ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Postdoctoral Neuroscience Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ionis

Postdoctoral Fellow - Neurology Research

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$65K - $87K/yr

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW - NEUROLOGY RESEARCH SUMMARY: We are seeking a highly motivated and exceptional ... D. in Neurobiology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline with a strong publication record in peer ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPostdoctoral Neuroscience JobsPostdoctoral Neuroscience Jobs in California

Postdoctoral Neuroscience information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$58.2K

$82.4K

How much do postdoctoral neuroscience jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral neuroscience in California is $58,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $65,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a postdoctoral neuroscientist?

Postdoctoral neuroscientists are researchers who have completed their PhD and are conducting advanced research in the field of neuroscience, typically as part of a temporary training position known as a postdoctoral fellowship. They work in academic, government, or industry labs, contributing to scientific projects, publishing research, and gaining experience to become independent scientists. Their work often includes designing experiments, analyzing data, writing scientific papers, and sometimes mentoring students.

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

Postdoctoral researchers in neuroscience often encounter challenges such as managing multiple research projects, securing funding, and balancing experimental work with publishing and networking. Navigating the transition from student to independent researcher can also feel overwhelming. To address these issues, it's helpful to seek mentorship, maintain clear communication with your principal investigator, and actively participate in lab meetings and collaborative projects. Building a professional network and staying organized can further support career development and help overcome these common hurdles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a postdoctoral neuroscientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Neuroscientist, you need a Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related field, with strong research skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing. Familiarity with advanced imaging techniques, statistical software (such as MATLAB or Python), and laboratory protocols is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively distinguish top candidates. These competencies ensure high-quality research, effective dissemination of findings, and successful contribution to interdisciplinary scientific teams.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Neuroscience vs Postdoctoral Psychology?

AspectPostdoctoral NeurosciencePostdoctoral Psychology
Required CredentialsPh.D. in Neuroscience or related fieldPh.D. in Psychology or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, biotech companiesClinical settings, research institutions, universities
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, biotech, pharmaceutical industriesHealthcare, academic, research institutions

Postdoctoral Neuroscience and Postdoctoral Psychology both require a Ph.D. and involve research in their respective fields. Neuroscience focuses on brain and nervous system research, often in labs or industry, while Psychology emphasizes mental health, behavior, and clinical studies. Both roles prepare candidates for academic, research, or industry careers but differ in their specific focus and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Postdoctoral Neuroscience jobs in California?

For Postdoctoral Neuroscience jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral Neuroscience jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral Neuroscience jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Postdoctoral Neuroscience jobs?

Cities in California with the most Postdoctoral Neuroscience job openings:

Postdoctoral Neuroscience jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Neuroscience job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,249 per year, or $28 per hour.

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE - KENNEDY LAB - Neuroscience

Scripps Research

San Diego, CA • On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 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 Associate
POSITION SUMMARY:

The Kennedy lab is recruiting for multiple funded postdoctoral positions in theoretical and computational neuroscience. Ongoing projects in the lab span topics in:

  • Reservoir computing with heterogeneous cell types
  • Reinforcement learning/control theory analysis of complex behavior
  • Neuromechanical whole-organism modeling
  • Imitation learning/generative modeling of mouse social interactions
  • Joint analysis/modeling of effects of internal states on neural + vocalization + behavior data

With additional NIH and foundation funding for:

  • Characterizing progression of behavioral phenotypes in Parkinson’s
  • Modeling cellular/circuit mechanisms underlying internal state-dependent changes in neural population dynamics
  • Characterizing neural correlates of social relationships across species

Projects are flexible and can be tailored to applicants’ research and training goals, and there are abundant opportunities for new collaboration with local experimental groups.

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.

Click here to learn more about the Scripps Postdoctoral Program and Services: https://education.scripps.edu/postdoctoral/

REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a doctoral degree.  A pending doctoral degree may be considered with approval of the Principal Investigator. 

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 for a salary above $75,353 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.
  • Paid Time Off - 5 days annually
  • Free, on-site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees.
  • 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. 

Apply