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Postdoctoral Fellowship Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoctoral Fellowship information

See Washington salary details

$28.3K

$66.8K

$94.6K

How much do postdoctoral fellowship jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral fellowship in Washington is $66,848.00, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a postdoctoral fellow, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Fellow, you generally need a Ph.D. in a relevant field, strong research abilities, and a solid track record of scholarly publications. Familiarity with advanced data analysis tools, laboratory equipment, or specialized software relevant to your research area is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills help you work effectively within research teams and present findings. These competencies are crucial for driving innovative research, contributing to academic knowledge, and advancing your career in academia or industry.

What is a postdoctoral fellowship?

A Postdoctoral Fellowship is a temporary research position held after completing a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent). It allows scholars to further develop their expertise in a specific field, conduct independent or collaborative research, and gain additional training and experience. Typically lasting from one to three years, these fellowships help researchers build their academic profile, publish papers, and prepare for permanent positions in academia or industry. Postdoctoral Fellows often work under the supervision of a principal investigator or as part of a research team.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Fellowship vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoctoral FellowshipResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) often requiredMaster's or Ph.D., depending on the role
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutionsUniversities, research labs, or industry
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and research institutionsResearch and development departments in various industries
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding training roles and early career research positionsCareer progression and industry research roles

Postdoctoral Fellowships are typically temporary research positions for individuals with a Ph.D. aiming to deepen their expertise. Research Scientists often hold similar credentials but may work in industry settings, focusing on applied research and product development. While both roles involve research, Fellowships are more academic-oriented, whereas Research Scientists are industry-focused.

What are some typical challenges faced during a postdoctoral fellowship, and how can they be managed?

Postdoctoral fellows often encounter challenges such as balancing independent research with collaborative projects, securing funding, and managing publication pressures. Navigating the transition to increased autonomy while still being mentored requires strong time-management and communication skills. Building a professional network and seeking guidance from advisors and peers can help fellows overcome obstacles and prepare for career advancement, whether in academia or industry.

What are popular job titles related to Postdoctoral Fellowship jobs in Washington?

For Postdoctoral Fellowship jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Postdoctoral Fellowship jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Postdoctoral Fellowship job openings:

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Fellowship job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,848 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cities and Communities

Johns Hopkins University

Washington, DC • On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) School of Government and Policy (SGP) invites applications from highly qualified, recent PhD graduates who possess a demonstrated interest in studying the topics, issues and challenges faced by cities and communities in the United States and globally.
SGP intentionally sits at the intersection of scholarly knowledge and practical expertise, and through its multi-disciplinary faculty and academic centers that work directly with cities and communities to adopt advanced practices in data use, AI, innovation and civic engagement and to address the problem of insufficient and inaccessible data on the topic of wealth and wealth creation, the school offers unmatched technical expertise, practitioner networks, and opportunities to bridge research and practice.
SGP seeks applicants who are interested in spending 1 to 2 years within our growing school community, receiving mentorship from school faculty, engaging with, and contributing to the work of the centers, our city partners and with students from SGP and across JHU.
  • This is full-time research position.
  • The position is a one-year appointment, with the potential for a one-year extension.
  • The position offers competitive compensation and benefits.
  • The appointment will begin Fall 2026, or as soon thereafter as a successful candidate is identified.

Core Responsibilities
  • Explore, assess, and research specific issues relevant to cities and communities through deep engagement with faculty, other academic collaborators across JHU, the school centers, and municipalities.
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the mission and programs of work implemented by the centers and the key research questions underpinning their work.
  • Undertake field visits to cities and communities facilitated through and performed in collaboration with staff from the centers.
  • Advance thought leadership by generating published research, position papers, and case studies and participate in and lead school and university seminars, symposia, and other events.
  • Assist in development of teaching materials and presentations and engage with students from SGP and across JHU by participating in the delivery of instruction.

Qualifications
Qualified candidates for the postdoctoral fellowship position must meet the following minimum qualifications:
  • A PhD degree in political science, public administration, public policy, economics, sociology, urban planning, urban studies, or a related discipline is required and must be conferred by employment start date.
  • A demonstrated strong commitment to academic research with particular interest and expertise in AI and its impact on cities and communities or factors that influence successful models for public sector innovation, including civic engagement and participatory governance.
  • A strong record of high-quality scholarly output or evidence of a promising publication trajectory (peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, case studies, policy reports, or equivalent).
  • Experience conducting or participating in empirical or theoretical research using appropriate methods (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, ethnography, policy analysis, etc.).
  • Experience writing policy briefs, position papers or case studies and capacity to translate research findings for academic and non-academic audiences.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, experience in student instruction, and the ability to present research to scholarly, policy, and community stakeholders.
  • Ability and willingness to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, community partners, municipal practitioners, and/or policymakers on projects of mutual interest.

Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted via Interfolio and include:
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Three (3) professional references
  • A maximum of three (3) relevant research papers or other types of scholarly publications
  • A letter of interest summarizing qualifications, areas of expertise, research interests, and career goals

Johns Hopkins University conducts pre-employment background checks and degree verification on all candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.
Applications will be reviewed by a school search committee and will be accepted until the position is filled. Interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis.
The search committee is dedicated to hiring candidates who, through their research, teaching, and service will contribute to the growth and excellence of the School of Government and Policy, to JHU, our students, and the broader academic community.

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876