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$117K

How much do postdoc researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 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.

What is the salary of a post-doctoral researcher?

The salary of a postdoctoral researcher typically ranges from $45,000 to $65,000 per year in many countries, depending on the field, experience, and location. In the United States, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) sets recommended stipends for postdocs, often starting around $54,000 annually for those with less than one year of experience. Many postdocs also receive benefits such as health insurance and research funding support.

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.

How much do postdoc researchers make?

Postdoc researchers typically earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on the field, experience, and location. Salaries can vary based on funding sources, institution policies, and whether the position is in academia or industry, with some postdocs earning higher wages with additional skills or certifications.

How much do postdoc researchers earn?

Postdoc researchers typically earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on the country, institution, and field of study. Salaries may increase with experience, additional funding, or specific research grants, and often include benefits such as health insurance and paid leave.

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.

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. This role typically requires strong analytical skills, familiarity with research tools, and a focus on contributing to their field's knowledge base.
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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 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote 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 18 days ago

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.