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Postdoctoral Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoctoral information

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$25.8K

$60.8K

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How much do postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral in Chicago, IL is $60,801.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $68,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Postdoctoral jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of 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:

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,801 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Postdoctoral Appointee - Quantum Magnetometry for High-Energy Physics

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL โ€ข On-site

$72K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

The High Energy Physics (HEP) Division, in collaboration with the Materials Science Division (MSD) and Q-NEXT at Argonne National Laboratory, seeks a postdoctoral researcher to focus on applied nitrogen-vacancy (NV) diamond quantum magnetometry for high-energy physics experiments.
The HEP Division performs cutting-edge research leveraging advanced detector development, high-performance computing (HPC), and world-class engineering support. Concurrently, MSD and Q-NEXT drive state-of-the-art quantum initiatives focused on fundamental and applied quantum information science, highlighted by recent breakthroughs in NV sensor synthesis and host diamond heterointegration. The successful candidate will operate at the interface of these programs, playing a central role in developing and optimizing next-generation diamond membrane quantum sensors to enable precision electromagnetic field mapping in HEP experiments.
This position bridges detector R&D, materials science, and quantum information science, offering unique opportunities to design, synthesize, and characterize NV diamond sensors tailored for demanding experimental environments. The postdoctoral researcher will drive the integration of these sensors into microelectronic and photonic platforms, validate their performance in laboratory and operational testbeds, and contribute to developing scalable, field-ready modules for future experiments. This interdisciplinary work allows early-career researchers to build highly valuable expertise across quantum information science, materials science, engineering, and particle physics.
Please feel free to contact Peter Winter (winter@anl.gov) or Nazar Delegan (ndelegan@anl.gov) for more details and questions on the position.
Position Requirements
  • Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in field of Physics, Astronomy, or Quantum Engineering
  • Considerable analytical skills are necessary to develop and improve techniques for data analysis
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and effective troubleshooting ability are required
  • Ability to produce scientific reports, present ideas and proposals to scientists and engineers, and maintain proficiency in written and oral communication
  • Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team
  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Additional Information
While these are not prerequisites for applying, prior experience with or a strong interest in any of the following areas will set candidates up for success: condensed matter and materials physics (specifically spin and detector physics), device synthesis, and quantum materials (including optics, photonics, spectroscopy, and optically active point defects). Also, familiarity with nanofabrication (optical and e-beam lithography), microwave engineering, hardware systems (detector setups, electronics, and NMR), or programming for data analysis and system modeling is a plus.
Application Instructions
Please upload the following materials with your application in Workday:
  • CV/Resume including publications and presentations
  • Research Statement
  • Unofficial Ph.D. Transcripts
  • If already awarded, a copy of your Ph.D. diploma
  • Please arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to HEPHR@anl.gov

Applications will be given full consideration by October 1st 2026, and the position will remain open until filled.
Job Family
Postdoctoral
Job Profile
Postdoctoral Appointee
Worker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type
Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.