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Postdoctoral Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work on projects that informs the design and evaluation of culturally responsive communication interventions to advance the health and well-being of health ...

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Postdoctoral Research information

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$42.5K

$86K

$116.5K

How much do postdoctoral research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research in the United States is $85,959.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Researcher, you need advanced expertise in your field, a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent), and a strong record of research and publication. Proficiency with specialized laboratory techniques, data analysis software (such as R, Python, or MATLAB), and familiarity with grant writing and academic publishing platforms is essential. Critical thinking, perseverance, and effective collaboration and communication skills help you excel in complex, multidisciplinary research environments. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality research, securing funding, and contributing meaningfully to scientific advancements.

What are postdoctoral research positions?

Postdoctoral research positions, often called 'postdocs,' are temporary roles for individuals who have recently completed a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent). Postdocs work under the supervision of experienced researchers and focus on deepening their expertise, conducting advanced research, and publishing scholarly work. These positions are commonly found at universities, research institutes, and sometimes in industry, and are considered a stepping stone toward faculty or permanent research roles. Duties can include designing experiments, mentoring students, writing grant proposals, and presenting findings at conferences.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Research vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoctoral ResearchResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.)Master's or Ph.D., often with more industry experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, universities, research institutionsCorporate R&D labs, industry settings
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and research institutionsIndustry, technology, pharmaceuticals
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic research rolesIndustry research roles and career progression

Postdoctoral Research positions are typically academic roles focused on specialized research after earning a Ph.D., often preparing for a faculty or academic career. Research Scientists usually work in industry settings, applying research skills to develop products or solutions. While both roles require advanced degrees, their work environments and career paths differ significantly.

What are some common challenges postdoctoral researchers face when transitioning to independent research roles?

Postdoctoral researchers often encounter challenges such as securing funding, developing independent research ideas, and balancing research with publishing and networking responsibilities. The transition to independence also requires building a professional reputation and expanding one's network for future collaborations and job opportunities. Many postdocs find mentorship, time management, and learning grant-writing skills essential during this phase to successfully move toward faculty or industry positions.
More about Postdoctoral Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Postdoctoral Research jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoctoral Research jobs? The most popular types of Postdoctoral Research jobs are:
What states have the most Postdoctoral Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoctoral Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Full Time, 89% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,959 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 534 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Information
Posting Details
Department
School of Data Sci and Society - 397100
Posting Open Date
04/13/2026
Application Deadline
06/15/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Position Type
Postdoctoral Scholar
Position Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Vacancy ID
PDS004832
Full-time/Part-time
Full-Time Temporary
Hours per week
40
FTE
1
Work Location
Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$62,000 - $65,000, dependent on experience
Proposed Start Date
08/03/2026
Estimated Duration of Appointment
12 Months
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.
Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.
UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The School of Data and Information Sciences (SDIS) was founded in 2026 by joining the School of Information and Library Science (1931) and the School of Data Science and Society (2022). SDIS brings together longstanding excellence in information and library science with leadership in data science, including computational and statistical methods, and societal applications.
Home to a top ranked library and information science program, SDIS is recognized for strong teaching, research and service and is the home to the Carolina Health Informatics Program (CHIP) and the Center for Information, Technology and Public Life (CITAP). The School teaches and trains undergraduate and graduate students in data science, health informatics, information science and library science, as well as offers certificates for adult learners.
SDIS conducts research and scholarship across the data and information life cycle, with an emphasis on human-centric, ethical and applied approaches. Committed to data, information and AI literacy for all Tar Heels, SDIS faculty are tackling our communities' most pressing needs and our world's most intractable challenges.
Position Summary
The Zikry Lab at UNC-Chapel Hill is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our group at the intersection of statistical methodology, machine learning, and biomedical data science. Our research develops rigorous and interpretable methods for high-dimensional biomedical data, with applications spanning cancer genomics, neuroscience, and precision medicine. The postdoctoral fellow will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment within the School of Data and Information Sciences, with opportunities to work with researchers across the UNC scientific community in units such as the Computational Medicine Program and the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The postdoctoral fellow will play a central role in advancing new statistical and machine learning methodology. Areas of focus include (but are not limited to):
* Clustering and unsupervised learning
* Dimension reduction and manifold learning
* High-dimensional inference and feature selection
* Generative modeling and digital twins
* Reliability and interpretability of ML methods
The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for teaching at most one class per semester (an existing 100-level data science course with lecture and evaluation material provided). Based on teaching needs, this may be changed to one class per academic year.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in statistics, mathematics, biostatistics, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field of study.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
N/A
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Experience in statistical modeling and biomedical data analysis is a plus. Evidence of research productivity (publications, presentations, software) is preferred.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
N/A
Special Instructions
For information on being a postdoc at UNC, please click here - https://research.unc.edu/postdocs/prospective/.
Quick Link
https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/315941
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title
Beth Mayo, HR Director
Department Contact Telephone or Email
beth.mayo@unc.edu
Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.
Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789