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Postdoctoral Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Janelia Research Campus

For more information, visit As a Postdoctoral Scientist in the Sarvestani Lab, you will have the chance to bring your enthusiasm, ideas, and expertise to various ongoing and new projects. Some of the ...

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)

For more information, visit As a Postdoctoral Scientist in the Sarvestani Lab, you will have the chance to bring your enthusiasm, ideas, and expertise to various ongoing and new projects. Some of the ...

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How much do postdoctoral scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral scientist 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.

What is a postdoctoral scientist?

A Postdoctoral Scientist, often referred to as a postdoc, is a researcher who has completed their doctoral studies (PhD) and is engaged in further academic or scientific research. Postdocs work under the supervision of a principal investigator, contributing to ongoing research projects and developing their own expertise in a specialized field. The role is typically temporary and serves as a bridge between completing a PhD and obtaining a permanent academic or research position. Postdoctoral Scientists are critical in advancing scientific knowledge and often publish their research in peer-reviewed journals.

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

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Scientist, you need a doctorate in a relevant field, advanced research expertise, and a track record of scholarly publications. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as R or Python), and grant-writing processes is typically required. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are essential for collaboration and disseminating research findings. These skills ensure successful project execution, innovation, and meaningful contributions to the scientific community.

What are some common challenges faced by postdoctoral scientists when transitioning from graduate studies to independent research roles?

Postdoctoral Scientists often encounter the challenge of balancing increased independence with the expectations of their supervisors and research groups. While they gain more autonomy in designing experiments and managing projects, they must also quickly adapt to new lab environments, technologies, and sometimes interdisciplinary collaborations. Additionally, postdocs frequently face the pressure of publishing results and securing funding, which can be demanding alongside mentoring junior researchers or teaching responsibilities. Building a professional network and developing grant-writing skills are also critical for career advancement beyond the postdoctoral stage.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Scientist vs Research Associate?

AspectPostdoctoral ScientistResearch Associate
Required CredentialsPhD in relevant fieldBachelor's or Master's, sometimes PhD
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, research institutionsUniversities, industry R&D labs
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and research institutesUniversities, biotech, pharma companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Postdoctoral Scientists typically hold a PhD and focus on conducting advanced research in academic or research settings. Research Associates may have a Bachelor's or Master's degree and often work in similar environments but with different levels of responsibility. The main difference lies in the level of education and experience, with Postdoctoral Scientists being more research-focused and often preparing for academic careers.

What does a postdoctoral scientist do?

A postdoctoral scientist conducts advanced research in a specific field, often after completing a doctoral degree. They design experiments, analyze data, publish findings, and may supervise students or collaborate with other researchers in academic or industry settings.

What is a typical postdoctoral scientist salary?

A postdoctoral scientist salary typically ranges from $45,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on the field, location, and funding source. Salaries may increase with experience, additional skills, and the complexity of research projects, and often include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.
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Postdoctoral Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,959 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scientist-Sarvestani Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)

Ithaca, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Primary Work Address: 518 Clark Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853
Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.
The Sarvestani Lab at Cornell University's Department of Neurobiology and Behavior seeking an energetic, curious, and driven Postdoctoral Scientist interested in systems neuroscience to join our research team. The Sarvestani lab focuses on identifying fundamental mechanism by which visual and motor systems across the brain and body underlie perceptual abilities optimized to the specialized behavioral demands of different animals. Our work is deeply engaged with theories of embodied cognition that consider the body as an inseparable component to perception, and a necessary component of intelligence. We aim to experimentally test such fundamental relationships between the brain, body, and behavior, using cross-species comparisons in tree shrews and rats.
We place particular emphasis on advanced technical approaches, including multiphoton microscopy, electrophysiology in freely moving animals, behavioral quantification using large-array motion capture cameras, and wireless embedded sensors, to record neuronal activity and bodily movements in behaving animals with high spatiotemporal precision. By understanding how moving bodies and perception are integrated, we can develop more effective clinical interventions and inspire the next revolution in AI - one that reflects how biological brains learn through embodied experience. For more information, visit https://sarvestanilab.com/
As a Postdoctoral Scientist in the Sarvestani Lab, you will have the chance to bring your enthusiasm, ideas, and expertise to various ongoing and new projects. Some of the research areas we are exploring include:
  • The role of motor experience in plasticity and error correction in the adult visual system
  • The role of early motor experience in development of visual circuits in infant animals
  • The role of proprioception in neural dynamics of visual perception
  • The role of self-motion induced sensory statistics in visual perception using a video-audio sensory substitution device

Application Instructions
Please include the following items in one PDF as part of your application. Cover Letter MUST be included for full consideration.
  • A cover letter including a summary of your research experience, your career goals, and why you think you are a good fit for the Sarvestani lab specifically.
  • Your curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
  • Names and contact information for at least 2 references.

What we provide:
  • A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
  • One on one mentorship with Dr. Sarvestani, targeted for academic or industry career paths.
  • Opportunity to work in both traditional (rodent) and exotic (tree shrew) models of visuomotor behavior.
  • Exposure to cutting-edge scientific research and opportunities for professional development.
  • Authorship on independent and collaborative scientific publications.
  • Opportunities to attend domestic conferences in addition to departmental and HHMI retreats to present scientific findings.
  • Being part of the vibrant community at the Cornell Department of Neurobiology & Behavior.

What you'll do:
To be considered for a postdoctoral associate position, ideal candidates will have experience and prior training in some of the following areas:
  • Programming in Python and/or Matlab.
  • Electrophysiology, calcium imaging, microstimulation.
  • Behavioral testing or quantification in animals.
  • Lab animal husbandry and surgical approaches (cranial implants, intracranial injections).
  • Histology and fluorescence imaging (vibratome, cryostat, microtome, antibody staining)
  • Engineering (CAD/3d printing, microcontrollers, signal processing)

What you bring:
  • A Ph.D. in neuroscience, bioengineering, or related field of science.
  • Advanced experience in coding and analysis of large brain and behavior datasets.
  • Ability to learn quickly and to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • High level of research integrity and motivation.
  • Positive attitude with a problem-solving, resilient approach.
  • Resourcefulness in overcoming challenges, and the ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Willingness to fully participate in lab and departmental activities, to positively engage with other team members and promote their success (e.g., by reviewing manuscripts, participating in practice talks), mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to an inclusive and productive research climate.

Physical Requirements
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
Hiring Pay Range
$70,000.00 - $80,500.00
Pay Type:
Annual
The posted range reflects HHMI's good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity.
HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

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