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Postdoctoral Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Field Museum

Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$61K/yr

Postdoctoral Research Scientist FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Negaunee Integrative Research Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to ...

Field Museum

Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$61K/yr

Postdoctoral Research Scientist FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Negaunee Integrative Research Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to ...

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$25.8K

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How much do postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral in Chicago, IL is $60,849.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $68,600.00 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 is a postdoctoral researcher?

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 the most commonly searched types of Postdoctoral jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Postdoctoral jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Postdoctoral jobs in Chicago, IL? For Postdoctoral jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Postdoctoral jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Postdoctoral job openings:
Postdoctoral jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,849 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Field Museum

Chicago, IL • On-site

$61K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Position: Postdoctoral Research Scientist

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Negaunee Integrative Research

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:

  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.

  • Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.

  • Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.

  • Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!

The Grainger Bioinformatics Center in the Science and Education Department at The Field Museum is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to conduct phylogenomic research on lichens. This is a full-time, 2-year position focused on RADseq and target enrichment datasets to investigate evolutionary relationships, phylogenetics, and species delimitation. Ongoing projects and datasets are available, enabling rapid progress toward publication.
The successful candidate will work on population genomic and phylogenetic analyses using RADseq and target enrichment data. Responsibilities include SNP data processing, population structure analyses, phylogenetic inference, and species delimitation using modern statistical and computational approaches. Analyses will be conducted primarily in R and Python.
Applicants should have a strong background in bioinformatics, computational biology, evolutionary biology, or a related field. Experience with genomic data analysis, phylogenetics, and working in Linux-based environments is required. Familiarity with population genomics tools and coalescent-based methods is preferred.
The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to manuscript preparation, with the expectation of leading at least one first-author publication and collaborating on additional research projects. The position includes mentorship responsibilities, including training undergraduate students from underrepresented groups in STEM and contributing to a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.
This position is based on-site at The Field Museum in Chicago, with an anticipated start date of August 10th. Mentorship will follow an established Postdoctoral Mentoring Plan.

Supervision Received:

Receives general supervision by Director, Phylogenomic Studies, Grainger Bioinformatics Center

Supervision Exercised:

The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Hours and Shift:

35 hours

Hybrid Eligibility:

Not eligible

Location:

1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605

Union Representation: This position is represented by Field Museum Workers’ United, AFSCME Council 31, AFL-CIO.

Pay Range: $61,461/Annually

PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.