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Postdoc Fellowship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoc Fellowship information

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$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do postdoc fellowship jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoc fellowship 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 faced by postdoc fellows during their fellowship, and how can they be addressed?

Postdoc fellows often encounter challenges such as balancing independent research with project demands, navigating the transition to greater autonomy, and managing time between publishing, grant writing, and mentoring responsibilities. These challenges can be addressed by setting clear goals with your supervisor, actively seeking mentorship and peer support, and developing strong project management skills. Many institutions also offer professional development workshops and networking opportunities to help postdocs build essential skills and expand their career options.

What is the difference between Postdoc Fellowship vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoc FellowshipResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD or equivalentMaster's or PhD
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutionsIndustry or corporate R&D
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research labsTech companies, biotech firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Postdoc Fellowships are typically research-focused positions for recent PhD graduates in academic or research settings, emphasizing training and publication. Research Scientists often hold similar credentials but work in industry, focusing on product development or applied research. While both roles involve research, Postdoc Fellowships are more training-oriented, whereas Research Scientists are more product or application-oriented.

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

To thrive as a Postdoc Fellow, a doctoral degree in a relevant field, strong research skills, and a solid publication record are essential. Experience with specialized laboratory equipment, statistical software, or advanced research methodologies, as well as grant writing, is typically required. Outstanding analytical thinking, initiative, and effective communication help a postdoc stand out in a collaborative academic environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for advancing independent research, contributing to academic knowledge, and building a successful academic or industry career.

What is a Postdoc Fellowship?

A Postdoc Fellowship is a temporary research position for individuals who have recently completed their doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent). It provides an opportunity for early-career researchers to deepen their expertise, develop independent research skills, and contribute to academic publications under the guidance of a senior mentor. Postdoc fellowships typically last from one to three years and are common in academia, research institutes, and some industry settings. These positions help scholars prepare for faculty roles or advanced research careers.
What cities are hiring for Postdoc Fellowship jobs? Cities with the most Postdoc Fellowship job openings:
What states have the most Postdoc Fellowship jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoc Fellowship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Postdoc Fellowship job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Quantum computation and atomic/molecular physics postdoc

Quantum computation and atomic/molecular physics postdoc

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Description
Job Title Quantum computation and atomic/molecular physics postdoc
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name T-4 / Quantum and Condensed Matter Physics
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
What You Will Do
The Group of Quantum and Condensed Matter Physics in the Theoretical Division of Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking a strong postdoc candidate to work at the intersection of quantum computation and theoretical atomic physics. The successful candidate will also be part of LANL's Center for Nonlinear Studies and contribute to a project involving collaboration between quantum computer scientists, atomic physicists, and applications experts at LANL. Leveraging techniques from quantum algorithms and knowledge of challenges in atomic physics, the postdoc will be expected to contribute to a research pipeline that spans detailed studies of quantum computing and quantum information all the way to atomic physics applications. Beyond technical contributions, maintaining a broad view of the pipeline is desirable, with the aim of developing and extending cross-disciplinary quantum computation research at LANL.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:

  • Strong background in quantum computation and numerical simulations of atomic and molecular physics
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research
  • Ability and willingness to work with interdisciplinary team
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Education/Experience : Candidates must have a Ph.D. in mathematics, computer science, physics, or chemistry (completed within the last 5 years or soon to be completed). The candidate will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by the commencement of the appointment.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience using information processing arguments to analyze quantum algorithms
  • Background in quantum resource estimation
  • Ability to use Mathematica, Python, or other scientific computing language

Work Environment:
Work Location : The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Note to Applicants:
The review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Questions can be sent to Tyler Volkoff at volkoff@lanl.gov or Yigit Subasi at ysubasi@lanl.gov
Candidates may be considered for a Director's Postdoc Fellowship, and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Darleane Christian Hoffman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Distinguished Postdoc Fellowships.
For more information about the Postdoc Program, go to
https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes
  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
Employment Status
Appointment Type Postdoc
Postdoc

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