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Post Doc Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Moffitt

POST DOC FELLOW

West Covina, CA · On-site

$64K - $89K/yr

Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida ...

Moffitt

POST DOC FELLOW

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida ...

Moffitt

POST DOC FELLOW

West Covina, CA · On-site

$64K - $89K/yr

Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida ...

Moffitt

APPLIED POST DOC FELLOW

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida ...

Moffitt

APPLIED POST DOC FELLOW

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida ...

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Post Doc information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$51.1K

$67.6K

How much do post doc jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for post doc in California is $51,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $49,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a post doc?

A Post Doc, or postdoctoral researcher, is a person who has completed their doctoral studies (PhD or equivalent) and is engaged in further academic or scientific research. Post Docs work under the supervision of senior researchers or faculty members, often contributing to ongoing projects or developing their own research agenda. The position is typically temporary, lasting from one to several years, and is intended to provide advanced training and experience before pursuing permanent academic or industry roles.

What are common challenges faced by post docs when transitioning from graduate studies to independent research roles?

Post Docs often experience a shift from structured graduate programs to more self-directed research, which can be challenging. They are expected to develop and manage their own projects, seek funding opportunities, and balance multiple responsibilities, such as mentoring students and publishing results. Additionally, Post Docs may need to quickly adapt to new lab environments and learn advanced techniques, all while building a network for future academic or industry positions. Proactively seeking mentorship and collaborating with colleagues can help ease this transition.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a post doc, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Post Doc, you need a PhD in a relevant field, strong analytical and research skills, and a solid publication record. Expertise in specialized lab techniques, data analysis software (such as R, Python, or MATLAB), and possibly certifications in research ethics or compliance are often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and collaborative abilities set outstanding Post Docs apart. These skills are essential for advancing research projects, publishing results, and contributing effectively to academic or industry teams.

What is the difference between Post Doc vs Research Scientist?

AspectPost DocResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in relevant fieldMaster's or PhD, often with specialized experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutionsIndustry, corporate R&D labs, or academia
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government labsPrivate companies, biotech, tech firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic research rolesIndustry research roles and career progression

Post Docs typically hold a PhD and work in academic or research institutions focusing on specialized research projects. Research Scientists often have similar credentials but work in industry settings, applying research to product development or innovation. While both roles involve research, Post Docs are usually temporary positions aimed at gaining experience, whereas Research Scientists are more permanent and industry-focused.

Post Doc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Post Doc job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,077 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

POST DOC FELLOW

Moffitt

West Covina, CA • On-site

$64K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, Moffitt employs some of the best and brightest minds from around the world. Join a dedicated team of nearly 11,000 who are shaping the future we envision. Moffitt has been recognized as a Best and Brightest Company to Work For in the Nation and is continually named one of the Tampa Bay Times' Top Workplaces.

Summary

Position Highlights

The Postdoctoral Fellow will join the laboratory of James J. Mule, IPhD, Associate Center Director for Translational Science and a nationally recognized leader in cancer immunotherapy. The lab focuses on immuno-oncology approaches including adoptive T cell therapies, dendritic cell-based vaccines, and mechanisms of tumor immune recognition and resistance. The environment is highly translational and collaborative, offering opportunities to work with clinical and scientific teams to advance therapies for cancer.

Responsibilities

  • Design and execute research projects with the PI

  • Conduct experiments, analyze data, and maintain records

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams

  • Publish findings and present research

  • Mentor students and trainees

  • Assist in grant writing

Credentials and Qualifications

  • PhD, MD or equivalent in relevant field

  • At least one first-author publication

  • Experience in immunology or cancer biology preferred

  • Strong communication and teamwork skills

Moffitt Postdocs are provided with Medical Insurance (Moffitt covers premium for team members) effective upon start date and eligible for Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Retirement, Parental Leave and more. You may be eligible for relocation assistance per policy. Reasons to relocate, aside from the sunshine, beaches and year-round outdoor recreation associated with the Gulf Coast of Florida, Tampa is a thriving metropolitan city, which has become a hub for ground-breaking research, welcoming individuals from around the globe. This diverse city is engulfed with rich culture, year-round activities for all, beautiful beaches, amazing cuisine and so much more. We strive for work/life balance.

If you have the vision, passion, and dedication to contribute to our mission,

then we have a place for you.

Salary Range

$64,022.40 - $89,631.36

Salary ranges posted for this position represent the expected base pay range for the role. Actual compensation may vary based on location and a variety of job-related factors, including experience, skills, education, and internal equity among Team Members in similar positions.


We are committed to maintaining fair and equitable pay practices and regularly review compensation to ensure alignment across our workforce.

Moffitt Career Site

If you have the vision, passion, and dedication to contribute to our mission,then we have a place for you!

1. Equal Employment Opportunity

Moffitt Cancer Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or protected veteran or disabled status. We seek candidates whose skills, and personal and professional experience, have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence.

2. Reasonable Accommodation

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Moffitt endeavors to make moffitt.org/careers accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact one of the Human Resources receptionists by phone at 813-745-7899 or by email atHRReceptionists@moffitt.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Read more information about yourEEO rights under the law.

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