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Postdoc Nutrition Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoc Nutrition information

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$7

$34

$65

How much do postdoc nutrition jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for postdoc nutrition in California is $34.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $65.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a postdoc in nutrition?

A Postdoc in Nutrition is a researcher who has completed their doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) and is engaged in further specialized research in the field of nutrition. These positions are typically temporary and designed to allow scholars to deepen their expertise, contribute to ongoing research projects, and publish scientific papers. Postdocs often work in universities, research institutes, or industry settings, focusing on topics such as human nutrition, dietetics, metabolism, or nutritional biochemistry. Their work plays a crucial role in advancing scientific understanding and can lead to careers in academia, research, or policy.

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

To thrive as a Postdoc Nutrition, you need a doctoral degree in nutrition or a related field, strong research methodology skills, and a track record of peer-reviewed publications. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or R), laboratory techniques, and research compliance protocols is typically required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills distinguish top candidates in this role. These competencies are crucial for producing impactful research, securing funding, and advancing the field of nutritional science.

What are some common challenges faced by postdoctoral researchers in nutrition, and how can they be addressed?

Postdoctoral researchers in nutrition often face challenges such as balancing independent research with collaborative projects, securing funding for research, and managing time between lab work, data analysis, and manuscript writing. Building strong relationships with mentors and colleagues can help navigate these challenges, as can proactively seeking opportunities for professional development and networking. Many postdocs also benefit from setting clear research goals, regularly communicating with their principal investigator, and staying updated on the latest advances in nutrition science.

What is the difference between Postdoc Nutrition vs Postdoc Dietetics?

AspectPostdoc NutritionPostdoc Dietetics
Required CredentialsPhD in Nutrition or related fieldPhD in Dietetics or Nutrition, RD credential often preferred
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, labsClinical settings, hospitals, community health programs
Employer & IndustryAcademic, research organizationsHealthcare, clinical practice, hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonResearch-focused, academic careerClinical practice, patient care

Postdoc Nutrition typically involves research and academic roles in nutrition science, while Postdoc Dietetics often focuses on clinical research related to dietetics and patient care. Both roles require advanced degrees, but dietetics may also require RD certification and clinical experience. The choice depends on whether you aim for research or clinical practice within the nutrition field.

What job categories do people searching Postdoc Nutrition jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Postdoc Nutrition jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Postdoc Nutrition job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,863 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Postdoctoral Researcher positions-Kapahi lab

Buck Institute

Novato, CA โ€ข On-site

$73K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
Postdoctoral Researcher - Nutrient Signaling, Circadian Rhythms & Neurodegeneration

The Kapahi Lab at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging is recruiting Postdoctoral Researchers to lead innovative projects exploring how circadian clocks and nutrient-responsive pathways influence eye and neuronal degeneration. These positions use bioinformatic and systems biology approaches to integrate findings from Drosophila and human data, with a focus on conserved mechanisms in aging and age-related disease.

Our lab uses a cross-disciplinary toolkit—genetics, pharmacology, biochemistry, and genomics—to understand how nutrition impacts the biology of aging. Model systems include C. elegans, D. melanogaster, and mammalian cells.

Why Join Us?

  • Work in a highly collaborative, well-funded lab focused on translational aging research

  • Access to state-of-the-art core facilities and rich model organism resources

  • Strong mentorship with a track record of supporting K99/R00 applications

  • Ideal for researchers seeking to transition to independent academic careers

QUALIFICATIONS  

  • PhD in Biology, Bioinformatics, Neuroscience, or a related field.
  • Experience with model organisms and/or bioinformatic data analysis is an advantage, but not essential.
  • Willingness to write grants and manuscripts is a prerequisite.

PUBLICATIONS  

  1. Bar S, Wilson KA, Dammer EB, Schilling B, Seyfried NT, Ellerby LM, Kapahi P. Neuronal glycogen breakdown exerts a neuroprotective effect in models of Alzheimer’s disease by enhancing flux through the pentose phosphate pathway. accepted Nat Metabolism 2025
  2. Wilson KA, Bar S, Dammer EB, Carrera EM, Hodge BA, Hilsabeck TAU, Bons J, Brownridge GW 3rd, Beck JN, Rose J, Granath-Panelo M, Nelson CS, Qi G, Gerencser AA, Lan J, Afenjar A, Chawla G, Brem  RB, Campeau PM, Bellen HJ, Schilling B, Seyfried NT, Ellerby LM, Kapahi P. OXR1 maintains the retromer to delay brain aging under dietary restriction. Nat Commun. 2024 Jan 11;15(1):467. PMID: 38212606; PMCID: PMC10784588.
  3. Longitudinal fundus imaging and its genome-wide association analysis provide evidence for a human retinal aging clock. Sara Ahadi, Kenneth A Wilson Jr, Boris Babenko, Cory Y McLean, Drew Bryant, Orion Pritchard, Ajay Kumar, Enrique M Carrera, Ricardo Lamy, Jay M Stewart, Avinash Varadarajan, Marc Berndl, Pankaj Kapahi, Ali Bashir. Elife. 2023 Mar 28; https://elifesciences.org/articles/82364
  4. Dietary restriction and clock delay eye aging to extend lifespan in melanogaster. Hodge BA, Meyerhof GT, Katewa SD, Lian T, Lau C ,Bar S, Leung NY, Li M, Li-Kroeger D, Melov S, Schilling B, Montell C, Kapahi P. Nat Commun. 2022 Jun 7. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-30975-4

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS  

  • The starting salary for a new postdoc at the Buck is $73,760 in 2026, with a range of up to $81,440, commensurate with postdoc level & experience.
  • Exciting, dynamic work environment at the forefront of science using state-of-the-art techniques.
  • Generous benefits package including health insurance, paid parental leave, childcare assistance, generous vacation/sick leave, and 401(k) with 5% employer match and student loan repayment option.
  • Collaborative and dynamic environment, both for science and social activities.

ABOUT THE BUCK INSTITUTE  
Our success will ultimately change healthcare. At the Buck, we aim to end the threat of age-related diseases for this and future generations by bringing together the most capable and passionate scientists from a broad range of disciplines to identify and impede how we age. We are an independent, non-profit institution located in Marin County, CA, to increase human health span or the healthy years of life. Globally recognized as the pioneer and leader in efforts to target aging—the number one risk factor for diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, macular degeneration, heart disease, and diabetes—the Buck seeks to help people live better longer. We are an equal-opportunity employer and strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background is welcomed, valued, and supported. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply. 

TO APPLY  
Interested candidates should apply online and upload a CV, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references.  

For questions regarding this position, please email Pkapahi@buckinstitute.org or visit https://www.buckinstitute.org/lab/kapahi-lab/  

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