ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Predoctoral Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dartmouth College

Research Trainee

Hanover, NH · On-site

Research responsibilities may include participating in the design and implementation of study ... Required Qualifications In accredited predoctoral psychology program. Preferred Qualifications FLSA ...

University of Pennsylvania

$44K - $62K/yr

This is a full-time, limited-term position typically intended for recent graduates who are seeking predoctoral research experience. The positions is designed for a duration of 2 years and cannot be ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPredoctoral Researcher Jobs

Predoctoral Researcher information

See salary details

$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do predoctoral researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for predoctoral researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 need a solid academic background in your field, strong analytical abilities, and experience with research methodologies, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), literature databases, and sometimes laboratory equipment is essential. Excellent critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills help you stand out in research environments. These competencies ensure rigorous, credible research output and effective collaboration within academic teams.

What are some common challenges faced by predoctoral researchers, and how can they be overcome?

Predoctoral researchers often face challenges such as managing multiple research projects, adapting to new technical skills, and balancing coursework with research responsibilities. It can also be challenging to navigate the expectations of supervisors and develop independent research ideas. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to establish clear communication with mentors, create structured timelines, and actively seek feedback from colleagues. Engaging with lab members and participating in seminars or workshops can also provide support and foster professional growth.

What is the difference between a predoctoral researcher and a PhD student?

A predoctoral researcher is an individual engaged in research work typically as part of a training program before earning a PhD, often funded through grants or fellowships, and may hold a research assistant position. A PhD student is enrolled in a doctoral program, completing coursework and research to earn their doctorate degree. The predoctoral researcher role is usually temporary and focused on research, while a PhD student balances coursework, exams, and dissertation work toward degree completion.

What qualifications do I need to be a research fellow?

A research fellow typically needs a doctoral degree in a relevant field, such as a Ph.D., along with strong research skills, experience with data analysis, and proficiency in relevant tools or methodologies. Additional qualifications may include published research, grant writing experience, and the ability to work independently in a research environment.

What is a predoctoral researcher?

A predoctoral researcher is an individual engaged in research activities as part of their doctoral training, often working under the supervision of faculty or senior researchers. They typically hold a master's degree or equivalent and focus on developing skills, conducting experiments, and contributing to academic publications before earning their Ph.D. degree.

What are predoctoral researchers?

Predoctoral researchers are individuals who typically hold at least a bachelor's or master's degree and are engaged in research work before entering a doctoral (PhD) program. They often work in academic, research, or laboratory settings, assisting with experiments, data analysis, and scholarly publications under the supervision of established researchers. These positions provide valuable experience and training, helping individuals strengthen their research skills and academic credentials in preparation for a PhD program. Predoctoral researchers may also be referred to as research assistants or research fellows, depending on the institution.

What is the highest paying job in research?

In research, senior roles such as research directors, principal investigators, or industry R&D executives tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and are common in sectors like pharmaceuticals, technology, and finance.
More about Predoctoral Researcher jobs
What job categories do people searching Predoctoral Researcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Predoctoral Researcher jobs are:
Predoctoral Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Predoctoral Researcher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 34% Full Time, 39% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Predoctoral Fellowships for Excellence through Diversity

Predoctoral Fellowships for Excellence through Diversity

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

University Of Pennsylvania rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The University of Pennsylvania is pleased to invite applications for the 2016-17 Predoctoral Fellowships for Excellence through Diversity. These awards are designed to provide mentorship and access to Penn's resources for doctoral students in the humanities or social sciences, enrolled in graduate or professional programs at universities other than Penn, as they complete their dissertations. The Fellowships are intended to support scholars from a wide range of backgrounds, who can contribute to the diversity of Penn and the higher education community.
These residential Fellowships support graduate students in the final stages of dissertation research or writing at Penn for an academic year, normally September through August. They offer an opportunity for scholars who plan an academic career to take advantage of Penn programs and faculty expertise and afford access to libraries and the resources of the Philadelphia region. Each scholar will be selected and hosted by a department or school and assigned a faculty mentor. Recipients will be in the stage of either advanced dissertation research or writing.
The Fellowship provides a stipend of $30,000, health insurance, library privileges, and a $3,000 research and travel fund. Moving expenses are also covered. The application deadline is January 22, 2016.
This year, three Fellowships will be awarded.
Qualifications
Candidates for the fellowship must be a U.S citizen or permanent resident enrolled in a PhD program in the humanities or social sciences at an accredited graduate or professional school other than Penn. Candidates must have passed any PhD qualifying examinations and be in an advanced stage of research and writing on an approved dissertation topic. Candidates must be students of exceptional academic merit, who also belong to a group underrepresented in higher education; come from a socially, culturally, or educationally disadvantaged background or have faced other significant personal obstacles; and/or pursue academic research on cultural, societal, or educational problems as they affect disadvantaged or underrepresented sectors of society.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit:
  • A 2-3 page double-spaced personal statement describing the applicant's dissertation project, and providing any other information the applicant would like to present. The statement should address:
    1. the dissertation's aims, methodologies (how the student will conduct the research), originality, and contribution to its field, and
    2. how the student and/or the dissertation contributes to understandings of diversity and inclusion.
  • Two letters of recommendation, one of which must come from the dissertation advisor, commenting on the student's performance, potential, and expected time to degree. At least one of the letters must address the applicant's contribution to diversity in higher education. These should be sent separately by the recommenders.
  • Official graduate transcript(s).
  • Current curriculum vitae.

Reference letters and transcripts should be sent as PDFs through the Interfolio system. Correspondence must be signed and on official letterhead.

What University Of Pennsylvania employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

University of Pennsylvania logo

About University of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Employers By State in 2021.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

Year founded

1740

View All University of Pennsylvania Jobs

Apply