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Postdoctoral Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Staff Scientist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Assists and trains undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to learn and perform assays, routine techniques/methods, and procedures for their experiments. Independently ...

Postdoctoral information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$24.7K

$58.2K

$82.4K

How much do postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral in Rochester, NY is $58,235.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,300.00 and $65,600.00 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 Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Postdoctoral jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Postdoctoral jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Postdoctoral jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Postdoctoral jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Postdoctoral job openings:

Infographic showing various Postdoctoral job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,235 per year, or $28 per hour.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NY • On-site, Remote

$35K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Conduct research using the DIRSIG model to simulate satellite observations, evaluate instrument performance, and develop science-driven analyses.

  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and disseminate research results through publications, reports, meetings, workshops, and conferences.

  • Assist in writing grant proposals, mentoring students, and managing research activities as assigned.


Rochester Institute Of Technology rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

292nd of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Highlights

The Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to the development of remote sensing algorithms, simulation and modeling capabilities, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) methods in support of the goals of the joint NASA/USGS Landsat mission.

The successful candidate will conduct research using the Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Image Generation (DIRSIG) model to simulate satellite observations, evaluate instrument performance, and develop science-driven analyses that help inform future sensor requirements. The position also provides opportunities to investigate how modern artificial intelligence and scientific machine learning techniques can enhance physics-based simulation, accelerate algorithm development, and enable new remote sensing science applications.

This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of remote sensing physics, radiative transfer modeling, computational imaging, satellite sensor design, and artificial intelligence while collaborating with leading researchers in academia and government.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Independently conducts research including, but not limited to, constructing hypotheses, design and planning of research studies, data management, model development, conducting experiments or assessments, analysis and interpretation of results, and evaluation of research techniques
  • Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders
  • Ensure compliance with institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements
  • Disseminates and publishes research results in peer-reviewed journals, reports, meetings, workshops, and conferences
  • Assists in the writing of grant proposals
  • May assist in teaching classes
  • May mentor and assist undergraduate and/or graduate students
  • May assist in managing research laboratories
  • Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Demonstrated ability to plan and execute research
  • Knowledge of applicable research methods and analytical procedures
  • Knowledge of research compliance and ethics
  • Knowledge of publishing/reporting requirements
  • Excellent teamwork and communication skills
  • Demonstrated potential for original or collaborative scholarship
  • Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications
  • Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data
  • Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general
  • Excellent project and time management skills
  • Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills
  • Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace
  • Ability to communicate findings and effectively work with sponsors and stakeholders

Minimum Education & Experience

  • Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a related field

Job Level Overview

N/A


FLSA Category

Exempt

Work Location

On Campus

Compensation

$35,000.00 - $90,000.00 Annual

Application Materials

When you are ready to complete an application for this position please be prepared to submit the below requested information. This will be required to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.

Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.


Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.


If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request tocareers@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.


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About Rochester Institute of Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a preeminent institution in the education services industry, located in Rochester, NY, US. Renowned globally for its innovative and industry-aligned education, RIT was established in 1829 and has since then been committed to offering academic rigor in fields of study with an emphasis on applied learning. This is evidenced by their broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as engineering, science, business, and fine arts. RIT's mission centers on providing technology-based educational programs for career-minded students.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, NY, US

Year founded

1829

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