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Postdoctoral Research Fellow Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NorthEastern

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Boston, MA

$60K - $85K/yr

The postdoctoral fellow will work directly with Dr. Tamara Jimah, Assistant Professor in the ... We are seeking an early-career scientist in one or more of the following research areas: HIV/TB ...

Wesleyan

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Middletown, CT · On-site

The postdoctoral fellow will work with Dr. Kyungmi Kim and Dr. Matthew Kurtz on research projects that investigate memory or self-related processes in healthy people and people with psychosis and ...

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How much do postdoctoral research fellow jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 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:
Who are the top companies hiring for Postdoctoral Research Fellow jobs? The top employers for Postdoctoral Research Fellow jobs are:
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:
Postdoctoral Research Fellow jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Fellow job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 90% Physical, and 10% 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

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Harvard University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position
Details
Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
School
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Department/Area
Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Position Description
The Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to advance innovative research on social well-being and digital well-being. The Center is dedicated to building a rigorous and interdisciplinary science of positive health, happiness, and well-being, with a focus on health equity, and to translate the science to influence practice and policy. The Center aims to shift public health from a predominantly deficit-based model toward an asset-based approach that promotes complete physical, mental, and especially social well-being for all, regardless of racial, socioeconomic, political, or geographic circumstances.
Working closely with the Center Director, Dr. Vish Viswanath, the Postdoctoral Research Fellow will play a central role in advancing the Center's research and programmatic priorities. The Fellow will lead and contribute to a portfolio of research projects, mentor research staff, and help translate scientific evidence into actionable strategies for public health practice and policy. Through close mentorship and collaboration, the Fellow will have the opportunity to develop as an independent scholar while conducting cutting-edge research in the science of well-being.
The Center is particularly interested in understanding social well-being and its dynamic interplay with physical and mental well-being. The Center's working definition of social well-being is the well-being of people in a community, determined by how social conditions, relationships, and institutions enable people to feel inclusively connected, respected, supported, and secure so they can fully and equally participate in society thus experience a sense of meaning, purpose, and positive emotions. Candidates must have a primary interest and experience in digital well-being and/or social well-being (e.g., social connection, loneliness, and social isolation). Additional areas of interest include the measurement of well-being and the translation of scientific evidence to inform public health practice and policy.
The Center, Department, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health provide an exceptional environment for professional growth, scholarly development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a rigorous and impactful research agenda; engage with internationally recognized leaders across research, practice, and policy; and join a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to advancing happiness and well-being.
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will report to the Center Director, Dr. Vish Viswanath. This is a one-year appointment, renewable for up to two additional years contingent upon performance-including the quality and impact of contributions and collaborations in support of the Center's mission-and the availability of funding. The Fellow will receive an annual performance review.
Duties & Responsibilities:Research-related (60%): Lead a portfolio of research activities including original research and projects congruent with the Center's research agenda.
  • Design studies (especially community-engaged), oversee data collection, conduct large-scale secondary data analyses, and develop data visualizations.
  • Prepare and publish manuscripts, and disseminate scientific findings.
  • Contribute to grant writing and research development efforts.
  • Supervise research staff and provide mentorship to student interns at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Engage with relevant partners and potential donors within the community and at the national and international levels.
  • Explore the role of new technologies (e.g., AI, social media) in well-being.

Programmatic support (40%): Assist in scientific leadership for the Center. This can include activities such as:
  • Support the conceptualization and implementation of seminars, workshops, and other high-profile events, ensuring scientific rigor.
  • Assist with curriculum/course development at Harvard Chan and/or in ExecEd, HarvardX, or short courses.
  • Contribute to the development of well-being measurement tools and curated repositories of evidence-based interventions.
  • Participate in the evaluation of grant proposals or student funding initiatives.

Schedule:Full-time, hybrid with a minimum of three on-campus days per week, remote work not permitted.
Term: One year from date of hire, with possible extension up to two additional years, contingent upon performance and contribution to the center's mission.
Basic Qualifications
The candidate should possess the following:
  • Doctoral-level degree in public health, social sciences, or a related discipline (must have successfully defended dissertation).
  • Demonstrated interest in social well-being and/or digital well-being.
  • Strong research skills, including study design, data collection, analysis, and scientific writing.
  • Strong quantitative analytical skills.
  • Publication record with contributions to peer-reviewed publications beyond dissertation work.
  • Experience leading research projects and managing teams, including supervising and mentoring staff, coordinating with administrators regarding budget and staffing, and ensuring research activities meet ethical guidelines.
  • Expertise in measuring well-being and resilience.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and project management skills.
  • Ability to define and drive projects to completion while collaborating effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
  • Commitment to advancing research in well-being and public health.

Additional Qualifications
Special Instructions
Please address questions to Kelsey Torres kelsey_torres@hsph.harvard.edu and apply via the ARIeS portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with an application deadline 3 weeks from date of posting.
Contact Information
Kelsey Torres
Assistant Director of Operations
Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Contact Email
kelsey_torres@hsph.harvard.edu
Salary Range
$65,000-73,000 based on qualifications and experience
Minimum Number of References Required
3
Maximum Number of References Allowed
3
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