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Postdoc information

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$22.7K

$53.6K

$75.8K

How much do postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoc in Tennessee is $53,569.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $60,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are postdocs?

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Postdoc jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Postdoc jobs in Tennessee are:
What job categories do people searching Postdoc jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Postdoc jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Postdoc jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Postdoc job openings:
Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoc job openings in Tennessee as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,569 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Destination Biochemistry Postdoctoral Scholar, ADVANCED

Destination Biochemistry Postdoctoral Scholar, ADVANCED

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

$100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

239th of 530 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Department of Biochemistry at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine contains a diverse group of scientists, trainees, and staff dedicated to understanding biological mechanisms through fundamental research. Our investigators are leaders in applying advanced approaches in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, structural biology, mass spectrometry, and chemical biology to biomedical topics including DNA and RNA metabolism, enzymology, molecular cancer biology, molecular virology, cell signaling, protein misfolding diseases, and toxicology. We bridge basic discovery with clinical application to improve human health. An exceptional group of postdoctoral fellows train in our laboratories and go on to impactful careers in academia and industry. The Destination Biochemistry Postdoctoral Scholar Awards support the very best early and advanced fellows and honor the legacy of past Biochemistry investigators.
The Destination Biochemistry Advanced Postdoctoral Scholar Award will support the transition of an outstanding current postdoctoral trainee to an independent position in academia or equivalent principal investigator position. This award will strengthen the Scholar's job application, shorten the time to independence, reward an outstanding trainee, and serve as an incentivizing tool for recruiting new postdoctoral fellows.
Qualifications
Applicants for the Advanced Scholar award should have outstanding records of accomplishment in their graduate and postdoctoral studies and plan to transition to an independent position within approximately one year. The award will go to a current postdoctoral fellow that plans to submit job applications this year. The award is meant to assist with the transition by providing funds to allow the postdoctoral scholar to develop a research project that they will continue as an independent investigator.
The Scholar will continue to work within their current laboratory and benefit from their mentor's guidance. However, the mentor must confirm that the Scholar's research can be taken with the Scholar when they transition to an independent position. The Scholar will also be expected to be listed as a corresponding or co-corresponding author on manuscripts derived from the research. By remaining within the mentor's laboratory, the Scholar will continue to act as a resource for other lab members.
Eligibility
  • Currently appointed postdoctoral fellows in a primary Biochemistry faculty laboratory are eligible. Advanced Scholars will continue to be appointed as postdoctoral fellows governed by the same rules and procedures as other postdoctoral fellows.
  • Individuals must have applied for K99 independent funding. Postdoctoral fellows with existing K99 transition awards are eligible to apply and should adjust budget requests accordingly.

Application Instructions
Deadline for receipt of applications is August 1, annually.
  • Applicants should upload a CV, a three-page description of their research plan, reprints of up to three recent publications, and a one-year budget via Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/123677. In addition, applicants should arrange to have three (3) letters of reference submitted by the annual deadline of August 1 via Interfolio.
  • The research plan should clearly outline the applicant's vision for their future independent research program and explain how the transition award will be utilized to advance that vision.
  • Applicant should provide verification that they have applied for or have been granted K99 funding.
  • One reference letter must be from the current advisor. It should explain how the applicant's proposal is different than the advisor's research goals, confirm that the applicant will be allowed to take the project with them to an independent position, affirm that the applicant will be named as a corresponding or co-corresponding author on manuscripts derived from this award, and provide an evaluation of the candidate's likelihood of successfully obtaining an independent position within the next year.
  • The proposed budget is only for research purposes; no equipment purchases will be allowed. Acceptable uses include salary, research supplies, core facility costs, and travel. Maximum award is $100,000 for one year.
  • Only exceptional candidates will be chosen so it is expected that no award may be made in some years.
  • If the scholar does not obtain an independent position by the end of the one-year award period, then all costs for the fellow will revert to the primary mentor's laboratory. This circumstance is expected to be extremely rare since it would suggest a failure in the selection process.
  • Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged.
  • Questions may be emailed to j.l.smith@vanderbilt.edu or david.cortez@vanderbilt.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Vanderbilt University shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

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