should submit:
Curriculum Vitae
Brief statement of research interests and career goals
Contact information for three references
through the Indiana University academic careers portal via this link
https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/34012
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Dongbing Lai, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Medical and Medical Genetics
Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
Indiana University School of Medicine
HS4059
410 W. 10th street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202
Email: dlai@iu.edu
Additional Qualifications Special Instructions Priority Application Review Deadline Expected Start Date Posting Number IUSM-02486-2026