Explore Postdoctoral Scientist Jobs

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.

What Does a Postdoctoral Scientist Do?

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.

Where Postdoctoral Scientists Work

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Build Your Next Research Career Step

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.

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$109K - $174K *

Lead the charge in advancing high-throughput screening platforms for viral and bacterial antigens, driving innovative experimental design and collaboration with computational teams to optimize antigen...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$84K - $97K *

Drive innovative research in polymer chemistry and inorganic materials for sustainable sodium-ion batteries. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize electrode performance and develop adva...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $231K *

Lead the charge in developing advanced human-relevant in vitro models to support drug discovery and safety evaluation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and implement complex systems...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Drive clinical innovation by supporting the operational delivery of pivotal studies, collaborating cross-functionally, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Play a key role in the medical m...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$88K - $105K *

Join a team that's pioneering innovative antibody delivery solutions for neurodegenerative diseases. Lead research efforts, optimize therapeutic payloads, and collaborate with diverse scientists to ad...

3 days ago

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

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of youth mental health research by leading analytical efforts to innovate data accessibility and deepen insights. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to trans...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing cell and gene therapy through hands-on laboratory testing and mentorship. As a Senior Scientist, you'll drive technical excellence and innovation while foster...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$65K - $114K *

Unlock potential by leading a cutting-edge laboratory focused on host-pathogen interactions. Shape research direction, manage operations, and mentor staff while driving innovative scientific discoveri...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Develop and manage the product lifecycle for enzymes and kinases, driving cross-functional collaboration and market strategy. Analyze performance and support marketing efforts to deliver impactful sol...

Richmond, BCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in pharmaceutical product development, driving formulation and process innovation from early stages to clinical manufacturing. Collaborate across teams to ensure successful project exe...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$141K - $262K *

Drive biotherapeutic innovation as a Principal Scientist, leading a lab team to develop breakthrough protein technologies and advance clinical candidates through collaborative, interdisciplinary resea...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$184K - $215K *

Advance research in statistical genetics to uncover therapeutic targets for cardiac and skeletal muscle diseases. Collaborate with diverse cohorts and apply AI/ML methods to translate genetic insights...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$114K - $211K *

Innovate in the Molecular Histology Laboratory by developing and optimizing advanced tissue-based assays. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance preclinical toxicology and drug developmen...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$137K - $206K *

Unlock potential by leading translational science efforts in immune-oncology, integrating complex datasets to drive biomarker discovery and support precision medicine strategies across clinical and pr...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $225K *

Lead the charge in advancing Protein Sciences by developing high-quality proteins and therapeutic conjugates. Guide a dynamic team and integrate cutting-edge technologies to streamline processes while...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$126K - $181K *

Drive innovation in bioanalytical sciences by leading assay development and mentoring junior scientists. Collaborate across teams to assess immunogenicity of nucleic acid therapies, ensuring high-qual...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $201K *

Advance AI-native biologics discovery by integrating cutting-edge AI and computational methods into therapeutic programs. Collaborate across teams to enhance decision-making and accelerate the develop...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $201K *

Engage in AI-native biologics discovery by integrating advanced AI and computational design into therapeutic programs. Collaborate across teams to enhance decision-making and accelerate drug discovery...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $201K *

Unlock potential by integrating AI and computational design into biologics discovery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance therapeutic development and drive innovative solutions in drug...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $201K *

Optimize biologics discovery by integrating AI and computational design into therapeutic programs. Collaborate across teams to enhance decision-making and accelerate learning cycles, shaping the futur...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Contribute to innovative preclinical studies by designing, analyzing, and reporting data. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance understanding of models and drive scientific insights that...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in advancing AI solutions for Cell and Gene Therapy, driving innovation by translating scientific challenges into actionable AI use cases. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to en...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$72K - $121K *

Contribute to cutting-edge research in computational materials chemistry by performing molecular dynamics simulations and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to uncover mechanisms of chemical...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Advance your career as you conduct innovative research, analyze data, and solve complex problems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to develop methodologies and support impactful R&D projects in the STE...

Calgary, ABIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is a postdoctoral scientist?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.