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Postdoc Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Must have successfully completed a residency program in psychiatry which has been approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the Committee on Postdoctoral Training of the ...

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Postdoc information

See Iowa salary details

$23.5K

$55.4K

$78.4K

How much do postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoc in Iowa is $55,437.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $62,500.00 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 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 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.

Do you need a PhD to be a postdoc?

A postdoctoral position typically requires a PhD in a relevant field, as it is an advanced research role for individuals who have completed their doctoral studies. Some fields or institutions may accept candidates with a master's degree or equivalent, but a PhD is generally standard for postdoc roles. Skills in research methods and academic publishing are also important.

What does a postdoc do?

A postdoc conducts advanced research in a specific field, often after completing a PhD, to deepen expertise and contribute to scientific knowledge. They typically work in academic or research institutions, publish findings, and may supervise students or collaborate with other researchers.

What is a typical postdoc salary?

A typical postdoctoral researcher salary varies by country and institution but generally ranges from $45,000 to $65,000 per year in the United States. Salaries can be influenced by funding sources, field of study, and experience level, and postdocs often receive benefits such as health insurance and research stipends.

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Postdoc jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Postdoc job openings:

Infographic showing various Postdoc job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,437 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR - ANESTHESIA - SMITH LAB

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

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Job description

POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR - ANESTHESIA - SMITH LABRequisition # 4495Position Basics
Advertising Ends on: Extended Until Position is Filled Advertising Started on: Friday, October 24th, 2025 College: Carver College of Medicine Department: Anesthesia
Salary
Salary: $62,232.00 to Commensurate
Position Details
Full/Part Time Status: Full Time Percent Time: 100% Position Description:

Research in the Smith lab focuses on the acute inflammation and endothelial response to acute surgical stress. Clinical outcomes of interest include postoperative acute kidney injury and delirium. Study techniques include clinical studies of surgical patients, in vivo mechanistic studies (mice), and in vitro human primary cell experiments.

Current studies focus on single-cell spatial transcriptomic characterization of the human endothelial response to surgery including cell-cell interaction prediction modeling as well as characterization of the surgically triggered "genomic storm" in human PBMCs and endothelial cells. The laboratory also has ongoing projects examining the protective role of high-density lipoproteins in these biological pathways and processes, with the goal of developing novel lipoprotein-based therapies for perioperative protection.

Fellows' research in the Smith lab is well-support by a team of clinical research nurses and coordinators along with an excellent laboratory technician. Additionally, throughout the completion of their research projects, fellows in the Smith lab have the opportunity to work one on one with the PhD biostatistician associated with our laboratory to learn introductory machine learning methodology such as latent variable mixture modelling if desired.

The Smith laboratory recognized the need for fellows to develop an independent national and international research reputation and has financial resources to support their presentation of their research at national research meetings. Completion of a post-doctoral fellowship in the Smith lab will produce a highly-marketable, well-rounded translational researcher positioned to excel in a variety of desirable career settings including academics and industry.

Education Requirement:

PhD degree in a field related to molecular medicine

Required Qualifications:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills, English writing skills, laboratory skills, and analytic skills.
  • Applicants will be expected to play a lead role in current research projects and clinical studies, including patient enrollment and sample collection and processing, and will be supported by a clinical research team of nurses and research coordinators as well as by a laboratory technician. Applicants will also have the opportunity to develop independent research projects related to their own interests.
  • Applicants will be expected to be able to work independently and will also be expected to be able to effectively collaborate with multiple research groups within and outside our world-class institution.
  • Graduate transcript with grades averaging B or greater on the USA scale.

Desirable Qualifications:

  • Experience in a wide range of wet-lab and computational methods including but not limited to next-generation sequencing and data analysis, spatial transcriptomic sequencingand analysis, single-cell studies, advanced cell culture techniques, DNA/RNA work, immunostaining, and animal husbandry (mice).
  • Experience with endothelial biology and/or lipoprotein biology.
  • Completion of a PhD program with an expected training time greater than 2 years.
  • Two or more first author original research publications in impact factor 5 or above journals related to medical or human biology research.
  • Have obtained some external research funding during their graduate training.
  • Reference from a laboratory manager or equivalent support position the applicant has directly worked with within the past 3 years for a minimum of 1 year.

Online Application Required Documents
Curriculum Vita
Name and Contact Information of References
Letters of Interest Number of References: 3

To start the Online Application process for this position, click the "Apply for This Position" button located below the Contact Information.

Contact Information
Contact: Loren E Smith - loren-smith@uiowa.edu
Cmed-Anesthesia
Colloton Pavilion
160 Hawkins Drive
JCP
Iowa City, IA 52242

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu, to inquire or discuss accommodation needs.

Prospective employees may review the University Campus Security Policy and the latest annual crime statistics by contacting the Department of Public Safety at 319/335-5022.


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