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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$140K - $175K *

Drive strategic initiatives and operational excellence within the Criminal Justice team, fostering collaboration and enhancing public safety through evidence-based policies and advocacy. Play a pivota...

1 week ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's building innovative software infrastructure for scientific research. Contribute to enhancing database systems and workflows while collaborating with experts to ensure sustainable so...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$130K - $169K *

Transform patient care by managing oncology pharmacy services, collaborating with healthcare teams, and educating professionals to enhance medication management strategies for optimal outcomes...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $168K *

Unlock your potential as an Academic Personnel Analyst, managing faculty recruitment, appointments, and compliance. Collaborate with leadership to ensure adherence to policies while providing strategi...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $168K *

Elevate academic personnel processes by managing recruitment, appointments, and compliance. Serve as a key advisor on policies, ensuring smooth operations and strategic support for faculty and leaders...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $185K *

Join our team to provide essential pathology services, including specimen dissection and preparation, under the guidance of pathologists. Collaborate in educational initiatives and ensure compliance w...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$139K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading the development and dissemination of health economic evidence to support healthcare decision-making. Collaborate globally with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent v...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$107K - $158K *

Engage in impactful clinical research by providing patient care and ensuring compliance with regulations. Collaborate with teams to enhance research operations and staff development while promoting be...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$82K - $92K *

Join our innovative team to advance vaccine preclinical development through molecular characterization and computational analysis of immune responses, focusing on herpesvirus biology in a collaborativ...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$69K - $101K *

Drive clinical research initiatives by supporting proposal development, protocol design, and regulatory compliance. Collaborate with investigators to enhance the clinical research portfolio while ensu...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$81K - $89K *

Drive innovation in analytical development by supporting sample analysis and method optimization. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance mRNA and LNP formulations, contributing to groundbreaking a...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$116K - $146K *

Transform the future of cancer detection by leading innovative research in molecular biology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and execute high-complexity experiments, advancing cutti...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$78K - $118K *

Execute comprehensive administrative support for leadership in a dynamic immunology department. Manage operations, coordinate strategic initiatives, and facilitate communication to enhance departmenta...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of microelectronics by conducting innovative peridynamic analysis to understand interface failures in novel materials, ensuring the robustness of structures critical to the semiconduc...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$88K - $104K *

Contribute to strategic initiatives in Alzheimer's research by leading grant activities, managing operations, and supporting a dynamic team to enhance collaboration and program success within a growin...

Today

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

$95K - $115K *

Deliver strategic leadership in research initiatives, managing a diverse portfolio focused on worker safety, effective controls, and training evaluations. Collaborate with partners to advance particip...

6 days ago

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

$130K - $165K *

Lead the charge in advancing computational catalysis research through innovative algorithms and collaborative projects, while mentoring emerging scientists and contributing to the scientific community...

Today

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

$57K - $201K *

Support innovative research in viral immunity and drug discovery. Manage lab operations, assist with experiments, and maintain accurate records. Collaborate in a dynamic environment while gaining valu...

3 weeks ago

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

$75K - $100K *

Execute mRNA production workflows, collaborating with scientists to optimize processes and maintain rigorous documentation in a fast-paced lab environment, ideal for early-career scientists eager to d...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Drive comprehensive research strategies within a leading medical department, fostering collaboration and enhancing departmental objectives to ensure impactful health innovations and advancements in Ce...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$128K - $170K *

Drive innovative measurement and analysis for electro-optic materials and devices, enhancing data quality across full characterization from thin films to final device testing, while collaborating with...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Innovate research strategies to enhance patient outcomes in pancreatic diseases. Lead multidisciplinary initiatives, oversee biospecimen programs, and collaborate with clinical teams to translate disc...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$209K - $244K *

Shape the future of immunoassay development by leading complex laboratory studies, optimizing assays, and providing scientific guidance across vaccine pipelines, ensuring robust methodologies and inno...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$113K - $277K *

Reimagine national security research by providing expert analysis and innovative solutions. Collaborate with teams to tackle complex challenges, lead projects, and communicate findings effectively to...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$79K - $95K *

Drive academic HR excellence by overseeing personnel processes, managing recruitment, and advising departments in a collaborative environment, ensuring compliance with policies and fostering effective...

3 weeks ago

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

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.