1

Postdoc Positions Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Postdoc: Lunar Volatiles

Pasadena, CA ยท On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

Postdoc positions are awarded for a minimum of one-year period and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years. Candidates should submit the following to this site: CV, representative publications ...

Postdoctoral Scholar

Bodega Bay, CA ยท On-site

$69K - $107K/yr

Talented and experienced PhD researchers are encouraged to apply for this competitive postdoctoral position utilizing universal potentials, machine learning interatomic potentials, atomistic ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Postdoc Positions information

What are the typical expectations for collaboration and independence in postdoc positions?

Postdoc positions often require a balance between independent research and active collaboration with faculty, other researchers, and sometimes graduate students. While you'll be expected to drive your own research projects and contribute original ideas, it's also common to work closely within a research group, attend lab meetings, and co-author publications. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as sharing results and methodologies can lead to new insights and opportunities. This collaborative environment can also be instrumental in building a professional network for future academic or industry careers.

What is the difference between Postdoc Positions vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoc PositionsResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (PhD)Master's or PhD, often with more industry experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, universities, research institutionsIndustry labs, corporate R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and research institutesPrimarily private sector companies and industry
Common Search & Comparison IntentAcademic research, postdoctoral opportunitiesIndustry research roles, career advancement

Postdoc Positions are typically temporary research roles for individuals with a PhD aiming to deepen their expertise in academia or research institutions. Research Scientists often hold similar credentials but work in industry settings, focusing on applied research and product development. The main difference lies in the work environment and employer type, with Postdoc Positions being academic-focused and Research Scientists working in industry.

What are postdoc positions?

Postdoc positions, short for postdoctoral positions, are temporary research roles held by individuals who have recently completed their doctoral degrees. These positions allow scholars to deepen their expertise, conduct independent research, publish academic papers, and gain experience necessary for academic or research careers. Postdocs often work under the supervision of a principal investigator and may also be involved in teaching or mentoring students. The duration and focus of postdoc positions can vary depending on the field and institution.

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

To thrive as a Postdoc, you need an advanced degree (usually a PhD) in a relevant field, a strong research background, and proven publication record. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and grant-writing tools is often essential. Strong analytical thinking, initiative, and excellent communication skills help you collaborate, mentor, and present complex findings effectively. These skills are critical for advancing independent research, securing funding, and contributing meaningfully to academic and scientific communities.
What cities in California are hiring for Postdoc Positions jobs? Cities in California with the most Postdoc Positions job openings:
Infographic showing various Postdoc Positions job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Postdoc: Lunar Volatiles

JPL

Pasadena, CA โ€ข On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Details
New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That's our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers-literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission-your opportunity-is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you're driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you're ready for JPL.
Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.
JPL is unique among NASA Centers in that its staff are Caltech employees, yet can access NASA technical resources. Cross-discipline teamwork is standard here: colleagues across JPL's science and engineering organizations and on Caltech's academic campus often work together. Learning to speak and understand other disciplines' languages is a doorway to the creativity needed to do what has not been done before. JPL staff are encouraged to create mission concepts that address humanity's core questions through a combination of science and technology. They are supported in developing ideas into proposals and hardware, and in communicating funded missions' results to the scientific community and the broader public. JPL seeks to employ scientists and engineers who are passionate about lifelong learning and excited to both contribute to and lead team efforts. We emphasize the importance of partnering across discipline boundaries and creating a friendly, constructive work environment to overcome space exploration's challenges. The Postdoctoral scholars at JPL benefit from an informal mentoring network, an annual conference showcasing their results, a dedicated seminar series, exposure to diverse career paths, and social connections across the JPL and Caltech community for advice on housing, childcare, and other aspects of living in southern California.
JPL's Planetary Geology group is seeking a postdoc who will join them in the study of volatiles in lunar igneous rocks.
The selected postdoc will focus on the following:
  • Characterizing the texture of lunar samples,
  • Determining the mineral chemistry,
  • Measuring volatile abundances in minerals and glasses,
  • Interpreting the volatile data based on the petrogenesis of the sample,
  • Collaboration with scientists at different institutions to place observations in regional context to answer questions about the Moon's differentiation and evolution.

The postdoc is expected lead conference abstracts and associated presentations and write and contribute to peer-reviewed publications. The successful applicant is also encouraged to design and conduct their own research that enhances the tasks above.
Required Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in Petrology, Geochemistry, Planetary Science, or a related field
  • In-depth knowledge of petrography, mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry
  • Experience in microbeam analyses such as SEM, EMP, SIMS

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of lunar science
  • Demonstrated proficiency in writing peer-reviewed publications
  • Demonstrated experience in writing/developing research grants/proposals

The appointee will carry out research in collaboration with the JPL advisor, resulting in publications in the open literature.
Applicants may be subject to additional program requirements by NASA. Postdoc positions are awarded for a minimum of one-year period and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years. Candidates should submit the following to this site: CV, representative publications, contact information for three references, and a cover letter stating their research accomplishments and interests.
JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee's start date.
For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks
The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.
The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.
$83,820 - $83,820
JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.
In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
EEO is the Law.
EEO is the Law Supplement
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.