ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Postdoctoral Scholar Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

The postdoctoral scholar will combine foundation AI modeling and differentiable modeling (a genre of physics-informed machine learning) for hydrologic modeling to improve large-scale hydrologic ...

The Pennsylvania State University

The postdoctoral scholar will co-lead research initiatives with Professor Das and play an active role in mentoring graduate students. Responsibilities include conducting independent and collaborative ...

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS Postdoctoral Scholar position at The Pennsylvania State University Dr. Feifei Shi is looking to hire a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar with expertise in electrochemistry and ...

The Pennsylvania State University

The Postdoctoral Scholar will work within collaborative, transdisciplinary research teams and contribute to integrating molecular biology, bioinformatics, and ecological approaches to address ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPostdoctoral Scholar Jobs

Postdoctoral Scholar information

See salary details

$35.5K

$54.2K

$61K

How much do postdoctoral scholar jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral scholar in the United States is $54,223.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $56,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the most common challenges Postdoctoral Scholars face when transitioning to independent research roles?

Postdoctoral Scholars often face challenges balancing the demands of publishing, securing funding, and developing an independent research identity. Navigating the shift from working under a principal investigator to leading projects independently can be demanding, as it requires strong project management and networking skills. Additionally, postdocs may encounter uncertainties regarding job security and the competitive nature of academic career advancement, making strategic planning and mentorship especially important.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Scholar vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoctoral ScholarResearch Scientist
Required credentialsPhD or equivalentMaster's or PhD, often with more experience
Work environmentAcademic or research institutionsIndustry labs, corporate R&D, or academia
Employer and industry usageUniversities, government agenciesPrivate companies, biotech, pharma
Common search intentResearch training, academic career pathProduct development, applied research

Postdoctoral Scholars typically hold a PhD and work in academic or research settings to gain specialized experience. Research Scientists often have similar credentials but may work in industry, focusing on applied research and product development. While both roles involve research, Postdoctoral Scholars are usually in training positions, whereas Research Scientists are more experienced professionals in their field.

What Is a Postdoctoral Scholar?

A postdoctoral scholar works in university-level research under a mentor to prepare for a career. They collect, process, and analyze data. Other job duties include assisting university faculty, designing research experiments, and publishing the results of independent projects. Unlike a research associate, this job is temporary, and typically lasts no more than three or four years from appointment. Previous experience in secondary education is required, so a postdoctoral scholar should have a college degree. Qualifications often include past work as a postdoctoral fellow as well as writing and organizational skills.

What are Postdoctoral Scholars?

Postdoctoral Scholars, often called postdocs, are individuals who have completed their doctoral studies (such as a PhD) and are engaged in further academic or scholarly training. They typically work on research projects under the supervision of a principal investigator, aiming to deepen their expertise in a specific field. Postdocs contribute to publications, grant writing, and may also mentor students or teach classes. These positions are often temporary and serve as a bridge between graduate studies and independent academic or research careers.

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

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Scholar, you need advanced research expertise in your field, a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent), and a strong record of academic publications. Familiarity with specialized research tools, data analysis software, and laboratory or computational systems is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and written and verbal communication skills set top candidates apart. These competencies are essential for driving independent research, contributing to scientific knowledge, and succeeding in competitive academic environments.
More about Postdoctoral Scholar jobs
What cities are hiring for Postdoctoral Scholar jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral Scholar job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Postdoctoral Scholar jobs? The top employers for Postdoctoral Scholar jobs are:
What states have the most Postdoctoral Scholar jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoctoral Scholar jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral Scholar jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral Scholar jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Postdoctoral Scholar jobs? For Postdoctoral Scholar jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Postdoctoral Scholar jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Scholar job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,223 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Postdoctoral Scholar

Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$6K - $7K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar within the Energy Storage & Distributed Resources division. The Postdoctoral Scholar will participate in the development of novel ultrafast laser technologies for remote detection. Specifically, this position involves research on generation of widely tunable GHz-THz femtosecond pulse bursts to optimize laser-matter coupling, plasma generation, and emission spectroscopy. Research will focus on femtosecond laser spatiotemporal pulse shaping with bursts of femtosecond pulses, imaging with single-shot ultrafast schemes, and high resolution plasma diagnostics. This project aims to advance current capabilities for the remote ultrafast laser beam propagation in the context of developing the next-generation of remote sensing technologies.
This position has an anticipated start date of June 1, 2026.
We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:
  • Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
  • A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!
  • In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
  • Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)

You will:
  • Construction of tunable ultrafast laser burst generation systems based on ultrafast laser amplifiers.
  • Design of sophisticated laser beam delivery systems and temporal delay lines.
  • Design and set up of ultrafast in situ plasma imaging and diagnostic systems.
  • Spatially and temporally characterize laser pulses.
  • Function independently and provide research support and assistance to other members of the group.
  • Prepare and conduct technical presentations for internal and external audiences.
  • Report research results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
  • Carry out collaborative research with staff scientists, postdoc fellows, visiting researchers, and students.
  • Adhere with ETA and EH&S safety guidelines and requirements.

We are looking for:
  • Ph.D. in experimental Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or other related fields.
  • Hands-on experience with construction of ultrafast laser burst generation systems.
  • Prior experience with ultrafast laser systems and plasma time-resolved diagnostics.
  • Experience in advanced optical system design and experimentation.
  • Ability to work as an independent researcher and as a member of a diverse research team, collaborating toward goals, solving problems, and developing scientific ideas.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to author technical and/or scientific writing and present work in conference and review meetings
  • Ability to work effectively with others in a collaborative and diverse research environment.

Desired skills/knowledge:
  • Experience in ultrafast single shot imaging and ultrafast mapping photography.
  • Experience with advanced optics for beam wavefront manipulation including adaptive optics and orbital angular momentum beams.
  • Expertise in laser plasma spectroscopy (e.g., LIBS), pump-probe experimentation, or filament air lasing.
  • Prior experience with optics modeling.
  • Experience with basic surface morphology characterization technologies (SEM, optical/confocal microscopy, white-light interferometry).

Additional information:
  • Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by May 4, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
  • Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2-year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
  • Salary range: The monthly salary range for this position is $6,891/ mo - $7,609.00/ mo and is expected to start at $6,891/ mo or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
  • Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
  • Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at:Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

Apply