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Senior Postdoc Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

YO AI Labs

Physics Expert - Remote

Chicago, IL · Remote

$80 - $160/hr

Draft rigorous, defensible written evaluations suitable for review by senior physicists and ... Experience supervising PhD students, postdoctoral researchers , or equivalent research leadership ...

University of Chicago

Executive Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

Collaborate with OFPRO, Academic Affairs and HR to support faculty, postdoctoral and research staff ... senior leadership in an academic, research, healthcare, or similarly complex environment.

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All JobsPostdoc JobsSenior Postdoc JobsSenior Postdoc Jobs in Chicago, IL

Senior Postdoc information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.8K

$82.8K

$168.6K

How much do senior postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior postdoc in Chicago, IL is $82,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,800.00 and $106,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior postdoc?

A Senior Postdoc is an experienced postdoctoral researcher who has completed several years of postdoctoral training after earning a PhD. They typically take on greater responsibilities than junior postdocs, such as leading research projects, mentoring students, and contributing significantly to grant writing and publications. Senior Postdocs may also assist in supervising lab operations and may be preparing for independent academic or industry positions. This role often serves as a bridge between postdoctoral work and more senior roles like principal investigator or faculty positions.

What opportunities for independent research and mentorship are typically available to senior postdocs?

Senior Postdocs often have increased autonomy to design and lead their own research projects, building on the skills acquired during earlier postdoctoral training. In addition to conducting advanced experiments, they are frequently involved in mentoring junior lab members, such as graduate students and newer postdocs, which helps develop leadership skills. Many institutions encourage Senior Postdocs to apply for independent funding and to present their work at conferences, preparing them for future faculty or industry leadership roles. This combination of research independence and mentorship experience is key for career advancement in academia or research-intensive positions.

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

To thrive as a Senior Postdoc, you need advanced research expertise in your field, a PhD, and a strong record of peer-reviewed publications. Familiarity with specialized laboratory techniques, data analysis software, and grant-writing platforms is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you mentor junior researchers and collaborate across teams. These competencies are crucial for advancing research projects, securing funding, and building a professional academic profile.

What is the difference between Senior Postdoc vs Postdoctoral Research Associate?

AspectSenior PostdocPostdoctoral Research Associate
CredentialsPhD, extensive research experiencePhD, early career researcher
Work EnvironmentIndependent research, leading projectsSupporting research, assisting senior staff
Employer & IndustryUniversities, research institutesUniversities, research labs
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior research rolesEntry-level postdoc roles

The main difference between a Senior Postdoc and a Postdoctoral Research Associate lies in experience and responsibilities. Senior Postdocs typically lead projects and work more independently, while Postdoctoral Research Associates support research activities under supervision. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but the Senior Postdoc is a more advanced, autonomous position.

What is a typical senior postdoc salary?

A senior postdoc salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on the institution, location, and field of research. Experienced postdocs with specialized skills or in high-cost areas may earn higher salaries, often supplemented by research grants or stipends.

What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoc jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Postdoc jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Postdoc jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Senior Postdoc jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Postdoc jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Postdoc jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Senior Postdoc jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Senior Postdoc job openings:

Senior Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Postdoc job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,707 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

CASE Staff- or Postdoc-at-Large

Chicago, IL • On-site

The University of Chicago
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

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Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

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Learn more about The University of Chicagoexternal

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Membership Summary

Staff or Postdoc positions are for those whose primary appointments are at the home institution of their supervising Consortium for Advanced Science & Engineering (CASE) scientist/scholar, but who are involved in projects supported by grants obtained through the University.

  • Please note that UChicago CASE Staff- or Postdoc-at-Large status is restricted to affiliation with a specific UChicago CASE (Senior) Scientist/Scholar group or for staff affiliated with a specific UChicago research center or institute (e.g., Globus).
    UChicago CASE Postdocs and Staff may have access to UChicago facilities and charge their time to grants without a subcontract but they will not have PI status. The at-Large membership, therefore, is linked to that of their sponsoring CASE/UC PI.

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Application Instructions

  • To be accepted into UChicago CASE, applicants must be approved by the University and the home institution. Applicants must follow any internal joint appointment approval process established at the home institution for potential UChicago CASE membership prior to completing the CASE application.

  • For more information on or to begin Argonne joint appointment approvals, email jointappointment@anl.gov.

  • An application for UChicago CASE membership must be completed in full. Information provided must include:

    • A support letter from the UChicago CASE (Senior) Scientist/Scholar, or specific UChicago faculty member, serving as the applicant's sponsoring PI

    • Information about the specific research project(s) being supported, and any additional, relevant information about the home institution.

When applying, all required documents MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application
Documents.

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