1

Postdoctoral Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

... postdoctoral research and policy fellowship position with our organization. The fellowship will focus on the health impacts of paraquat pesticide usage, specifically investigating its harms to ...

Post-Doctoral Associate

College Park, MD

$48K - $65K/yr

This postdoc will perform research on 3D scene reconstruction, novel view synthesis and inverse rendering, building on state of the art techniques such as neural radiance fields, Gaussian splatting ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Postdoctoral information

See Reston, VA salary details

$26K

$61.4K

$86.9K

How much do postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral in Reston, VA is $61,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $69,200.00 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 job categories do people searching Postdoctoral jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Postdoctoral jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Postdoctoral job openings:
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,404 per year, or $29.5 per hour.
Postdoctoral Fellow- High Pressure Materials

Postdoctoral Fellow- High Pressure Materials

Carnegie Science

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description
Carnegie Science, Earth and Planets Laboratory seeks applications for a postdoctoral position focused on the synthesis and characterization of novel covalent framework materials. The position will focus on improving high-pressure and high-temperature synthesis methods and investigating a range of unique structures. The successful candidate will work closely in a team comprised of experimental and computational physicists, chemists, and materials scientists.
The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility for an additional year pending progress and availability of funds. The position is expected to be available starting fall 2025 and will remain open until filled.
Qualifications
Minimum qualifications:A PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science or a related field is the requirement for this position.
Desired qualifications: Expertise in solid-state chemistry/physics and structure/properties characterization. Understanding high-pressure techniques including laser-heated diamond anvil cells and/or large-volume press techniques is desirable. The successful candidate is expected to be able to work in both independent and collaborative group environments.
Application Instructions
Only completed applications submitted through Interfolio will be considered.
Please refer questions to tstrobel@carnegiescience.edu.