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Postdoctoral information

See Tennessee salary details

$22.7K

$53.6K

$75.8K

How much do postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral in Tennessee is $53,569.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $60,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges postdoctoral researchers face when transitioning to independent research roles?

Postdoctoral researchers often encounter challenges such as balancing the demands of publishing, securing funding, and developing their own research identity while still working under a principal investigator. Navigating the path to independence can also involve building a professional network and gaining experience in grant writing and project management. Supportive mentors and institutional resources can help, but it's important to proactively seek out opportunities for leadership and collaboration to position yourself for future faculty or industry roles.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoctoralResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) often requiredMaster's or Ph.D., depending on the field
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, universities, research institutionsIndustry labs, corporate R&D, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and research institutionsPrimarily industry and corporate sectors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Postdoctoral researchers typically hold a Ph.D. and work in academic or research institutions to gain specialized experience. Research Scientists often have similar credentials but are employed in industry or corporate R&D settings. While both roles involve research, Postdoctoral positions are usually temporary and focused on academic advancement, whereas Research Scientists are often permanent staff working on applied projects in industry.

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 PhD), strong research skills, and deep subject matter expertise in your field. Proficiency with data analysis tools, laboratory techniques, and research software such as Python, R, or MATLAB is often required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills set candidates apart by enabling effective teamwork and dissemination of findings. These abilities are vital for driving original research, publishing impactful work, and advancing academic or industry careers.

What are postdoctoral researchers?

Postdoctoral researchers, often called 'postdocs,' are individuals who have completed their doctoral studies (PhD or equivalent) and are engaged in further academic or scientific research. They typically work under the supervision of a principal investigator or faculty member to gain additional training, develop new skills, and contribute to research projects. Postdocs are a common step for those pursuing academic careers, but their experience can also be valuable for roles in industry or government. The position is usually temporary, lasting from one to several years, allowing researchers to deepen their expertise in a specialized field.
What are popular job titles related to Postdoctoral jobs in Tennessee? For Postdoctoral jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Postdoctoral jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Postdoctoral job openings:
Postdoctoral jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,569 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Destination Biochemistry Postdoctoral Scholar, ADVANCED

Destination Biochemistry Postdoctoral Scholar, ADVANCED

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

$100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

165th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Department of Biochemistry at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine contains a diverse group of scientists, trainees, and staff dedicated to understanding biological mechanisms through fundamental research. Our investigators are leaders in applying advanced approaches in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, structural biology, mass spectrometry, and chemical biology to biomedical topics including DNA and RNA metabolism, enzymology, molecular cancer biology, molecular virology, cell signaling, protein misfolding diseases, and toxicology. We bridge basic discovery with clinical application to improve human health. An exceptional group of postdoctoral fellows train in our laboratories and go on to impactful careers in academia and industry. The Destination Biochemistry Postdoctoral Scholar Awards support the very best early and advanced fellows and honor the legacy of past Biochemistry investigators.
The Destination Biochemistry Advanced Postdoctoral Scholar Award will support the transition of an outstanding current postdoctoral trainee to an independent position in academia or equivalent principal investigator position. This award will strengthen the Scholar's job application, shorten the time to independence, reward an outstanding trainee, and serve as an incentivizing tool for recruiting new postdoctoral fellows.
Qualifications
Applicants for the Advanced Scholar award should have outstanding records of accomplishment in their graduate and postdoctoral studies and plan to transition to an independent position within approximately one year. The award will go to a current postdoctoral fellow that plans to submit job applications this year. The award is meant to assist with the transition by providing funds to allow the postdoctoral scholar to develop a research project that they will continue as an independent investigator.
The Scholar will continue to work within their current laboratory and benefit from their mentor's guidance. However, the mentor must confirm that the Scholar's research can be taken with the Scholar when they transition to an independent position. The Scholar will also be expected to be listed as a corresponding or co-corresponding author on manuscripts derived from the research. By remaining within the mentor's laboratory, the Scholar will continue to act as a resource for other lab members.
Eligibility
  • Currently appointed postdoctoral fellows in a primary Biochemistry faculty laboratory are eligible. Advanced Scholars will continue to be appointed as postdoctoral fellows governed by the same rules and procedures as other postdoctoral fellows.
  • Individuals must have applied for K99 independent funding. Postdoctoral fellows with existing K99 transition awards are eligible to apply and should adjust budget requests accordingly.

Application Instructions
Deadline for receipt of applications is August 1, annually.
  • Applicants should upload a CV, a three-page description of their research plan, reprints of up to three recent publications, and a one-year budget via Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/123677. In addition, applicants should arrange to have three (3) letters of reference submitted by the annual deadline of August 1 via Interfolio.
  • The research plan should clearly outline the applicant's vision for their future independent research program and explain how the transition award will be utilized to advance that vision.
  • Applicant should provide verification that they have applied for or have been granted K99 funding.
  • One reference letter must be from the current advisor. It should explain how the applicant's proposal is different than the advisor's research goals, confirm that the applicant will be allowed to take the project with them to an independent position, affirm that the applicant will be named as a corresponding or co-corresponding author on manuscripts derived from this award, and provide an evaluation of the candidate's likelihood of successfully obtaining an independent position within the next year.
  • The proposed budget is only for research purposes; no equipment purchases will be allowed. Acceptable uses include salary, research supplies, core facility costs, and travel. Maximum award is $100,000 for one year.
  • Only exceptional candidates will be chosen so it is expected that no award may be made in some years.
  • If the scholar does not obtain an independent position by the end of the one-year award period, then all costs for the fellow will revert to the primary mentor's laboratory. This circumstance is expected to be extremely rare since it would suggest a failure in the selection process.
  • Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged.
  • Questions may be emailed to j.l.smith@vanderbilt.edu or david.cortez@vanderbilt.edu

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