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Postdoc Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

As a Postdoctoral Scholar, you will design and conduct original research at the intersection of AI and organizational leadership, collaborate closely with faculty and fellow researchers across ...

The Postdoctoral Scholar will work within collaborative, transdisciplinary research teams and contribute to integrating molecular biology, bioinformatics, and ecological approaches to address ...

Postdoctoral Researcher

Swarthmore, PA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Postdoctoral Researcher Apply now Job no: 495592 Work type: Limited Term Full Time Location: Swarthmore Categories: Staff, Salary (Exempt), On Campus Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal ...

The Postdoctoral Scholar will devote time to independent research, collaborations with faculty mentors, and mentored training and professionalization. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a social science ...

The postdoc will have the opportunity to mentor graduate and undergraduate students. Guidance will be provided toward writing research grants and publications. To apply, please submit an online ...

Postdoctoral Researcher

Swarthmore, PA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Postdoctoral Researcher Job no: 495592 Work type: Limited Term Full Time Location: Swarthmore Categories: Staff, Salary (Exempt), On Campus Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts ...

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Mathematics in Penn State's Eberly College of Science invites applications for Postdoctoral Scholars through the Center for Computational Mathematics and ...

The postdoctoral scholar is expected to work on a set of statistical-theoretical problems concerned with networks, space, time, or causal inference based on discrete and dependent data, either ...

POSITION SPECIFICS A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine at the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA. The successful candidate will ...

POSITION SPECIFICS A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine at the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA. The successful candidate will ...

Showing results 21-40

Postdoc information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$25.1K

$59.2K

$83.7K

How much do postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoc in Pennsylvania is $59,163.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,100.00 and $66,700.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Postdoc jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Postdoc jobs in Pennsylvania are:

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

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

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Postdoc jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Postdoc job openings:

Infographic showing various Postdoc job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, and 58% Part Time. Highlights an 28% Physical, and 72% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,163 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar

On-site, Remote

The Pennsylvania State University
Education • 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 1 hour ago


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State School of Labor and Employment Relations invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team working at the frontier of artificial intelligence and human-based leadership. As organizations increasingly blend algorithmic and human decision-making, fundamental questions arise about how leadership operates, adapts, and creates value in this new landscape. Our team is dedicated to answering them-and to translating that research into insights that shape the future of work.

This is a unique opportunity for an early-career scholar to contribute to high-impact, publishable research while developing the research skills, collaborations, and visibility to launch a thriving academic or research career.

As a Postdoctoral Scholar, you will design and conduct original research at the intersection of AI and organizational leadership, collaborate closely with faculty and fellow researchers across disciplines, and contribute to manuscripts for leading peer-reviewed journals. You'll have the freedom to help shape the direction of emerging projects and the support to grow as an independent scholar.

We are looking for someone who brings a strong technical foundation, genuine curiosity about leadership and organizations, and a collaborative spirit. Specifically, the ideal candidate has:

  • A strong background in artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational science, data science, computer science, robotics, natural language processing, computer vision, optimization, or a related field

  • A keen interest in, or background studying, the role of leadership in organizations, which could be rooted in human-AI collaboration, agent-driven interaction, human-robot interaction, intelligent interfaces, autonomous systems, and the design and evaluation of AI systems that augment human capabilities and leadership

  • A desire to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of scholars

  • Ambition to engage in cutting-edge research with the potential to transform organizations and society

Requirements: A Ph.D. in a relevant field is required by the date of appointment.

Why Penn State: You'll join one of the nation's premier institutions for the study of work, employment, and organizations, with access to world-class resources, a vibrant intellectual community, and an opportunity to work with leading scholars in organizational leadership.

How to Apply...

Interested candidates must submit an online application at Penn State's Job Posting Board, and should upload the following application materials: a letter of interest, CV or resume, and a list of three references with contact information.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Visit our website at https://ler.la.psu.edu/ for more information on our School of labor and Employment Relations

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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