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Senior Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Duke University

Postdoctoral Associate

Durham, NC · On-site

The term of the appointment is limited (see Section 5 of the Postdoc Policy for length of ... supervision of a senior mentor is the primary purpose of the appointment. The Postdoctoral ...

Duke University

Postdoctoral Associate

Durham, NC · On-site

The term of the appointment is limited (see Section 5of the Postdoc Policy for length of ... supervision of a senior mentor is the primary purpose of the appointment. The Postdoctoral ...

Duke University

Postdoctoral Associate

Durham, NC · On-site

The term of the appointment is limited (see Section 5 of the Postdoc Policy for length of ... supervision of a senior mentor is the primary purpose of the appointment. The Postdoctoral ...

Duke University

Postdoctoral Associate

Durham, NC · On-site

The term of the appointment is limited (see Section 5 of the Postdoc Policy for length of ... supervision of a senior mentor is the primary purpose of the appointment. The Postdoctoral ...

Duke University

Postdoctoral Associate

Durham, NC · On-site

The term of the appointment is limited (see Section 5of the Postdoc Policy for length of ... supervision of a senior mentor is the primary purpose of the appointment. The Postdoctoral ...

Duke University

Postdoctoral Associate

Durham, NC

The term of the appointment is limited (see Section 5 of the Postdoc Policy for length of ... supervision of a senior mentor is the primary purpose of the appointment. The Postdoctoral ...

Duke University

Postdoctoral Associate

Durham, NC

The term of the appointment is limited (see Section 5 of the Postdoc Policy for length of ... supervision of a senior mentor is the primary purpose of the appointment. The Postdoctoral ...

Duke University

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Durham, NC · On-site

The term of the appointment is limited (see Section 5 of the Postdoc Policy for length of ... supervision of a senior mentor is the primary purpose of the appointment. The Postdoctoral ...

Duke University

Postdoctoral Associate

Durham, NC · On-site

The term of the appointment is limited (see Section 5 of the Postdoc Policy for length of ... supervision of a senior mentor is the primary purpose of the appointment. The Postdoctoral ...

Duke University

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Durham, NC · On-site

The term of the appointment is limited (see Section 5 of the Postdoc Policy for length of ... supervision of a senior mentor is the primary purpose of the appointment. The Postdoctoral ...

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Senior Postdoc information

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$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior postdoc in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

Is it difficult to get a senior postdoc position?

Securing a senior postdoc position is competitive and typically requires a strong research record, relevant expertise, and a PhD in a related field. Candidates often need to demonstrate significant publications, grants, or project leadership to stand out. The process may involve multiple interviews and evaluations of research proposals.

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 funding source. Experienced postdocs with specialized skills or in high-cost areas may earn higher wages, and some positions include benefits such as health insurance and research stipends.

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.
More about Senior Postdoc jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Postdoc jobs? Cities with the most Senior Postdoc job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Postdoc jobs? The most popular types of Postdoc jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Postdoc jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Postdoc jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Postdoc jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Postdoc jobs are:
Senior Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Postdoc job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Postdoctoral Associate

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.Occupational Summary

Conduct independent research activities under the guidance of a faculty mentor in preparation for a full time academic or research career.

Work Performed

DEFINITION:

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 appointed to a postdoctoral position if the candidate has completed all of the requirements for a degree but the degree has not been formally conferred: in this case, the candidate may present evidence of completion of the degree requirements, together with a statement documenting the date on which the degree is to be conferred. If the degree is not conferred by this projected date, the postdoctoral appointment may be terminated.

2. Note for international candidates: Generally, immigration classifications (e.g., H-1B, J-1, etc.) require that the requisite degree be conferred before a petition can be filed or a visa document issued to sponsor the individual.

The term of the appointment is limited (see Section 5 of the Postdoc Policy for length of appointment).

The appointment involves substantially full-time research or scholarship, and may include teaching responsibilities.

The appointment is generally preparatory for a full time academic or research career.

The appointment is not part of a clinical training program, unless research training under the supervision of a senior mentor is the primary purpose of the appointment.

The Postdoctoral Appointee functions under the supervision of a mentor or a department at Duke University.

The Postdoctoral Appointee is expected to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of the appointment.

EXPECTATION:

The conscientious discharge of research or scholarship responsibilities, which may include teaching responsibilities for Postdoctoral Associates

Conformance to standards of responsible conduct in research

Compliance with good scholarly and research practice

Maintenance of a laboratory notebook and/or other comparable records of research activity, which remains the property of Duke University upon termination

Adherence to University standards regarding use of isotopes, chemicals, infectious agents, animals, human subjects, and the like

Open and timely discussion with the mentor regarding all facets of the Postdoctoral Appointee's research activities. Postdoctoral Appointees are encouraged to consult the AAMC Compact Between Postdoctoral Appointees and Their Mentors for suggested guidelines for the Postdoctoral Appointee-mentor relationship

Prompt disclosure to the mentor regarding the possession and desire to distribute materials, reagents, software, copyrightable and potentially patentable discoveries derived from the Postdoctoral Appointee's research.

Collegial conduct towards members of the research group and others as described in the Duke University School of Medicine Honor Code of Professional Conduct and other relevant conduct policies pertaining to other schools at Duke University.

Compliance with all applicable University and departmental policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications at this LevelEducation/Training

See job description for education requirements.

Experience

See job description for requirements.

Skills

See job description for requirements.


Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.


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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US

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