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Postdoctoral Research Fellow Jobs in Rochester, MN

A Research Fellow position in Life Sciences (LS) will require knowledge of either clinical-based research or laboratory-based research often obtained from a postdoctoral program. A Research Fellow at ...

A Research Fellow position in Life Sciences (LS) will require knowledge of either clinical-based research or laboratory-based research often obtained from a postdoctoral program. A Research Fellow at ...

A Research Fellow position in will require knowledge of either clinical-based research or laboratory-based research often obtained from a postdoctoral program. A Research Fellow at Mayo Clinic is a ...

A Research Fellow position in Life Sciences (LS) will require knowledge of either clinical-based research or laboratory-based research often obtained from a postdoctoral program. A Research Fellow at ...

A Research Fellow position in will require knowledge of either clinical-based research or laboratory-based research often obtained from a postdoctoral program. A Research Fellow at Mayo Clinic is a ...

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$41.7K

$78K

$163.7K

How much do postdoctoral research fellow jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research fellow in Rochester, MN is $78,010.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,200.00 and $93,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 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 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 job categories do people searching Postdoctoral Research Fellow jobs in Rochester, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral Research Fellow jobs in Rochester, MN are:

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Fellow jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Postdoctoral Research Fellow job openings:

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Fellow job openings in Rochester, MN as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,010 per year, or $37.5 per hour.

Research Fellow - Orthopedic Surgery - Sammarco lab

Rochester, MN • On-site

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
10K+ employees

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret complex molecular, cellular, imaging, and animal-based studies related to musculoskeletal regeneration.

  • Develop scientific hypotheses, optimize experimental approaches, analyze data, and contribute to scientific publications and grant applications.

  • Mentor research staff and trainees, support collaborative projects, and contribute to the laboratory's research program.


Mayo Foundation rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Why Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans - to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.

Benefits Highlights
  • Medical:Multiple plan options.
  • Dental:Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
  • Vision:Affordable plan with national network.
  • Pre-Tax Savings:HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
  • Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.
Responsibilities

The Sammarco Laboratory in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a growing research program investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate bone and soft tissue regeneration. Our laboratory seeks to understand how fundamental cellular processes direct regenerative healing, with the long-term goal of translating these discoveries into therapies that improve musculoskeletal repair and functional recovery.

Our research integrates molecular biology, regenerative biology, and advanced imaging to investigate fundamental mechanisms of tissue regeneration. Current areas of investigation include cellular metabolism, mitochondrial homeostasis and remodeling, reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, sensory nerve regulation of bone regeneration, cellular senescence, and the molecular pathways that distinguish regenerative healing from fibrosis. Together, these studies aim to identify biological mechanisms that can be translated into innovative regenerative therapies.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative, multidisciplinary laboratory committed to scientific rigor, innovation, and discovery. We seek an intellectually curious scientist capable of leading independent research projects while contributing to the laboratory's broader scientific vision. This position offers an outstanding opportunity to develop innovative research, publish high-impact studies, compete for extramural funding, and prepare for a successful career as an independent investigator.

Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow is expected to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret complex molecular, cellular, imaging, and animal-based studies addressing fundamental questions in musculoskeletal regeneration. The fellow will develop scientific hypotheses, optimize and establish new experimental approaches, critically evaluate data and the literature, and identify new research directions that advance the laboratory's mission.

The fellow is expected to generate high-quality, reproducible data using advanced molecular biology, cell biology, histology, imaging, and mouse-based techniques. Additional responsibilities include analyzing complex datasets, preparing publication-quality figures, writing first-author manuscripts, contributing to fellowship and grant applications, and presenting research at laboratory meetings and regional, national, and international scientific conferences.

The fellow will contribute intellectually to the laboratory's research program by mentoring research staff and trainees, fostering scientific rigor and reproducibility, supporting collaborative projects, and helping shape the future direction of the laboratory.

Qualifications

Must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree. A Ph.D. in biology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, developmental biology, regenerative biology, neuroscience, bioengineering, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a strong record of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications reflecting the ability to independently conduct rigorous research.

Candidates must possess extensive experience in molecular and cellular biology and demonstrate the ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot complex methodologies, and interpret findings within a broader biological context. Experience with mammalian cell culture, mouse models, histology, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, quantitative image analysis, and advanced molecular techniques is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated experience preparing publication-quality figures, writing scientific manuscripts, and presenting research to diverse scientific audiences. Experience writing fellowship applications or contributing to grant proposals is preferred.

Candidates should demonstrate scientific creativity, intellectual curiosity, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects. They must be highly self-motivated, capable of working independently within a collaborative multidisciplinary environment, and committed to the highest standards of scientific rigor, reproducibility, and integrity. Strong leadership and mentoring skills are expected.

Applications submitted without a cover letter describing research interests, career goals, and motivation for joining the laboratory will not be considered.

Exemption Status

Exempt

Compensation Detail

$67,282 - $78,711/ year; Education, experience and tenure may be considered along with internal equity when job offers are extended.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Schedule

Full Time

Hours/Pay Period

80

Schedule Details

Varies

International Assignment

No

Site Description

Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is.

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the 'EOE is the Law'. Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

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