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Postdoc Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Umd

Postdoctoral Associate

College Park, MD

$75K - $80K/yr

The postdoctoral research associate is responsible for developing novel computational methodology for high-throughput sequence genomics tasks, as well as for building efficient and robust ...

Umd

Post-Doctoral Associate

College Park, MD · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

This postdoc will perform research on 3D scene reconstruction, novel view synthesis and inverse rendering, building on state of the art techniques such as neural radiance fields, Gaussian splatting ...

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$28.3K

$66.8K

$94.5K

How much do postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoc in Washington, DC is $66,823.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $75,300.00 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Postdoc jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Postdoc jobs in Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Postdoc jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Postdoc jobs in Washington, DC are:

Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoc job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 59% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 40% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 59% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,823 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Postdoctoral Associate

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Postdoctoral Associate
Job no: 536793
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Greater Washington, D.C Area
Department: Institute for Advanced Computing
Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Categories: Engineering, Research / Scientific
Job Description
A postdoctoral associate is sought to conduct research in the area of integrated circuits at Virginia Tech's Institute for Advanced Computing with an appointment in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The Postdoc will particularly participate in the design and development of integrated system-on-chips for wireless sensing, communication, and implantable applications.
The postdoctoral associate will be expected to:
* Complete independent research in accordance with current ongoing research activities in the broad area of integrated circuits
* Publish high-quality research in top international conferences and journals in the field
* Provide leadership and project management for ongoing activities, including working with researchers in other fields of study and collaborators at other institutions
* Participate in the preparation of grant proposals when needed, guided by their postdoc advisor
* Complete other research-related duties, as assigned
Required Qualifications
- Completed or Expected to Complete a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related areas. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
- An established track record of scholarly publications in high impact conferences and journals;
- Demonstrated background and expertise in integrated circuits and experience with integrated circuit design tools such as Cadence
- A track record of research publications in reputable conferences and journals
- Effective communication and teamwork skills
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Hours per week
40
Review Date
Ongoing, first review 7/10/2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Stuart Cline at stuart90@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: June 25, 2026
Applications close:
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About Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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