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Postdoctoral Biology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoctoral Biology information

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$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do postdoctoral biology jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral biology in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoctoral Biology researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Biology researcher, you need an advanced degree (PhD) in biology or a related field, with strong expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, bioinformatics tools, and statistical software (such as R or Python) is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively help distinguish outstanding candidates. These skills are essential for producing high-quality research, securing funding, and contributing effectively to scientific advancements.

What are some common challenges faced by postdoctoral researchers in biology, and how can they be addressed?

Postdoctoral researchers in biology often encounter challenges such as managing independent research projects, securing funding, and balancing publication expectations with teaching or mentoring responsibilities. Navigating the transition from graduate student to independent scientist can also be challenging, especially when developing new technical skills or forming collaborations. Building strong relationships with mentors, actively seeking grant-writing opportunities, and participating in professional development workshops can help address these challenges and support career advancement.

What are postdoctoral biology positions?

Postdoctoral biology positions, often called postdocs, are temporary research roles typically undertaken after completing a Ph.D. in biology or a related field. These positions allow early-career scientists to further develop their research skills, contribute to scientific projects, and publish scholarly articles, often under the mentorship of a principal investigator. Postdocs are essential for gaining specialized expertise and are often a stepping stone toward academic faculty positions or advanced research roles in industry. The duration and expectations of postdoctoral positions can vary but generally last from two to five years.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Biology vs Postdoctoral Biomedical Research?

AspectPostdoctoral BiologyPostdoctoral Biomedical Research
Required CredentialsPh.D. in Biology or related fieldPh.D. in Biomedical Sciences or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, research institutions, universitiesAcademic labs, hospitals, biotech companies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia, research institutesAcademia, healthcare, biotech industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Postdoctoral Biology and Postdoctoral Biomedical Research roles both require a Ph.D. and involve research in scientific settings. The main difference lies in their focus: Postdoctoral Biology emphasizes general biological sciences, while Postdoctoral Biomedical Research centers on medical and health-related applications. Both roles are common in academia and industry, often overlapping in skills and work environment.

More about Postdoctoral Biology jobs
What cities are hiring for Postdoctoral Biology jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral Biology job openings:
What states have the most Postdoctoral Biology jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoctoral Biology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Biology job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 86% Physical, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE - Encalada Lab - MOLECULAR & CELLULAR BIOLOGY

Scripps Research

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$70.30K - $75.35K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

ABOUT US: Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.
POSITION TITLE: Postdoctoral AssociatePOSITION SUMMARY:
A Postdoctoral position is available immediately in the Encalada Laboratory at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California, focusing in the areas of image analysis and AI/machine learning within the context of neurodegeneration, aging, and intracellular endolysosomal trafficking. The Encalada lab has established relevant model systems in primary neurons and mice to screen and test small molecule candidate therapies to ameliorate neurodegenerative phenotypes. In our projects, among others, you will have the opportunity to develop and apply machine learning algorithms for the high-throughput analyses of fluorescent or other microscopy images. You will have the opportunity to do research in a superb intellectual setting at Scripps Research, by applying your skills to a combination of projects in cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, and high-resolution quantitative light, super-resolution, and (CL)EM microscopy to your research in model systems including mammalian neurons, mice, human organoids, and/or C. elegans systems.
Research experience with AI/machine learning within the context of image analysis (light or EM microscopy) is highly desirable. Also, knowledge of cell biology, mouse models, and/or light or super-resolution microscopy is a plus but not required.
Applicants must submit the following as attachments as part of the application process: contact information for three professional references, a list of publications (past and/or pending), a brief statement of previous research expertise, and a statement describing postdoctoral research interests.
Postdoctoral Associates are appointed positions for the purpose of developing scholarly competence, working under the supervision of a Scripps Research Faculty member. These appointments are normally not renewed beyond a total of five years. Postdoctoral Associates cannot apply for external funding either as a Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator without prior approval from a Departmental Chair. Postdoctoral Associates do not have consulting privileges.
Make Scripps Research your next step to advance and develop your career. Click here to learn more about our Postdoctoral Program and Services: https://education.scripps.edu/postdoctoral/
REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess a doctoral degree in cell biology, genetics, neurobiology, molecular biology, biophysics or related field. A pending doctoral degree may be considered with approval of the Principal Investigator.
Highly motivated, independent, with outstanding written and oral communication skills, and with available or pending peer-reviewed publication(s).
COMPENSATION: Postdoctoral Associates will be hired following the National Institute of Health and California's exempt salary guidelines, which provide for a starting range of $70,304- $75,353. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
  • Eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution.
  • Full suite of Health and Welfare plans including four medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
  • Access to Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Free on-site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees
  • Paid Time Off - 5 days annually
  • Free, on-site parking.
  • Pet Insurance

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.
EEO Statement:The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.