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Postdoc Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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How much do postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoc in California is $58,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $65,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a postdoc?

Postdocs, or postdoctoral researchers, are individuals who have completed their doctoral studies (PhD or equivalent) and are engaged in a temporary period of mentored research or scholarly training. This position allows them to deepen their expertise in a specialized area, develop new research skills, and prepare for independent careers in academia, industry, or other sectors. Postdoctoral appointments typically last from one to five years and often involve publishing research findings, collaborating with other scientists, and sometimes teaching responsibilities.

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 a doctoral degree in a relevant field, strong research skills, and a track record of academic publications. Familiarity with specialized research tools, statistical analysis software, and laboratory techniques (where applicable) is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, independence, and effective communication skills help postdocs excel in collaborative and interdisciplinary environments. These skills are crucial for advancing research objectives, securing funding, and building a foundation for a successful academic or industry career.

What is the difference between Postdoc vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdocResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (PhD)Master's or PhD, often with more industry experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutionsIndustry, corporate R&D labs, or research organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, academic research centersPrivate companies, government agencies, industry
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic research rolesIndustry research roles and career progression

In summary, a Postdoc is primarily an academic research position focused on gaining specialized research experience after earning a PhD. A Research Scientist typically works in industry or corporate settings, often requiring similar credentials but emphasizing applied research and product development. The choice depends on whether you aim for an academic or industry career path.

What are some common challenges faced by postdocs during their fellowship, and how can they be addressed?

Postdocs often encounter challenges such as balancing independent research with collaborative projects, managing the pressure to publish, and navigating uncertainty around career progression. Building strong communication with mentors, setting clear research goals, and seeking out professional development resources can help address these challenges. Additionally, connecting with peers and participating in interdisciplinary teams can provide support and open up new opportunities for collaboration and skill development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoc jobs in California?

The most popular types of Postdoc jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Postdoc jobs in California?

For Postdoc jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Postdoc jobs?

Cities in California with the most Postdoc job openings:

Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoc job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,249 per year, or $28 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar in Intensity Interferometry

Carnegie Science

Pasadena, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description
Carnegie Science invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar to work with Nick Konidaris on the Sephira Intensity Interferometer Array. Sephira is a new telescope and intensity-interferometry array being built at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. Sephira will be used as a testbed; our initial science goals include studying binary stars.
We are looking for a scientist-builder who wants to help define what intensity interferometry can become. Relevant experience or interests may include optical instrumentation, SPAD arrays and photon-counting detectors, digital correlation, signal processing, image reconstruction, or astronomical applications of intensity interferometry. Prior experience with intensity interferometry is not required.
The successful candidate will have substantial freedom to pursue fundamental research involving the hardware, software, methodology, or scientific uses of intensity interferometry. Our team is small right now, giving the postdoctoral scholar opportunities to develop new capabilities and take ownership of major parts of the effort. Our team is also working on new infrared spectrographs (Henrietta and MIRMOS), and we welcome ways to couple those instruments to the Sephira array.
Start Date/Duration
  • We prefer to start as soon as possible. We anticipate conducting a separate search for an additional postdoctoral scholar beginning in early 2027.
  • The position includes two years of guaranteed funding, with the possibility of renewal for a third year.
Research Environment
The postdoctoral scholar will have access to a broad range of Carnegie resources, including the Swope and Magellan telescopes, SDSS-V data and collaborations, high-performance computing, and a dedicated research budget. The scholar may also spend substantial time at the Weizmann Institute and participate fully in the research community there.
Qualifications
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive before beginning the appointment, a Ph.D. in astrophysics, physics, engineering, or a closely related field.
Application Instructions
Intensity interferometry remains a specialized field, and we do not expect every applicant to arrive with all of the relevant skills. We welcome applicants entering from adjacent areas of astronomy, physics, engineering, computation, or instrumentation. Candidates making such a transition should use their cover letter to explain what draws them to the field and how their existing experience could contribute to the project.
Please submit:
  • A cover letter
  • A statement of research interests
  • A curriculum vitae
  • The names and email addresses of potential references

References will be contacted only after an initial review of the application materials.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Carnegie Institution for Science has a long-standing commitment to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

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