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Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct cutting-edge research in areas such as cyber-physical systems security, protection of critical infrastructure, and adversarial machine learning. The position ...

Postdoctoral Researcher

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$54K - $81K/yr

Postdoctoral Researcher Job no: 506801 Work type: Full-Time Location: University City - Philadelphia, PA Categories: College of Engineering Job Summary The A.J. Drexel Nanomaterials Institute and ...

Job Summary Postdoctoral Researcher in Noble Gas Tracers and Ocean Circulation We seek a postdoctoral researcher to work on a project focused on quantifying global ocean heat content and ocean ...

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Postdoctoral Researcher information

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$42.5K

$86K

$116.5K

How much do postdoctoral researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral researcher 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.

Is postdoc harder than PhD?

A postdoctoral researcher role typically involves more independent research, higher expectations for productivity, and longer hours compared to a PhD program. While a PhD focuses on completing coursework and a dissertation, a postdoc emphasizes publishing, grant writing, and establishing an independent research profile, which can be more demanding in terms of responsibility and workload.

What are Postdoctoral Researchers?

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.

Is a PhD required for a postdoc?

Yes, a PhD is typically required for a postdoctoral researcher position, as it demonstrates the advanced research skills and expertise needed for independent research. Some fields may accept candidates with a master's degree combined with significant research experience, but a PhD is generally standard.

How much do post doc researchers make?

Postdoctoral researchers typically earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on the field, experience, and location. Salaries can vary based on funding sources, institution policies, and whether the position is in academia or industry, with some positions offering additional benefits such as health insurance and research stipends.

What does a post-doctoral researcher do?

A postdoctoral researcher conducts advanced scientific or academic research after earning a doctoral degree. They typically work on specific projects, analyze data, publish findings, and may collaborate with other researchers or mentors to develop expertise in their field. This role often involves using specialized tools and techniques relevant to their discipline and preparing for future academic or industry positions.

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.

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 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.
More about Postdoctoral Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Postdoctoral Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral Researcher job openings:
What states have the most Postdoctoral Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoctoral Researcher jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Postdoctoral Researcher jobs? For Postdoctoral Researcher jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Researcher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. 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 Researcher

Indiana University Academic Positions

Bloomington, IN • On-site

$1/hr

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Title Postdoctoral Researcher Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU Bloomington Psychological & Brain Sciences Location Bloomington Position Summary
Postdoctoral Researcher 
Study of Affective Disorders' Classification and Treatment (SADCAT) Lab  
Dr. Lorenzo-Lorenzo Luaces
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington
 
Overview: 
The SADCAT Lab (PI: Lorenzo Lorenzo-Luaces) at Indiana University Bloomington (IUB) is an interdisciplinary research lab dedicated to advancing our understanding of internalizing disorders-particularly depression and anxiety-and improving their treatment through data-driven, empirically grounded approaches. We are interested in the intersection of technology, mental health, and data science in clinical psychology. The lab is currently supported by an R01 Research Project Grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH; PIs Lorenzo-Luaces & Bollen), investigating the impact of social media on adolescent mental health. This project aims to clarify the bidirectional relationship between social media use and internalizing symptoms in a longitudinal sample of 1,000 adolescents.
 
Essential Duties
The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to ongoing projects examining internalizing disorders, technology, cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBTs), and the personalization of treatment. The main project focuses on adolescents (ages 13-20) and employs a longitudinal design, passive data collections, and ecological momentary assessments (EMA) to capture the dynamic nature of symptoms. The position involves engaging with multi-level datasets and contributing to statistical analyses. The researcher may also contribute to manuscript preparation and help develop new studies that extend the lab's mission of using data science to advance clinical psychology and improve mental health outcomes.
 
Qualifications 
         Candidates with either (A) a Ph.D. in clinical psychology or a related field (e.g., developmental) OR (B) a PhD in informatics or a related discipline (e.g., computer science)
         Ideal candidates will have EITHER, both are not required 
o   Experience recruiting and retaining adolescents in longitudinal research 
o   Experience analyzing intensive longitudinal data (e.g., EMA)
 
The anticipated start date is Fall 2026. Start date is negotiable. Interested individuals should apply at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/32132 by submitting their CV, a statement of research interests, and contact information for at least 2 references.
 
Salary for this position is based on the NIH postdoctoral salary guidelines, with a starting salary of $62,232, commensurate with experience. Applications received by April 15, 2026 will receive full consideration; however, the search will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Please contact Jalyn Medley at jalymedl@iu.edu if you have any questions.
Basic Qualifications
  • Candidates with either (A) a Ph.D. in clinical psychology or a related field (e.g., developmental) OR (B) a PhD in informatics or a related discipline (e.g., computer science
  • Experience recruiting and retaining adolescents in longitudinal research
  • Experience analyzing intensive longitudinal data (e.g., EMA)
Department Contact for Questions
Jalyn Medley at jalymedl@iu.edu
Additional Qualifications Salary and Rank Special Instructions For Best Consideration Date 04/15/2026 Expected Start Date 08/01/2026 Posting Number IU-101485-2026