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Postdoc Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Truveta

ML Postdoc Researcher - Healthcare AI Innovation

$118K/yr

They are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to explore and develop novel applications of AI/ML technologies on large-scale real-world clinical data. Responsibilities : • Identify ...

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$117K

How much do postdoc researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoc researcher in the United States is $113,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do postdoc researchers get paid?

Yes, postdoctoral researchers typically receive a salary or stipend for their work, which varies depending on the institution, field, and location. They are often paid based on standardized pay scales and may also receive benefits such as health insurance and paid leave.

Is postdoc harder than PhD?

A postdoctoral researcher role typically involves more independent research, higher expectations for productivity, and longer-term project management compared to a PhD program. While a PhD focuses on completing a dissertation and gaining foundational research skills, a postdoc emphasizes advancing expertise, publishing, and establishing a research track record, which can be more demanding in terms of responsibility and output.

What are some common challenges postdoc researchers face when transitioning to independent research roles?

Postdoc researchers often encounter challenges such as securing independent funding, managing the expectations of principal investigators, and balancing research with publishing and teaching responsibilities. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams can also require adapting to different working styles and communication methods. To succeed, postdocs should actively seek mentorship, participate in grant-writing workshops, and build a professional network to support their transition to independent roles.

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

To thrive as a Postdoc Researcher, you need a PhD in a relevant field, strong research methodology expertise, and a proven track record of publishing scholarly work. Familiarity with advanced data analysis software, laboratory techniques, and grant writing platforms is often required. Exceptional critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills help you stand out in multidisciplinary research environments. These skills are crucial for advancing innovative research, securing funding, and contributing meaningfully to the academic community.

What are Postdoc Researchers?

Postdoc Researchers, or postdoctoral researchers, are individuals who have completed their doctoral studies (PhD or equivalent) and undertake further research work, often on a temporary contract, at a university or research institution. Their main goal is to deepen their expertise in a specific field, contribute to academic publications, and gain additional experience to prepare for independent research or academic roles. Postdocs often collaborate with senior researchers, mentor graduate students, and may teach or help secure research funding. These positions are considered an essential step for those pursuing a career in academia or advanced research.

How much do post doc researchers make?

Postdoctoral researchers typically earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on the field, location, and experience. Salaries can vary based on funding sources, institution policies, and whether the position includes benefits or stipends for research activities.

What is the difference between Postdoc Researcher vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoc ResearcherResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in relevant fieldMaster's or PhD, often with more industry experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, universities, research institutionsCorporate R&D labs, industry settings
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and research institutesPrivate sector companies, tech firms, biotech
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

In summary, a Postdoc Researcher typically holds a PhD and works mainly in academic or research institutions, focusing on advancing knowledge in a specific field. A Research Scientist may have similar credentials but often works in industry, applying research to product development or innovation. Both roles involve research activities, but their work environments and career paths differ.

What does a postdoc researcher do?

A postdoc researcher conducts advanced scientific or academic research in a specific field, often after completing a doctoral degree. They design experiments, analyze data, publish findings, and may collaborate with other researchers or mentor students, typically working in a university or research institution environment.
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Postdoc Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoc Researcher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,746 per year, or $54.7 per hour.
Postdoc Researcher

Postdoc Researcher

Universities Space Research Association

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$116K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

USRA and the Science and Technology Institute are seeking a full-time, Postdoc Researcher to work in our Huntsville Al office. The Postdoc Researcher will lead the advancement of the Enhanced Vertical Long Trace Profiler (eVLTP) to support NASA MSFC’s goal of advancing replicated X-ray optics to sub-arc-second angular resolutions. This position is supported by a recently selected 3-year award from the NASA Astrophysics Research and Analysis (APRA) Program and is based at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The VLTP is the only instrument in the world in its vertical long-trace configuration, specifically designed to measure slope and figure errors of grazing-incidence X-ray mirrors with extremely high accuracy over meter-class apertures. The successful candidate will play a central role in developing and advancing the eVLTP to support the development and validation of next generation grazing incidence optics for NASA X-ray missions.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Instrument Development:

  • Lead the development and implementation of enhancements to the VLTP to improve slope accuracy and repeatability.
  • Identify, model, and mitigate systematic error sources.
  • Design and integrate improved optical, optomechanical, and environmental control systems.
  • Develop advanced calibration techniques and establish quantitative error budgets.

Software, Analysis, and Modeling

  • Develop and maintain software for instrument control, data acquisition, and analysis.
  • Implement algorithms for slope extraction and surface figure reconstruction.
  • Model instrument performance and guide design improvements.

Precision Metrology

  • Perform high-accuracy slope measurements of grazing-incidence X-ray mirrors.
  • Develop improved measurement methodologies to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and robustness.
  • Support fabrication, process development, and validation of optics for future NASA missions.

Project and Scientific Contributions

  • Support milestones and deliverables for the NASA APRA-funded project.
  • Publishing results in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
  • Collaborate with NASA engineers, scientists, and academic partners.
  • Contribute to the long-term development of world-leading X-ray optics metrology capabilities.

This position offers a rare opportunity to play a leading role in advancing a one-of-a-kind optical metrology instrument that supports NASA’s next flagship X-ray observatory. The successful candidate will have significant technical ownership, opportunities for scientific leadership, and the ability to make lasting contributions to the development of next-generation spaceflight optics.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

  • Experience with precision optical instrumentation or metrology.
  • Strong experimental laboratory skills.
  • Programming experience in LabView, MATLAB, Python, or similar scientific environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently on complex technical projects.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with slope profilers, interferometers, or long trace profilers.
  • Experience with grazing-incidence, X-ray, or optics.
  • Knowledge of optical alignment and optomechanical system design.
  • Experience identifying and mitigating systematic measurement errors.
  • Experience developing scientific instrumentation.
  • Ability to obtain a security clearance is a benefit.


Working Conditions: This job operates in a professional office. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. This is largely a sedentary role. This job may require extended work hours, evenings and weekends to meet milestones/deadlines.

Remote Working: This position is not available for remote work. Candidate must be in the Huntsville, AL area.  

Travel: Negligible – attending scientific conferences 1-2 times per year


US Citizenship is required.

This position is contingent upon funding.


Applicants should apply to the posting at Home | USRA Careers and include a letter of interest, resume, or curriculum vitae. Additional information on USRA can be found at Home | USRA

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity.