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Postdoctoral Research Fellow Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow information

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$45.5K

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$178.5K

How much do postdoctoral research fellow jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research fellow in the United States is $85,062.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Research Fellow vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoctoral Research FellowResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) in relevant fieldMaster's or Ph.D., often with more industry experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutionsIndustry labs, corporate R&D
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government research agenciesPrivate companies, biotech, tech firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Postdoctoral Research Fellows typically hold a Ph.D. and work in academic or research settings, focusing on specialized research projects. Research Scientists may have similar credentials but often work in industry, applying research to product development or innovation. While both roles involve research, the Postdoctoral Research Fellow is usually a temporary position aimed at gaining experience, whereas Research Scientists are often more involved in applied research within companies.

What are some typical challenges faced by Postdoctoral Research Fellows when transitioning to independent research roles?

Postdoctoral Research Fellows often face challenges such as balancing independent research with the expectations set by their principal investigator, securing funding for their own projects, and building a professional network. Navigating the shift from a supervised role to leading projects requires developing grant-writing skills, managing collaborations, and mentoring junior researchers. Actively seeking feedback, attending conferences, and publishing consistently can help fellows establish their reputation and prepare for future independent positions in academia or industry.

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

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you need a doctoral degree in a relevant field, advanced research skills, and a strong publication record. Expertise in specialized laboratory techniques, data analysis software (such as R or Python), and familiarity with grant-writing or research funding processes are often required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with peers and disseminating research findings. These abilities are crucial for advancing scientific knowledge, securing research funding, and building a successful academic or industry career.

What is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow?

A Postdoctoral Research Fellow is an individual who has completed their doctoral studies (Ph.D. or equivalent) and undertakes advanced academic or scientific research, typically under the guidance of a principal investigator or faculty member. The main goal of a postdoctoral fellowship is to deepen expertise in a specific research area, contribute to scholarly publications, and gain experience necessary for independent research or academic positions. These positions are often temporary, lasting from one to several years, and can be found in universities, research institutions, or industry. Postdocs play a vital role in advancing research projects and may also mentor students or assist with teaching.
What cities are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Fellow jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral Research Fellow job openings:
What states have the most Postdoctoral Research Fellow jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoctoral Research Fellow jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Postdoctoral Research Fellow jobs? For Postdoctoral Research Fellow jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Fellow job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,062 per year, or $40.9 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Harvard University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 534 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position
Details
Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
School
Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Department/Area
Bioengineering
Position Description
The Walsh Lab at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seeks a talented, creative, and enthusiastic individual to build life-changing technologies for assistance, rehabilitation and human performance enhancement. The Postdoctoral Researcher will coordinate and lead a research project at the intersection of wearable sensing, controls, machine learning, AI, robotics, and movement science. They will contribute to technical deliverables and help to plan for technology translation.
Basic Qualifications
PhD in engineering, computer science, biomechanics, or a related field.
Additional Qualifications
Interest in the development and translation of rehabilitation technologies is strongly preferred.
Prior experience with embedded systems or biomechanical evaluation in wearable devices is desired.
Special Instructions
Required application documents include a cover letter, CV, a statement of research interests, and up to three representative papers. Candidates are also required to submit the names and contact information for up to three references.
Contact Information
Mark Peterson
Contact Email
mpeterson@seas.harvard.edu
Salary Range
$67,600 - $91,826
Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as rank, years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field.
Minimum Number of References Required
3
Maximum Number of References Allowed
3
Keywords