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Postdoctoral Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Duke University

Postdoctoral Associate

Durham, NC · On-site

The Postdoctoral Appointee holds a PhD or equivalent doctorate (e.g. ScD, MD, DVM). Candidates with non-US degrees may be required to provide proof of degree equivalency. 1. A candidate may also be ...

Duke University

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Durham, NC · On-site

As the Postdoctoral Associate, you'll be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team advancing gene therapy research that supports patients and families impacted by neuromuscular ...

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How much do postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 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.
More about Postdoctoral jobs
What cities are hiring for Postdoctoral jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoctoral jobs? The most popular types of Postdoctoral jobs are:
What states have the most Postdoctoral jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoctoral jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral jobs are:
Postdoctoral jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Postdoctoral Scholar

Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$69K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar within the Energy Geosciences Division.
Talented and experienced PhD researchers are encouraged to apply for this competitive postdoctoral position utilizing universal potentials, machine learning interatomic potentials, atomistic simulations, and computational thermodynamics to understand phase behavior in ionic liquids, solids, and the interfaces between them. The candidate will join a diverse team of researchers from multiple disciplines at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and partner institutions, including National Laboratories, Universities, and Industry.
The goal: Develop high-throughput approaches to predict new material reaction mechanisms and pathways.
The challenge: Deploy artificial Intelligence and machine learning to accelerate first-principles computation and to understand the thermodynamic behavior of ionic systems.
We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:
  • Be a part of a cutting-edge team at the forefront of clean energy research
  • Access state-of-the-art instrumentation at Berkeley Lab, including autonomous laboratories driven by artificial intelligence
  • Collaborate with experts from diverse scientific backgrounds in a supportive environment
  • Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
  • A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!
  • In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
  • Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)

You will:
  • Publication of high impact peer reviewed science
  • Independent development of hypothesis driven, fundamental science
  • Experimental calorimetry including DSC, drop solution, acid solution, isothermal titration, or similar
  • Data analysis, scientific model development, and machine control in Python, C++, or other common scientific programming language
  • Design, fabrication, operation, troubleshooting, and repair of laboratory equipment

We are looking for:
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Computational Science, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or other related field
  • Demonstrated laboratory research experience and knowledge in thermodynamics and calorimetry
  • Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Proven ability to work productively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

Additional information:
  • Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by June 1, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
  • Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
  • Salary range: The salary range for this position is $69,084 - $107,052 and is expected to start at $69,084 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.
  • Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
  • Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).
  • Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
  • Drug Testing Language: This position is designated as a Testing-Designated Position under the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor and Carrier Safety Administration regulations and Berkeley Lab's Workplace Substance Abuse Policy and is subject to all associated requirements.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

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