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Postdoc Jobs in Harvard, MA (NOW HIRING)

Post-Doctoral Fellow

Worcester, MA · On-site

$63K - $66K/yr

Karen Troy) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our team studying the role of biomechanics and mechanical loading in skeletal ...

... the postdoctoral scholar. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Conduct independent and collaborative research and prepare peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and technical reports to disseminate ...

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Postdoc information

See Harvard, MA salary details

$25.5K

$60.2K

$85.1K

How much do postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoc in Harvard, MA is $60,187.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $67,800.00 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 job categories do people searching Postdoc jobs in Harvard, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Postdoc jobs in Harvard, MA are:
What cities near Harvard, MA are hiring for Postdoc jobs? Cities near Harvard, MA with the most Postdoc job openings:
Infographic showing various Postdoc job openings in Harvard, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,187 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

$62K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

General Summary of the Position 

Postdoctoral positions in Deep-Learning Omics are available in the Zhou Lab (https://profiles.umassmed.edu/display/20062865). The Zhou Lab at UMass Chan Medical School (UMass Chan) develops and applies cutting-edge computational and big-data approaches to understand the genomics, epigenomics, and regulatory functions of noncoding RNAs in human disease. We develop computational methods and scalable pipelines to decode noncoding RNAs and their epigenetic modifications from diverse high-throughput sequencing data, including bulk, single-cell, and long-read sequencing data.

Lab Research:

AI-Driven Algorithms & Software: Develop deep leering/machine learning/statistical based algorithms to elucidate lncRNAs, fusion transcripts, RNA modifications, and circular RNAs in human genetics and disease, toward developing RNA-based therapeutics.

Integrative Analysis of Multi-Omics Data: Build end-to-end workflows for bulk and single-cell RNA-seq, long-read sequencing, and epigenomic assays, enabling efficient processing of large-scale multi-omics datasets, and apply them to decipher human diseases.

Translational Discovery: Integrate computational findings with clinical and genetic data using machine learning/deep learning methods to identify RNA signatures of disease, guiding the development of RNA-based diagnostics and precision-medicine strategies.

The successful candidate will benefit from collaboration with world-class scientists and physicians at UMass Medical Center and in the Greater Boston area, including Harvard/MIT and other prestigious institutes. Dr. Zhou provides tailored mentorship and resources to align postdoctoral training with career goals, whether in academia, industry, or beyond.


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Ph.D. (or imminent defense) in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Strong programming skills in at least one of: Python, R, C/C++, or Perl; proficient with Unix/Linux.
  • Experience with deep learning, statistical modeling, or AI applications to biological data.
  • Familiarity with transcriptomic technologies, ideally singlecell RNAseq or longread sequencing.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish as first/coauthor.
  • Excellent communication, teamwork, and projectmanagement skills.

Application Instructions

Please email the following to Dr. Chan Zhou atchan.zhou@umassmed.edu (subject line: “Postdoc Application –Your Name”):

  1. Cover Letter: Summarize your research background, interests, and career objectives.
  2. Curriculum Vitae: Include publication list and detailed computational skill set.
  3. References: Contact information for at least two referees (email and phone).

Equal Opportunity Employer


UMass Chan Medical School is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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