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Postdoctoral Fellow Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

AI Training Specialist - Physics

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$80 - $150/hr

Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior research scientist. * Recent (last ~5 years) representative publications in the relevant subfield, with ...

Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior research scientist. * Recent (last ~5 years) representative publications in the relevant subfield, with ...

The successful candidate will teach medical students, residents, and fellows. * 10%: Mentor graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Participate in professional, public, and university service ...

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Postdoctoral Fellow information

See Madison, WI salary details

$25.2K

$59.5K

$84.1K

How much do postdoctoral fellow jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral fellow in Madison, WI is $59,472.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $67,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a postdoctoral fellow?

A Postdoctoral Fellow is a researcher who has recently completed their doctoral studies (PhD or equivalent) and undertakes further academic or scientific training under the supervision of a senior researcher. The main goal of a postdoctoral fellowship is to deepen expertise in a specific field, develop independent research skills, and contribute to scholarly publications. Postdoctoral Fellows often work on funded research projects, teach, and mentor graduate students, preparing them for academic or industry careers. These positions are typically temporary, lasting from one to three years.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a postdoctoral fellow?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Fellow, you need advanced research skills, subject matter expertise, and a doctoral degree in a relevant field. Experience with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and grant writing is often required. Strong analytical thinking, independence, and effective communication set standout candidates apart. These skills enable significant contributions to research projects, successful dissemination of findings, and progression toward academic or industry leadership roles.

What are some common challenges postdoctoral fellows face when transitioning to independent research roles?

Postdoctoral Fellows often encounter challenges such as balancing the demands of publishing high-impact research with developing their own independent research agenda. Navigating grant applications and building a professional network outside their mentor's circle can also be difficult. Additionally, learning to manage time effectively while taking on mentorship or teaching responsibilities is essential for career advancement. Overcoming these challenges often requires proactive communication, seeking out collaborative opportunities, and leveraging institutional resources for professional development.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Fellow vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoctoral FellowResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) in relevant fieldMaster's or Ph.D., often with more industry experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutions, labsIndustry, corporate R&D, or private labs
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government research agenciesBiotech, pharma, tech companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Postdoctoral Fellows typically hold a Ph.D. and work in academic or research settings, focusing on specialized research projects. Research Scientists often have similar credentials but work in industry, applying research to product development or innovation. While both roles involve research, Postdoctoral Fellows are usually in training positions, whereas Research Scientists are more experienced professionals in industry environments.

What are popular job titles related to Postdoctoral Fellow jobs in Madison, WI?

For Postdoctoral Fellow jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral Fellow jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral Fellow jobs in Madison, WI are:

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Fellow job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,472 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Fan Lab

The Morgridge Institute for Research

Madison, WI

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description

The Fan lab at Morgridge Institute for Research and University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to study the metabolism of macrophages and neutrophils. The successful candidate will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team investigating the dynamic metabolic regulation during immune cell activation and how metabolic pathways influence immune cell function.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Design and conduct experiments to characterize metabolic remodeling coupled to immune response and mechanistically investigate metabolism-function connections in macrophages and neutrophils
  • Employ cellular, molecular, and biochemical approaches, including genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9), metabolomics and isotopic tracing, immune function essays, transcriptomic analyses etc.
  • Analyze data, interpret results, and prepare manuscripts and presentations.
  • Collaborate with team members and contribute to ongoing lab projects.
  • Potentially mentor junior graduate or undergraduate trainees as needed.

Requirements

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology or a related field (completed or near completion).
  • Strong background in immunology and cell metabolism preferred.
  • Demonstrated skills in some of the relevant areas including molecular biology, immune cell function profiling, genetics, or omics-based techniques.
  • Familiarity to establish mouse model for inflammatory conditions is a plus
  • Excellent communication, organization, and teamwork abilities.
  • Scientific rigor and critical thinking skills
  • Record of scholarly productivity with peer-reviewed publications.


To apply, please submit the following materials via our website:

  1. Cover letter describing your research experience and career goals
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. Names and contact information for three references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Start date is flexible, with Fall 2026 preferred.