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Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UNC-Chapel Hill

Postdoctoral Researcher

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

... Postdoctoral Researcher Vacancy ID PDS004875 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 $58,000 ...

UNC-Chapel Hill

Postdoctoral Researcher

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

... Postdoctoral Researcher Vacancy ID PDS004875 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 $58,000 ...

Swarthmore College

Postdoctoral Researcher

Swarthmore, PA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Postdoctoral Researcher Job no: 495592 Work type: Limited Term Full Time Location: Swarthmore Categories: Staff, Salary (Exempt), On Campus Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts ...

LSU AgCenter

Postdoctoral Researcher

Center, TX

Postdoctoral Researcher Position Type:Other Academic Department:LSUAM ORED - Center for Computational Technology (Oliver T Dasbach (00010459)) Work Location:2027E Digital Media Center Pay Grade:Other ...

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How much do postdoctoral researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 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.

How much does a postdoctoral researcher get paid?

Postdoctoral researchers typically earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on the field, location, and funding source. Salaries may increase with experience, additional skills, and the specific institution or research grant involved.

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.

What is the postdoc trap?

The postdoc trap refers to the cycle where early-career researchers, including postdoctoral researchers, remain in temporary research positions for extended periods without progressing to permanent faculty or industry roles. This can lead to job insecurity, limited career advancement, and financial instability, especially if the postdoctoral experience is not strategically aligned with long-term goals.

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, publish findings, and may mentor students, often using specialized tools and techniques in their field. Their role is to contribute to their area of expertise and prepare for independent research or academic 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.

How much do postdoc 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 includes benefits or stipends for research activities.

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.
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Postdoctoral Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Researcher job openings in the United States as of June 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 $85,959 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Researcher

LSU AgCenter

East Lansing, MI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated).If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page.Job Posting Title:Postdoctoral ResearcherPosition Type:Other AcademicDepartment:LSUAM Science - BioS - Discipline Based Education Researcher (Maryrose Weatherton (00088563))Work Location:0282 Life Sciences BuildingPay Grade:Other AcademicJob Description:

The Weatherton Research Lab at Louisiana State University seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead a large-scale longitudinal qualitative project exploring undergraduate resource use in STEM higher education. The postdoc will advance a mixed methods program of research focused on understanding how undergraduate students navigate and use academic resources in STEM higher education. Core activities include designing and conducting longitudinal qualitative interviews, developing interview protocols and coding frameworks, analyzing qualitative data using rigorous interpretive approaches, and integrating qualitative findings with complementary quantitative and behavioral data sources. The postdoc will help synthesize literature to inform theoretical development, coordinate participant recruitment and retention across multiple timepoints, manage IRB submissions and qualitative data workflows, maintain clear documentation of analytic procedures, and help disseminate findings through manuscripts and conference presentations.

The position offers close mentoring, opportunities to collaborate across DBER and education research networks at LSU, and support for professional development.

Duties Include:
45% Coordinate and conduct qualitative interviews with participants

20% Perform quantitative analyses, including exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, to assess the reliability and validity of the survey instrument.

15% Conduct literature reviews, cognitive interviews, and focus group interviews to inform interview protocol.

15% Prepare manuscripts, presentations, and other dissemination materials related to survey development and findings.

5% Manage project activities such as IRB submissions, pilot testing, data management, and documentation of the qualitative process.

Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in Biological Sciences or related.

Two years specific experience in conducting mixed methods data collection and analysis.

Strong writing skills and a record of (or strong potential for) publishing peer-reviewed research.

Job Competencies Required:
Proficient in Qualitative Interview Design and Data Collection; Qualitative Data Analysis; Longitudinal and Mixed-Methods Research Design; Research Project Management and Compliance; Data Management and Reproducibility;Scientific Writing and Dissemination; Collaboration, Mentoring, and Communication; and Technical Toolset.

Preferred Qualifications:
Background in discipline-based education research (DBER) or related fields.

Previous experience conducting qualitative interview research.

Familiarity with coding in R software.

Preferred Certifications/Licenses:
IRB / CITI certified

Additional Job Description:Special Instructions:Please submit a current cv and contact information of 3 references. An official transcript showing highest degree obtained will be needed prior to hire. For questions or concerns regarding the position, please contact Lori Bond at lbond3@lsu.edu.Posting Date:June 5, 2026Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):August 4, 2026Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university's ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.

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