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Postdoctoral Scholar Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GO-Energy Geosciences

Postdoctoral Scholar

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$69K - $107K/yr

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar within the Energy Geosciences Division. Talented and experienced PhD researchers are encouraged to apply for this competitive ...

University of Kentucky

Postdoctoral Scholar

Lexington, KY · On-site

$49K/yr

Posting Details Job Title Postdoctoral Scholar Requisition Number DU14454 Department Name 8E030:Chemistry Work Location Lexington, KY Salary Range $49,850.00/year Type of Position Other Position Time ...

The Pennsylvania State University

The Social Science Research Institute at The Pennsylvania State University (University Park) seeks two Postdoctoral Scholars to work with Dr. Jonathan Daw (Associate Professor of Sociology and ...

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Statistics at The Pennsylvania State University, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in the research group of Dr. Aleksandra (Sesa) Slavkovic.

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The Cardinale lab at Penn State ( seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to join our research team and work on a project titled "Can landscapes be managed to feed people and save ...

The Pennsylvania State University

The postdoctoral scholar will lead a portfolio of projects aligned with Center priorities and the scholar's interests, goals, and expertise. The position includes two primary areas of responsibility ...

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The Research Translation Platform invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar interested in a career at the research-policy nexus supporting the evaluation and analytic needs ...

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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.
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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, Comparative Biology

Postdoctoral Scholar, Comparative Biology

American Museum of Natural History

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$71K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Postdoctoral Scholar, Comparative Biology
Department
Inst For Comp Genomics - 009
Position Summary
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education and exhibition.
The Hayashi lab at the American Museum of Natural History seeks a motivated postdoctoral scholar to conduct research on the population genomics of silk genes in orb-weaving spiders. These spiders produce a variety of silk types with numerous functional differences and the genes that encode these proteins are characterized by abundant gene duplication, complicated repeat structure, extreme homogenization and convergent evolution. We are interested in understanding the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms that generate and maintain genomic diversity of these genes.
For lab details see:https://www.amnh.org/research/staff-directory/cheryl-y-hayashi
The project will leverage whole genome sequencing (WGS) with haplotype phasing across multiple spider populations. Spider silk genes possess complicated hierarchical organization involving SNPs, indels, repeats and paralogs, requiring multi-dimensional measurement of molecular variation. The postdoc will also have opportunities to identify other silkome components under strong selection or pursue additional research with the available WGS data. Field collection and wet lab experiments may be included.
The expected salary for the Postdoctoral Scholar is $71,181/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community. The Postdoctoral Scholar is expected to be in residence working at the Museum.
Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Ph.D. degree with experience in the application of bioinformatics methods, particularly population genomic analyses of structural variation and selection
  • Proficiency with coding and expertise in the visualization of genomic data.
  • Demonstrated ability to write peer-reviewed scientific publications
  • Demonstrated ability to work well independently and with a team.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with wet lab techniques, particularly RNA extraction and processing
  • Experience collecting specimens in the field.

Physical Demands
Category
Full-Time/Term
Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period
70
Union Status
Non-Union
FLSA
Exempt
Expected Salary Minimum
$71,181/annual
Expected Salary Maximum
$71,181/annual
EEO Statement
The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.
Quick Link
https://careers.amnh.org/postings/4688
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
GS961P
Open Date
12/17/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Application review will begin January 26, 2026, but applications will continue to be accepted after this date. The position is anticipated to start by April 1, 2026.

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