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Postdoctoral Research Engineer Jobs in Novato, CA

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Postdoctoral Research Engineer information

See Novato, CA salary details

$49.9K

$100.9K

$136.8K

How much do postdoctoral research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research engineer in Novato, CA is $100,922.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,700.00 and $136,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a postdoctoral research engineer?

A Postdoctoral Research Engineer is a researcher who has recently completed their Ph.D. and is engaged in advanced research and development activities, typically in an academic, governmental, or industrial setting. Their work often involves designing and conducting experiments, developing prototypes, analyzing data, and publishing scientific papers. They collaborate with other scientists and engineers to push the boundaries of knowledge in their field. This position is usually temporary and serves as a bridge between completing a doctorate and securing a permanent research or faculty role.

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

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Research Engineer, you need an advanced degree (typically a PhD) in engineering or a closely related field, along with strong analytical and experimental research skills. Proficiency with specialized software (such as MATLAB, Python, or CAD tools), laboratory instrumentation, and data analysis platforms is often required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective scientific communication are vital soft skills for success in this role. These competencies enable impactful research contributions, innovation, and effective teamwork in advancing engineering projects and publications.

What are some common challenges postdoctoral research engineers face when transitioning from academia to industry-focused research environments?

Postdoctoral Research Engineers often encounter challenges adjusting to the faster pace and results-driven nature of industry compared to academia. In industry-focused research, there is typically a stronger emphasis on project deadlines, cross-functional collaboration, and aligning research objectives with business goals. Navigating intellectual property concerns and balancing innovation with practical application also require new skills. Adapting to these changes involves effective communication, time management, and openness to interdisciplinary teamwork.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Research Engineer vs Postdoctoral Research Engineer?

AspectPostdoctoral Research Engineer

Since the question compares the same job title, there is no difference between a Postdoctoral Research Engineer and itself. Typically, a Postdoctoral Research Engineer holds a doctoral degree, conducts research in industry or academia, and works under the supervision of senior researchers. They often work in labs or research facilities, focusing on applied or fundamental research projects. The role emphasizes technical expertise, research skills, and collaboration within a team. Overall, the position is designed for individuals seeking to deepen their research experience before pursuing permanent roles in industry or academia.

Do you need a PhD to be a postdoctoral research engineer?

Yes, a PhD is typically required to become a postdoctoral research engineer, as it demonstrates advanced expertise in a specific field and is often necessary for independent research roles. Some positions may accept candidates with a master's degree if they have significant research experience, but a PhD is generally standard. Additional skills such as proficiency in research tools and publications can also be important.

What cities near Novato, CA are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Engineer jobs?

Cities near Novato, CA with the most Postdoctoral Research Engineer job openings:

Associate Scientist, Postdoctoral Fellow - Metabolic Disease (Onsite)

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

Merck & Co.
Pharmaceutical Product Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

$71K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Merck rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job DescriptionPostdoctoral Research Fellow - Metabolic DiseaseBe a part of the legacy: Postdoctoral Research Fellow ProgramOur Research Laboratories' Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program aims to be a best-in-industry program for industrial postdoctoral researchers, designed to provide you with an academic focus in a commercial environment. With the resources, reach, and expertise of a large pharmaceutical company, postdoctoral researchers will be positioned to excel in an institution committed to breakthrough innovation in research and discovery.Position Overview: We are seeking-a-highly motivated scientist to fill a postdoctoral fellowship position in the Department of Cardiometabolic Disease (CMD) at our company's Research Laboratories in South San Francisco, California. This is an exciting opportunity to conduct basic research in an industry setting while learning about drug discovery at a high caliber pharmaceutical company. The successful candidate will work in our state-of-the-art facilities, collaborate with scientists with different research backgrounds, and employ appropriate in vitro and in vivo techniques to investigate the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of metabolic disorders. This role offers the chance to contribute to significant scientific publications and presentations at conferences, while gaining valuable experience in contemporary drug discovery.Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Design, execute, and interpret innovative research studies addressing fundamental questions in obesity, metabolic disease, adipose biology, skeletal muscle biology, and related fields. Develop and drive an independent research project while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary research teams. Utilize and integrate molecular, cellular, physiological, and computational approaches to investigate disease mechanisms. Analyze complex datasets using appropriate statistical tools. Present research findings at internal scientific forums, external conferences, and in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Stay current with emerging scientific literature and identify novel opportunities for translational impact. Education Minimum Requirement:---Ph.D. in Biology, Physiology, Metabolism, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.--Required Experience and Skills:--Demonstrated expertise in obesity, metabolic disease, diabetes, skeletal muscle biology, adipose tissue biology, or a related field.Strong record of scientific achievement, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and presentations.Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, including cell culture, functional assays, and mechanistic studies.Experience designing, conducting, and interpreting animal studies.Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including statistical analysis and data interpretation.Ability to work independently while also thriving in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.Excellent oral and written communication skills.-Preferred Experience and Skills:-Experience working with transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, single-cell or spatial omics datasets.Proficiency with statistical analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, Prism, or similar platforms).Experience applying advanced imaging, histology, or quantitative tissue phenotyping approaches.Demonstrated creativity and scientific independence in developing and executing research projects.postdoctoralopportunitiesPDAThe salary range for this role is: $71,900 - $113,200- This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. - • - The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. - • - We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.•Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. Required Skills:Academic Research, Academic Research, Adaptability, Biochemistry, Biology, Cell Biology, Cell Culture Techniques, Computational Biology, Data Analysis, Disease Models, Exploratory Research, Immunoassays, Independent Research, In Vitro Research, In Vivo Models, In Vivo Mouse Models, Metabolism, Metabolomics, Molecular Biology, Musculoskeletal, Obesity, Omics, Programming Languages, Proteomics, Research Designs {+ 9 more}Preferred Skills:Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.--As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.- For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement• We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts San Francisco Residents Only: -We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Los Angeles Residents Only: -We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully-Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. -No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.-Employee Status: RegularRelocation:DomesticVISA Sponsorship:Yes Travel Requirements: 10%Flexible Work Arrangements:Not ApplicableShift:Not IndicatedValid Driving License:NoHazardous Material(s):N/AJob Posting End Date:10/3/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE -the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date. Requisition ID:R415734 Salary: . Date posted: 09/05/2026

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