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Postdoc Python Jobs in McLean, VA (NOW HIRING)

Umd

Post-Doctoral Associate

College Park, MD · Hybrid

$70K - $80K/yr

... three Postdoctoral Research Associates to support climate and sustainability research. This ... Strong coding skills in R and/or Python, where appropriate for the candidate's discipline.

Umd

Post-Doctoral Associate

College Park, MD · On-site +1

$85K - $95K/yr

... Postdoctoral Associate to contribute to research at The intersection of satellite remote sensing ... Strong programming skills in Python, with demonstrated experience building scientific computing ...

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Postdoc Python information

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$13

$59

$87

How much do postdoc python jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for postdoc python in McLean, VA is $59.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.85 and $67.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Postdoc Python, you need a PhD in a relevant field, strong research experience, and advanced proficiency in Python programming. Familiarity with data analysis libraries (like NumPy, pandas, and SciPy), version control systems (such as Git), and computational tools is typically required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication help differentiate outstanding candidates in collaborative and interdisciplinary environments. These skills ensure that complex research projects are executed efficiently, reproducibly, and with meaningful scientific contributions.

What are some common challenges postdoctoral researchers face when working with Python in academic research?

Postdoctoral researchers using Python often encounter challenges such as integrating Python with legacy codebases written in other languages, managing complex dependencies and environments, and ensuring reproducibility of research results. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams may also require adapting code for different data formats and computational needs. Staying up-to-date with the latest Python libraries and best practices is crucial, as is documenting code so that it can be easily understood and used by other researchers.

What does a Postdoc Python do?

A Postdoc Python is a postdoctoral researcher who specializes in using the Python programming language for scientific research, data analysis, or software development. They typically work in academic or research settings, contributing to ongoing projects, developing computational tools, and publishing their findings. Their work may involve collaborating with other scientists, mentoring students, and advancing research through innovative coding and data analysis techniques. Proficiency in Python allows them to tackle complex problems in fields like bioinformatics, physics, engineering, and more.

What is the difference between Postdoc Python vs Data Scientist?

AspectPostdoc PythonData Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD or equivalent in relevant field, strong Python skillsBachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Computer Science, or related field; Python skills often required
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutions, labsCorporate, tech companies, consulting firms
Industry UsageResearch projects, academic publicationsBusiness analytics, product development, data-driven decision making
Common Search/ComparisonPostdoc Python vs Data Scientist

While both roles require strong Python skills, a Postdoc Python typically focuses on research and academic projects, often requiring a PhD. In contrast, a Data Scientist applies Python in industry settings to analyze data, build models, and support business goals. The work environment and career paths differ, with Postdocs leaning toward academia and Data Scientists toward industry roles.

What job categories do people searching Postdoc Python jobs in McLean, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Postdoc Python jobs in McLean, VA are:
Postdoc Python jobs near you

NIST PREP Postdoc Associate Applying Machine Learning Methodologies to Predict Spectra of PFAS

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Research Title: Postdoctoral Researcher Applying Machine Learning Methodologies to Predict Spectra of PFAS Compounds
The work will entail: The Materials Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified persons (U.S. Citizens preferred) to apply modern methods in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to the problem of predicting infrared spectra and mass spectra for PFAS compounds. The candidate should have a strong background in AI/ML with application to chemical problems, have familiarity with infrared and mass spectra, and understand the relevant chemistry of PFAS molecules. This position will involve working with a team of chemists, physicists, mathematicians, data scientists and machine learning experts characterizing PFAS molecules used in the semiconductor industry with the goal of discovering new molecules for the semiconductor etching process.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Develop libraries of training data through mining of existing databases and simulation of infrared and mass spectra using quantum chemistry and related methodologies.
  • Create AI/ML models for high-fidelity prediction of the infrared and mass spectra and validate their use in matching experimentally measured spectra.
  • Collaborate with other computational and experimental researchers to meet project goals.
  • Disseminate results through publications, talks, poster presentations, etc.

Qualifications
  • PhD. in chemistry, physics, or a closely aligned field.
  • Demonstrated experience in conducting quantum scattering calculations.
  • Strong programming skills in languages such as Python or C/C++, experience using modern software frameworks for AI/ML, and experience in data analysis.
  • Motivated, independent researcher with good organizational, communication and leadership skills.
  • Solid track-record of scientific publication.

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate the administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated. By applying to a CHIPS-funded PREP opportunity, you also acknowledge that participation in the project requires signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to beginning any work.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004008 or PREP0003620

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