Find postdoctoral scientist opportunities that build on your doctoral training and advance your research career. Postdoctoral scientists conduct focused research, develop specialized expertise, and contribute to scientific discoveries across universities, hospitals, government agencies, and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Browse vetted professional openings on Ladders, including roles with salaries of $100,000 or more.
A postdoctoral scientist, often called a postdoctoral researcher or postdoc, typically holds a Ph.D. or other relevant doctoral degree and works on research projects after completing graduate study. Responsibilities vary by discipline and employer, but may include designing experiments, analyzing data, publishing findings, preparing grant proposals, collaborating with research teams, and presenting results. Some positions also involve mentoring students or managing laboratory and project activities.
Postdoctoral scientists work in academic departments, research institutes, medical centers, government laboratories, and private-sector organizations. Roles may focus on areas such as life sciences, biomedical research, chemistry, physics, engineering, data science, or environmental science. Search by specialty, location, and employer to find opportunities aligned with your research background and career goals.
Employers commonly seek a doctorate in a relevant field, a strong research record, and experience with methods or tools specific to the position. Critical thinking, clear scientific writing, collaboration, and project management are valuable across disciplines. Review each listing for its required qualifications, research focus, and expectations, since postdoctoral roles can differ substantially in scope and compensation.
A postdoctoral position can deepen subject-matter expertise, expand your publication record, and help you develop a professional network. For candidates considering leadership, industry, or independent research careers, the right role can offer experience that supports the next move. Explore postdoctoral scientist jobs on Ladders and find vetted opportunities paying $100,000 or more.
Senior Scientist, Data (AI) Scientist, Translational Safety
$109K - $174K *
Optimize AI/ML solutions for predictive safety modeling in drug discovery. Collaborate across disciplines to transform data into actionable insights, accelerating drug development and empowering infor...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Scientist, Data (AI) Scientist, Translational Safety
$109K - $174K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative AI solutions for predictive modeling to enhance drug safety across the R&D lifecycle. Collaborate with scientists to transform multimodal data into actionable in...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Scientist, Data (AI) Scientist, Translational Safety
$109K - $174K *
Pioneer predictive models and AI frameworks for translational safety, collaborating across domains to enhance drug development safety and efficacy. Drive AI solutions to support evidence-based decisio...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Scientist, Data (AI) Scientist, Translational Safety
$109K - $174K *
Optimize translational safety predictions by designing AI/ML models that leverage multi-domain data. Collaborate with cross-functional experts to innovate drug safety assessments and streamline decisi...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Scientist, Data (AI) Scientist, Translational Safety
$109K - $174K *
Unlock the potential of AI in drug safety by developing predictive models that enhance translational safety assessments, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and improve patie...
1 week ago
Senior Scientist, Data (AI) Scientist, Translational Safety
$109K - $174K *
Drive significant advancements in drug safety by developing AI/ML models that enhance translational safety predictions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate complex data and improve de...
Reposted 1 week ago
Scientist II, Pharmacometrician
$132K - $199K *
Advance pharmacometrics by developing statistical models for exposure-response and drug-drug interactions in clinical studies, employing machine learning to inform dose decisions and support data-driv...
4 weeks ago
Principal Toxicologist-Scientist
$141K - $262K *
Optimize safety assessments across drug development for multiple programs while integrating cross-functional scientific insights to enhance portfolio strategies and risk management decisions...
4 weeks ago
Research Scientist, Polymer Physicist
$130K - $155K *
Elevate innovation in polymer research by leading scientific roadmaps, developing computational models, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive breakthroughs in materials for advanced w...
2 weeks ago
Research Scientist, Polymer Physicist
$130K - $155K *
Shape the future of wearable technology by leading polymer research, driving innovation in materials science, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop groundbreaking solutions for adva...
2 weeks ago
Senior Scientist | Biology & Translational Sciences
$130K - $145K *
Unlock your potential by joining a dynamic team focused on advancing immunology research. Contribute to innovative discovery programs that bridge target degradation with impactful immunological outcom...
Yesterday
Senior Scientist | Biology & Translational Sciences
$130K - $145K *
Unlock potential in immunology by advancing discovery programs through innovative assay development and in vivo pharmacology, driving impactful data generation for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases...
Yesterday
Scientist I, Drug Product Analytics (Laboratory Automation)
$129K - $151K *
Join a dynamic team to design and automate analytical methods using Hamilton platforms. This role requires programming expertise and hands-on experience in biomolecule analysis, ensuring high-quality...
2 weeks ago
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow - Y. Li Lab - MaineHealth Institute for Research
$37K - $500K+*
Join a team that's advancing vascular biology research through innovative studies. Conduct complex laboratory procedures and independent research, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries in aortic...
3 days ago
$140K - $270K *
Unlock your potential as a Research Scientist, driving AI innovations in healthcare. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement cutting-edge machine learning models that enhance...
Reposted 1 week ago
$200K - $400K *
Join a team that's pioneering research in AI model interpretability. Collaborate with a mission-driven group to advance practical tools and techniques while fostering a culture of innovation and owner...
3 weeks ago
Laser Postdoctoral Researcher - Advanced Photon Technologies
$123K *
Join a team that's pioneering advanced laser technologies, conducting cutting-edge research in high-energy and ultra-fast lasers. Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts to innovate and publish fin...
5 days ago
Senior Scientist, Tissue Culture
$130K - $179K *
Elevate your career by developing cutting-edge iPSC-derived cellular and disease models. Collaborate in an innovative research team to enhance drug discovery through advanced high-content imaging and...
3 weeks ago
Senior Scientist I / II – Translational Immuno?Oncology Research
$93K - $183K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of cancer immunology, bridging research to clinical development. Contribute to innovative projects in hematologic malignancies, utilizing advanced assays for biomar...
4 days ago
Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering & Manufacturing
$170K - $210K *
Shape the future of protein reagent development by leading innovative workflows, establishing robust production processes, and mentoring a dedicated team to ensure high-quality, reproducible results i...
3 days ago
$127K - $180K *
Shape the future of biologic therapeutics by developing and optimizing complex cell-based bioassays and potency assays, ensuring regulatory compliance and scientific rigor through effective collaborat...
2 days ago
Scientist II, Parenteral Drug Product Development
$117K - $156K *
Elevate drug product development by designing and executing formulation studies, optimizing processes, and collaborating across teams to support preclinical and clinical projects, ensuring robust manu...
1 week ago
$132K - $188K *
Join our dynamic team to drive small-molecule drug development from concept to commercialization. Leverage your expertise in process chemistry to innovate, collaborate, and ensure the successful scale...
6 days ago
Staff Scientist, Modeling Applications
$125K - $160K *
Join us to shape the future of ocean-based CDR research by developing and applying advanced modeling systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance ocean alkalinity and drive impactful scientific...
1 week ago
Research Scientist/Study Director
$80K - $95K *
Lead the planning and execution of non-clinical studies. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), while producing reliable scientific outcomes and interfacing w...
2 weeks ago
What is a postdoctoral scientist?
A postdoctoral scientist is a researcher who has completed a doctorate and takes on a time-limited research role to gain further expertise, contribute to projects, and develop a career in science or a related field.
What qualifications do postdoctoral scientist jobs require?
Most positions require a Ph.D. or another relevant doctoral degree, along with research experience suited to the subject area. Specific requirements may include laboratory techniques, analytical tools, publications, or specialized technical knowledge.
Where can postdoctoral scientists find jobs?
Postdoctoral scientists work at universities, research institutes, hospitals, government laboratories, and private companies. Browse Ladders for vetted professional openings, including roles paying $100,000 or more.
What does a postdoctoral scientist do day to day?
Daily work depends on the research field and employer. It may include planning and conducting studies, analyzing results, writing papers, collaborating with colleagues, presenting findings, and supporting grant or project work.
Are postdoctoral scientist jobs available in industry?
Yes. Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical technology, and other research-driven companies hire postdoctoral scientists for specialized research and development work, in addition to academic and public-sector employers.