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Predoctoral Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Upenn

Predoctoral Research Specialist

Wharton, TX · On-site

$57K - $61K/yr

Posted Job Title Predoctoral Research Specialist Job Profile Title Research Specialist A Summary Wharton School Overview Founded in 1881 as the world's first collegiate business school, the Wharton ...

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How much do predoctoral jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for predoctoral in the United States is $34.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Predoctoral vs Postdoctoral?

AspectPredoctoralPostdoctoral
Required credentialsEnrolled in PhD programCompleted PhD
Work environmentAcademic labs, universitiesResearch labs, academic institutions
Employer and industry usageUniversities, research institutesUniversities, research organizations
Common search intentUnderstanding early research rolesPost-PhD research positions

Predoctoral positions are typically held by students pursuing their PhD, focusing on gaining research experience. Postdoctoral roles are for individuals who have completed their PhD and seek advanced research opportunities. The main difference lies in the educational status and career stage, with predoc roles serving as training phases before earning the doctorate, and postdoc roles as specialized research positions after earning the degree.

What are predoctoral positions?

Predoctoral positions are research or academic roles designed for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies and are preparing to apply for or enter a doctoral (PhD) program. These positions allow candidates to gain valuable research experience, develop technical skills, and clarify their academic interests before committing to a PhD. Predoctoral roles are common in fields like economics, psychology, and biomedical sciences, and often involve working closely with faculty or research teams. The experience can strengthen a candidate’s application to competitive doctoral programs.

What are some common challenges predoctoral researchers face when balancing research and coursework responsibilities?

Predoctoral researchers often juggle demanding research projects alongside rigorous coursework, which can be a significant challenge. Effective time management is crucial, as research deadlines and class assignments may overlap. Many predoctoral roles require individuals to coordinate closely with faculty advisors and research teams, making communication skills essential. To thrive, it's important to proactively seek support, stay organized, and remain flexible as priorities shift throughout the program.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Predoctoral Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Predoctoral Researcher, you generally need a strong academic background in your field, analytical thinking, and research methodology skills, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), scientific databases, and sometimes laboratory techniques or programming languages is typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, curiosity, and persistence are crucial soft skills for collaborating with mentors and presenting findings. These skills ensure effective research contributions, professional development, and preparation for doctoral studies.
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What states have the most Predoctoral jobs? States with the most job openings for Predoctoral jobs include:
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Predoctoral jobs near you
Infographic showing various Predoctoral job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,002 per year, or $34.6 per hour.
Predoctoral Researcher

Predoctoral Researcher

MIT Human Resources

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

PREDOCTORAL RESEARCHER, Economics, to support work at all stages of the research process on projects in economics and applied machine learning / artificial intelligence. This position offers the opportunity to gain exposure to and training in a broad set of statistical methods and economic research topics. Predoctoral Researchers will engage directly in the research process, and implement complete project pipelines covering data processing, machine learning, and statistical inference. Predoctoral Researchers will work on research projects with Professors Sendhil Mullainathan and Ashesh Rambachan along with their co-authors at MIT, the University of Chicago, Harvard University and other institutions. The role will entail close collaboration with all stages of the research process on projects that integrate machine learning / artificial intelligence and economics. These positions will be part of BikeShop@MIT, an interdisciplinary lab that integrates computing and economics to build algorithms that make people and the world better.

The full job description is here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/izvkooxmlzm44fe5u01ih/Job_Description_Predoc_Rambachan-and-Mullainathan.pdf?rlkey=nikteu91582q8leteyxome4t4&e=1&st=9rg29o01&dl=0.

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About MIT Human Resources

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Our mission is to advance a vibrant and diverse work community where individuals and groups thrive and contribute to MIT's excellence. We offer Support, Services, and Programs to enhance your work life. We're here to help. MIT is committed to helping employees achieve a healthy balance between their careers and the full lives they lead off-campus. Explore all of MIT's Work & Life resources, including MyLife Services, which provides 24/7 access to a network of experts available to help with life’s challenges.

Industry

Human resource programs administration

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, MA, US

Year founded

2014

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