Explore Postdoctoral Scholar Jobs

Postdoctoral scholars pursue advanced research and scholarship after earning a doctoral degree, often collaborating with faculty, research teams, and institutional partners. Browse postdoctoral scholar opportunities on Ladders, where you can find vetted professional roles paying $100,000 or more.

What Does a Postdoctoral Scholar Do?

Postdoctoral scholars conduct original research, analyze data, publish findings, and contribute to grant-funded projects. Depending on the field and institution, they may also mentor students, present at conferences, develop research methods, or support teaching and laboratory operations.

Common Fields and Specialties

Postdoctoral scholar roles span disciplines such as biomedical science, engineering, computer science, public health, environmental research, social science, and the humanities. Responsibilities and qualifications vary by specialty, project, and employer.

Qualifications and Career Development

Most positions require a Ph.D., M.D., or another relevant doctoral degree, along with research experience suited to the role. Strong candidates typically demonstrate subject-matter expertise, analytical skills, clear communication, and a record of scholarly work. A postdoctoral appointment can help researchers deepen their expertise, build professional networks, and prepare for careers in academia, industry, government, or nonprofits.

Find Postdoctoral Scholar Opportunities on Ladders

Search current listings to compare responsibilities, qualifications, work settings, and compensation. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced candidates discover opportunities aligned with their research background and career goals. Compensation and eligibility vary by position, so review each listing for details.

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$64K - $100K *

Grow your career with innovative cybersecurity research, transitioning findings to production, mentoring peers, and securing funding through grant proposals. Collaborate in a dynamic lab environment t...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$71K - $110K *

Unlock innovative AI solutions for accelerator operations by developing agentic AI methods and software. Collaborate with physicists and partner labs to enhance operational efficiency and safety in cu...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$105K - $112K *

Champion innovative global health research by leading quantitative analyses and contributing to impactful GBD estimates. Engage in a dynamic fellowship program designed for early-career researchers co...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$73K - $120K *

Advance your scientific career by conducting innovative research under expert mentorship. Engage in fundamental questions, publish findings, and collaborate with industry leaders in a dynamic environm...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$99K - $110K *

Champion innovative mineral recovery by designing bio-derived chelators and polymers. Engage in interdisciplinary research, develop separation processes, and mentor junior researchers while contributi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by developing innovative statistical and machine-learning methods to analyze high-dimensional 'omics data, driving insights in cancer biology and single-cell genomics within a collabo...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Transform cancer research by exploring aging's impact on tumor development. Collaborate with a dynamic team to utilize cutting-edge techniques in genetics and molecular biology, driving innovative dis...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Engage your expertise to advance research in infectious disease statistics. Collaborate on innovative projects in biostatistics and epidemiology, focusing on HIV prevention trials and treatment effica...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $95K *

Drive innovative research into the gut-brain axis, exploring neural circuits' roles in intestinal health, immunity, and metabolism. Collaborate within a dynamic team to develop dietary strategies agai...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$136K - $358K *

Transform the future of geriatrics research by leading innovative studies, mentoring emerging scientists, and securing funding to advance knowledge in aging and palliative care. Collaborate with a dyn...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$80K - $95K *

Transform the future of cell biology and neurobiology by leading innovative research in metabolic and immune stress responses. Collaborate in a dynamic lab environment while developing your independen...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$118K - $131K *

Pioneer groundbreaking research as a Postdoctoral Experimental Physicist, executing advanced experiments in laser-matter interactions and collaborating with top scientists to drive innovation in high...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$85K - $110K *

Drive innovative research in laryngotracheal stenosis, utilizing advanced techniques and animal models to develop therapeutic strategies. Collaborate in a dynamic lab environment focused on translatio...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$85K - $110K *

Join a team that's advancing innovative therapeutics and diagnostics in laryngotracheal stenosis research. Contribute to translational studies, utilizing in vivo models and advanced immunological tech...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$200K - $300K *

Join a dynamic Legal Team as a Legal Fellow, supporting diverse legal projects and gaining exposure to litigation strategy, regulatory inquiries, and crisis response. Collaborate across teams to provi...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$88K *

Elevate your career as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, collaborating with a dynamic team to explore human genetic variation's impact on gene expression and phenotypes through innovative research in...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Transform the future of health professions education by coordinating programs, ensuring compliance, and supporting learners. Leverage your expertise to enhance curriculum, manage accreditation, and dr...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$20K - $500K *

Contribute to cutting-edge research in molecular virology, focusing on host-pathogen interactions. Collaborate with a dynamic team, plan experiments, and publish findings to advance understanding of o...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$88K *

Transform your research career by joining a dynamic team focused on functional genomics and gene editing. Collaborate with experts to explore human genetic variation and its impact on gene expression...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$175K - $225K *

Join our dynamic team and drive bioanalytical strategies for clinical-stage programs. You'll lead collaborations with cross-functional partners and oversee outsourced bioanalysis, ensuring compliance...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$71K - $110K *

Unlock your potential as you contribute to RF design and analysis for accelerator structures. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize performance and support groundbreaking projects in ac...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$81K - $110K *

Develop integrated hydrologic models for mountainous watersheds while collaborating with interdisciplinary scientists. Focus on effects of disturbances on water-energy budgets using high-performance c...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of nuclear nonproliferation through innovative research and collaboration. This two-year fellowship offers early-career scientists the chance to develop expertise...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K *

Join a dynamic team advancing nuclear nonproliferation through innovative research. This two-year fellowship offers early-career scientists the chance to develop leadership skills and collaborate acro...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$69K - $119K *

Drive innovative research in machine learning and human-Earth system modeling, focusing on integrating large datasets and developing advanced models to analyze environmental impacts on energy, water...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is a postdoctoral scholar?question toggle

    A postdoctoral scholar is a researcher who has completed a doctoral degree and undertakes advanced research, typically through a temporary appointment at a university, research institute, or other organization.

  • What qualifications are typically required for postdoctoral scholar jobs?question toggle

    Many roles require a Ph.D., M.D., or related doctoral degree, plus relevant research experience. Specific requirements depend on the discipline, project, and employer.

  • What does a postdoctoral scholar do?question toggle

    Typical duties include conducting research, analyzing results, writing publications and grant materials, presenting findings, and collaborating with research teams. Some roles also include mentoring or teaching.

  • Where do postdoctoral scholars work?question toggle

    Postdoctoral scholars work at universities, laboratories, hospitals, research institutes, government agencies, and private-sector organizations, depending on their field and specialty.

  • How can I find postdoctoral scholar jobs paying $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Browse postdoctoral scholar listings on Ladders, which features vetted professional opportunities paying $100,000 or more. Check each listing for its compensation, location, and qualifications.