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Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

University of Kansas

Postdoctoral Fellow

Lawrence, KS · Hybrid

$46K - $62K/yr

40% - Research Grant Development and Dissemination * Author and co-author manuscripts and presentations for national and international conferences. * Contribute to the development of new research ...

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Postdoctoral Researcher information

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$37.9K

$76.7K

$103.9K

How much do postdoctoral researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral researcher in Kansas is $76,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,900.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a postdoctoral researcher?

Postdoctoral Researchers, often called 'postdocs,' are individuals who have completed their doctoral studies (typically a PhD) and are engaged in further academic or scholarly research, usually under the supervision of senior faculty members. Their role is to deepen their expertise in a specific field, contribute to ongoing research projects, and publish scholarly articles. Postdocs may also gain teaching experience, mentor students, and develop skills needed for independent research careers. These positions are typically temporary and serve as a bridge between doctoral studies and permanent academic or research roles.

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

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Researcher, you need an advanced degree (usually a Ph.D.) in a relevant field, strong analytical abilities, and a proven track record of conducting independent research. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and relevant research methodologies is often required. Strong written and verbal communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills set exceptional candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for driving innovative research, publishing results, and contributing effectively to scientific teams.

What are some common challenges faced by postdoctoral researchers in managing work-life balance?

Postdoctoral researchers often face the challenge of balancing demanding research schedules with personal commitments, as the role may involve long hours in the lab, tight deadlines for publications, and grant applications. The academic environment can sometimes create pressure to produce results quickly, making it important to set boundaries and communicate effectively with supervisors. Many institutions now offer resources such as time management workshops and mental health support to help postdocs maintain a healthy work-life balance. Proactively seeking support and prioritizing tasks can make a significant difference in managing these challenges.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Researcher vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoctoral ResearcherResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsPh.D. in relevant fieldMaster's or Ph.D., often with more industry experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, universities, research institutionsIndustry labs, corporate R&D, private companies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and research institutionsPrimarily industry and corporate sectors
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic research rolesExploring industry research careers

The main difference between a Postdoctoral Researcher and a Research Scientist lies in their work environment and career stage. Postdoctoral Researchers typically work in academic or research institutions focusing on specialized research after earning their Ph.D., often aiming for academic careers. Research Scientists are usually employed in industry settings, applying research to product development or innovation, often with more industry experience. Both roles require advanced degrees, but their career paths and work environments differ significantly.

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What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral Researcher jobs in Kansas look for?

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Postdoctoral Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Researcher job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,663 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Plant Biodiversity Postdoctoral Researcher

Botanical Society of America

Lawrence, KS • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Plant Biodiversity Postdoctoral Researcher University of Kansas - Lawrence, Kansas, USA

Position Title: Plant Biodiversity Postdoctoral Researcher

Position Type: Post-Doctoral Position

Application Review Begins: Tuesday, September 01, 2026

Application Deadline: Monday, September 21, 2026

Institution: University of Kansas

Department/Division: Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum, Botany Division

Field (e.g., systematics): systematics

City: Lawrence, Kansas, USA

General Information: The University of Kansas (KU), Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum (BI/NHM) invites applications for a two-year, full-time, postdoctoral researcher position in plant biodiversity, situated in the Botany Division and R.L. McGregor Herbarium (https://biodiversity.ku.edu/botany). There is potential for renewal of the appointment based on funding developments. Applicants will be expected to conduct herbarium- and specimen-based, innovative research in plant biodiversity, including systematics, evolution, and genomics, and integrative AI applications. Potential complementary research foci include regional floristics, ecology, biodiversity data science, and conservation. The successful candidate will develop an active, collaborative research program as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, research proposals, herbarium collection advancement, and outreach activities through the herbarium and the BI/NHM.

Qualifications/Requirements
  1. Ph.D. in plant biodiversity, systematics, evolution, or a related field (applicants must hold their terminal degree by the position start date).
  2. Demonstrated proficiency in specimen-based research involving vascular plants as required by previous experience.
  3. Experience in herbarium-based research.
  4. Experience communicating science to the public and other relevant communities.

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title or equivalent title, it is necessary to have the Ph.D. in hand.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Preferred Qualifications
  1. Strong record of innovative biodiversity research incorporating herbarium specimens, field work, phylogenetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and emerging AI applications as evidenced by application materials.
  2. Experience in mobilizing digitized herbarium specimens, associated media, and specimen extensions.
  3. Previous experience that required collection curation and management skills.
  4. Experience in leading and contributing to collaborative research proposals and awards.
  5. Strong research focus, or stated interest to develop such focus, on plant taxa occurring in North America and especially the central North American grasslands as evidenced by application materials.
  6. Stated interest in developing fruitful collaborations with the joint KBS-CER Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory (KNHI) program focused on state-wide plant community monitoring and conservation assessments (https://biosurvey.ku.edu/kansas-natural-heritage-inventory) as evidenced by application materials.
Responsibilities: Job Description Research (50%)
  • Conduct innovative and collaborative research in plant biodiversity, systematics, evolution, genomics, and integrative and ethical AI applications.
  • Prepare and publish research in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
  • Present research at regional to international meetings.
  • Lead or contribute to collaborative research proposals to external agencies.
Professional Performance (35%)
  • Contribute to the management, use, and advancement of the herbarium collection.
  • Contribute, as appropriate, to supervision or mentorship of research personnel supported by grants and contracts.
  • Contribute, as appropriate, to mentoring graduate and undergraduate students engaged in research and curation activities in the herbarium and in other synergistic projects.
Service (15%)
  • Lead and contribute to plant biodiversity- and herbarium-promoting outreach that informs and promotes public understanding and appreciation of herbaria and plant biodiversity.
  • Contribute to the plant biodiversity field and community by reviewing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, reviewing research proposals, and providing other scholarly or academic society services.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Inquiries are encouraged: nico.franz@ku.edu

Nico Franz, Ph.D.

Director & Professor, BI/NHM

https://biodiversity.ku.edu/

#J-18808-Ljbffr

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