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Postdoc Fellow Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoc Fellow information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$58.2K

$82.4K

How much do postdoc fellow jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoc fellow in California is $58,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $65,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a postdoc fellow?

A Postdoc Fellow, short for Postdoctoral Fellow, is a researcher who has completed their doctoral studies (PhD or equivalent) and is engaged in further academic or scientific training. The position allows individuals to deepen their expertise in a specific area, contribute to ongoing research projects, and develop skills necessary for independent research careers. Postdoc Fellows typically work under the supervision of a principal investigator, often in universities, research institutes, or industry labs. The fellowship usually lasts from one to several years and can be a stepping stone to faculty or advanced research positions.

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

To thrive as a Postdoc Fellow, you need advanced expertise in your research field, a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent), and a strong record of academic publications. Familiarity with specialized research methodologies, data analysis software, and laboratory or computational tools relevant to your discipline is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, self-motivation, and collaboration skills are essential soft skills that set successful postdocs apart. These competencies are vital for producing impactful research, contributing to academic teams, and advancing your career in academia or industry.

What are some common challenges postdoc fellows face when transitioning from a PhD program to a postdoctoral position?

Many Postdoc Fellows find the transition from a structured PhD program to a more independent postdoctoral role challenging. As a Postdoc, you're expected to manage your own research projects, develop proposals, and often mentor graduate students, all while building your publication record. Navigating increased expectations for independence and productivity, while also seeking long-term career opportunities, can be demanding. Establishing clear communication with your principal investigator and proactively seeking mentorship can help ease this transition and set you up for future success.

What is the difference between Postdoc Fellow vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoc FellowResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in relevant fieldMaster's or PhD, often with specialized experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutionsIndustry labs, corporate R&D, or academia
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government research agenciesPrivate companies, biotech, pharma, tech firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level research rolesCareer advancement or industry research roles

Postdoc Fellows 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, Postdoc Fellows are usually in temporary, training-focused positions, whereas Research Scientists are more permanent and industry-oriented.

Infographic showing various Postdoc Fellow job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,249 per year, or $28 per hour.

Postdoc Fellow/Psych Assistant

Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc

Tarzana, CA • On-site

$58K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Tarzana Treatment Centers rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Position Title: Postdoc Fellow/Psychological Assistant

Department:

Reports To: Coordinator of Psychology Training Program

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for conducting/providing or supervising: psychological evaluations, individual, couple/family or group psychotherapy, consultations, crisis interventions, treatment planning, medical record reviews and psychological discharge summaries.

HOURS

5 per Day / 40 per Week

Benefits Package

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Care Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Holidays
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Paid Vacation Time
  • Sick Time
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Competitive wages
  • Stability and career advancement
  • Continuing Education Opportunities

CATEGORIES OF DUTIES

Clinical Responsibilities

  1. Shall be responsible for providing/supervising psychological evaluations of patients upon admission. These evaluations are to, at the least, initiate treatment plans.
  1. Shall be responsible for providing/supervising provision of appropriate diagnoses and treatment recommendations based on knowledge and identification of signs and symptoms of psychological disorders.
  1. Shall be responsible for providing/supervising provision of individual, couple/family, and group psychotherapy.
  1. Shall be responsible for providing/supervising provision of crisis intervention services or counseling, and psychological emergency interventions and assessments, including determining need for 5150 evaluations, need for seclusion/observation room status on inpatient unit.
  1. Shall be responsible for providing/supervising provision of consultation/liaison services to multidisciplinary program staff pertaining to patients’ diagnoses, mental status, interventions and treatment planning, as well as communicating changes in patients’ mental status or psychological disposition.
  1. Shall be responsible for providing/supervising provision of development of appropriate treatment planning.
  1. Shall be responsible for psychological discharge summaries of patients.
  1. Shall be responsible for knowledge of current legal standards pertaining to professional practice, reporting requirements (i.e., suspected abuse; Tarasoff), professional boundaries and related issues.

Supervision/Training

  1. Shall be responsible for providing supervision to clinical and/or counseling staff as deemed appropriate, including interns, psychological assistants, mental health and counseling staff.
  1. Shall be responsible for conducting performance evaluations of interns or staff as required.
  1. Shall be responsible for providing in-service training to staff and/or trainees on mental health topics as required.

Administrative/Documentation

  1. Shall be responsible to attend clinical and administrative committee meetings as requested.
  1. Shall be responsible for proper documentation of clinical information obtained through provision and/or supervision of clinical services rendered.
  1. Shall demonstrate ability to conceptualize cases and prioritize treatment needs as evidenced by clinical documentation.
  1. Shall perform such additional functions as specifically requested by Clinical Director to meet special facility patient needs, as necessary.

EDUCATION

Doctoral Degree in Psychology

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of two (2) years experience of clinically relevant experience.

SETTING

Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc. is a non-profit corporation, which provides behavioral healthcare services, including chemical dependency.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc. does not discriminate as to race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation and disability in its hiring practices.

ADA REQUIREMENT

Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc. supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Discrimination is prohibited in all aspects of employment against disabled persons, who, with reasonable accommodations, can perform the essential functions of a job.


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