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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$72K - $121K *

Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to model and optimize a compact X-ray free-electron laser, enhancing understanding of beam dynamics and radiation generation through advanced simulations and...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$20K - $200K *

Join a team that's advancing maternal and cardiometabolic health through innovative research. As a Postdoctoral Associate, you'll contribute to NIH-funded projects, develop interventions, and lead dat...

5 days ago

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

$20K - $200K *

Join a team that's advancing cancer research by investigating oncogenic mechanisms and metabolism in T-ALL. Collaborate on innovative projects, conduct experiments, and contribute to grant proposals w...

1 week ago

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

$20K - $200K *

Join a team that's pioneering research in brain disorders, utilizing advanced techniques in molecular biology and electrophysiology. Collaborate on innovative studies, mentor junior researchers, and c...

1 week ago

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

$63K - $200K *

Empower groundbreaking neuroscience research by developing optical tools to study neural circuits. Collaborate with a dynamic team to explore motor actions and enhance lab capabilities through advance...

3 weeks ago

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

$20K - $200K *

Join a dynamic research team investigating host-pathogen interactions in metabolic and autoimmune diseases. Lead independent projects, conduct experiments, and analyze data while contributing to grant...

3 weeks ago

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

$20K - $200K *

Drive innovative research in tumor immunology and T cell therapy, focusing on multidisciplinary approaches to advance cancer treatment. Collaborate on projects involving T cell receptor discovery and...

3 weeks ago

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

$20K - $200K *

Lead innovative research efforts to identify metabolic weaknesses in KRAS-driven lung cancer. Collaborate with the Principal Investigator to conduct experiments, validate targets, and prepare impactfu...

3 weeks ago

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

$20K - $200K *

Take ownership of advanced research examining neural mechanisms underlying sensory perception and decision-making using cutting-edge techniques. Collaborate with a dynamic team and contribute to impac...

4 weeks ago

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

$84K - $109K *

Elevate your career by conducting groundbreaking research on small Solar System bodies and planetary defense. Collaborate with leading scientists to enhance observational methods and contribute to vit...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$82K - $92K *

Transform advanced MRI and MRS methodologies to enhance muscle health research. Collaborate across disciplines to develop imaging biomarkers and contribute to innovative projects in a dynamic drug dis...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$81K - $100K *

Drive impactful cannabis research by collecting, analyzing, and disseminating qualitative data. Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance understanding of cannabis legalization's effects on public...

Today

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

$122K - $143K *

Elevate research in computational structural biology by developing deep learning methods to predict protein-protein interactions. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to advance tools and framewor...

1 week ago

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

$122K - $143K *

Unlock potential by conducting innovative research in computational structural biology, focusing on deep learning methods to predict protein-protein interactions. Collaborate with a diverse team to ad...

1 week ago

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

$82K - $92K *

Pioneer innovative drug delivery technologies for biologics. Collaborate on formulation science, crystal engineering, and physicochemical characterization to advance next-gen biologics delivery in a d...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$65K - $120K *

Join a team that's pioneering research at the intersection of geriatrics, dementia, and emergency care. Lead innovative projects, manage data analysis, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enh...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $140K *

Lead the charge in advancing quantitative research on substance use and mental health. Collaborate with diverse partners to enhance treatment quality and health outcomes for vulnerable populations thr...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$85K - $100K *

Lead innovative research in statistical genetics, driving advancements in complex traits and disease prediction. Collaborate with a dynamic team to analyze large datasets and mentor emerging scientist...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$79K - $92K *

Join us in advancing innovative genomics solutions for climate change, agriculture, and health. Collaborate with experts, engage in entrepreneurial development, and contribute to impactful research in...

2 weeks ago

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

$68K - $109K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing veterinary diagnostics through routine serology and immunology testing. Contribute to laboratory management and histopathology while ensuring high-quality sta...

1 week ago

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

$68K - $109K *

Transform diagnostic testing by performing serology/immunology tests and maintaining laboratory standards. Collaborate with pathologists and ensure quality control in a dynamic environment focused on...

1 week ago

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

$79K - $99K *

Lead independent structural biology research projects, focusing on CryoEM and X-ray crystallography. Collaborate with lab members, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to high-impact publications...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Join us to advance Alzheimer’s research by conducting innovative experiments and developing methodologies. Collaborate with a dynamic team to explore therapeutic targets and contribute to groundbreaki...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$77K - $119K *

Join us to innovate and drive the development of mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccines, shaping workflows and pioneering new approaches in a dynamic research environment...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$97K - $115K *

Innovate in a dynamic team by developing and optimizing multiplex proteomic panels and NULISA immunoassays. Drive biomarker discovery and validation while managing complex projects and delivering reli...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.