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Postdoc Finance Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... Science Postdoctoral Fellows, student affiliate groups, and future educational programs as they ... Finance, Policy, and HR teams. The ideal candidate is highly organized, comfortable juggling ...

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Postdoc Finance information

What is a postdoc in finance?

Postdoc finance positions are research-focused roles for individuals who have recently completed their PhD in finance or a related field. These positions typically involve conducting advanced research, publishing academic papers, and sometimes teaching or assisting with university courses. Postdoctoral researchers in finance work closely with faculty members and research teams to contribute to ongoing projects or develop independent research. These roles are usually temporary and provide valuable experience for those seeking academic or industry careers in finance.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a postdoc in finance?

To thrive as a Postdoc in Finance, you generally need a PhD in finance or a related field, strong quantitative and analytical skills, and a solid background in financial theory and econometrics. Expertise in statistical software (such as R, Stata, or Python), data analysis tools, and familiarity with financial databases are typically required. Outstanding written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help in publishing research and working effectively within academic or industry teams. These competencies are vital for producing high-quality research, advancing knowledge in the field, and contributing to impactful projects.

What are common challenges faced by postdocs in finance when transitioning into academic or industry roles?

Postdoctoral researchers in finance often face the challenge of balancing independent research with teaching or collaboration expectations, which can impact the development of a strong publication record. Additionally, navigating the competitive landscape for tenure-track positions or high-level industry roles requires building a robust professional network and demonstrating both technical and applied finance expertise. Many postdocs also need to adapt to new work environments and expectations, whether transitioning to academia or moving into sectors like consulting, banking, or data analytics. Proactively seeking mentorship and engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations can help address these challenges and open up diverse career opportunities.

What is the difference between Postdoc Finance vs Financial Analyst?

AspectPostdoc FinanceFinancial Analyst
Required CredentialsPhD in Finance, Economics, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Finance, Economics, or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutions, universitiesCorporate finance departments, investment firms
Employer & Industry UsageResearch-focused roles in academia or think tanksBusiness, banking, investment industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Postdoc Finance roles typically require a PhD and focus on research within academic or research institutions, whereas Financial Analysts usually hold a bachelor's or master's degree and work in corporate or financial services environments. The roles differ mainly in their focus—research versus practical financial analysis—though both are integral to the finance industry.

What cities in California are hiring for Postdoc Finance jobs?

Cities in California with the most Postdoc Finance job openings:

Infographic showing various Postdoc Finance job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provides analytical support for budget, financial, or resource analysis projects by gathering and analyzing financial data and preparing summaries or recommendations.

  • Prepares and summarizes financial reports related to departmental budgets, contracts, grants, endowments, and other resource allocations.

  • Analyzes budget versus actual data, interprets variances, and develops solutions to address financial discrepancies.


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Job description


Job Summary:
Uses professional concepts. Applies organizational policies and procedures to resolve various issues. Works on problems of limited to moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of multiple factors. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Contacts are primarily internal to the department, but may also be external.
The Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine at Zuckerberg San Francisco General (ZSFG), a major teaching hospital of UCSF, is recruiting a Financial Analyst. We are seeking an outstanding professional with a record of excellence in financial analysis, purchasing policy compliance, problem solving, operations management, and customer service. The Financial Analyst plays an integral role in the Division's Finance and Administration team providing support to leadership, research groups, and faculty. The incumbent is responsible for assisting with financial analysis and reporting to support decision making. This position requires the ability to execute work accurately and independently and to function effectively under the stress of competing priorities. In addition, it is often the responsibility of the incumbent to apply certain knowledge and/or training to identify issues and solve problems.
The Financial Analyst 2 is also expected to demonstrate professionalism, diplomacy, exercise good judgement within defined procedures and practices, and apply organizational policies and procedures to resolve various issues. This person works on problems of limited to moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of multiple factors. The individual guides faculty and staff on policy compliant purchases, advises on reimbursements, process payments for human subjects, research and invoice project sponsors. The Financial Analyst will support the Central Administration of the Division, its units and research groups.
This is a flexible position, which requires the incumbent to be onsite 3+ days per week.
ABOUT DIVISION OF HIV, INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND GLOBAL MEDICINE
The Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is an internationally recognized global leader in clinical care, research, and education. With its home-base located at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (ZSFG), the Division has been ranked as the top facility in the country for AIDS care since 1983. The Division's work is featured frequently in the media, and it is often visited by numerous international, national, state, and local dignitaries and delegations. The Division consists of approximately 38 faculty members, 16 fellows/postdoctoral scholars and 170 academic and staff employees. It is the largest Division of the Department of Medicine (DOM) at ZSFG, with a total expenditure budget of approximately $52 million dollars.
Responsibilities
of time
Essential Function (Yes/No)
Key Responsibilities
(To be completed by Supervisor)
10
Yes
Applies professional concepts to perform basic financial or resource analysis to understand past performance and determine present and future performance and / or resource allocations.
  • Conducts research, interprets, clarifies, and applies relevant departmental, University, and agency policies and regulations. Stays up-to-date with policy and funding modifications and communicates these changes to relevant stakeholders. Gather information, prepare and summarize central administration operating budget.

25
Yes
Under general supervision, provides analytical support for simple to moderate budget, financial, or resource analysis projects.
Gathers and analyzes financial and / or resource data; prepares and summarizes information and / or recommendations.
Prepares basic financial and resource reports and / or analysis for internal department constituents. Examples include periodic financial reports, staff / faculty salary budgets, contracts, grants, gifts, endowments, or user fees. Financial and / or resource analysis could include budgetary analysis, financial analysis, forecasts, projections, staff or faculty salary or FTE analysis, student enrollment analysis, recharge or general rate analysis (parking rates, copier rates, capital project rates, student health charges) student fees (self-supporting programs, professional school fees, course material fees, etc.) contracts and grants analysis, endowment income, fungibility of funds, working capital, depreciation, new building funds, etc.
  • Gather information, prepare and summarize central Division operating and discretionary budgets.
  • Assists with pulling data for various reports - clinical, research, education, affiliation agreement.
  • Analyze budget versus actuals data, interpret variances and develop solutions as needed.
  • Prepares reports, continuously track and analyze shifts in spending, and compare actual financial performance to budgeted figures.

10
Yes
Ensures that the appropriate internal controls are addressed, maintained and strengthened to protect University resources.
  • This position is expected to understand, follow, and promote DOM/SOM/UCSF policies and procedures to minimize financial risk.
  • Trains staff and contributes to effective teamwork environment.
  • Conducts or assists with researching, developing and implementing new and changing business processes.

45
Yes
Applies financial concepts to process, review, and approve financial transactions.
  • Prepare financial journals and supporting documentation in PeopleSoft.
  • Submit Funding Entry (FE) changes and Salary Cost Transfers (SCT) in UCPath.
  • Supports Division purchases by ensuring that financial processing functions which may include accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, recharge billing, travel/entertainment, gift accounting, cashiering and collections are performed with accuracy and that daily operations run smoothly.
  • Reviews transactions to ensure completion of tasks above.

10
Receives more detailed instructions for new assignments.
  • Other responsibilities, as assigned

100%
(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in related area and one or more years of relevant experience and / or equivalent experience / training Working knowledge of finance policies, practices, and systems
  • Ability to gather reasonably retrievable information to organize and perform basic financial analysis assignments
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively present information verbally and in writing clearly and concisely
  • Demonstrated ability using spreadsheet and database software for moderately complex financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills at all levels within the unit; excellent service orientation and critical thinking skills; and attention to detail. Demonstrated ability using organizational skills to multi-task in a high-volume environment
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities
  • Ability to function as a member of a team
  • Intermediate knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources

About Us
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

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