Postdoctoral Scientist Jobs

Explore postdoctoral scientist jobs for experienced researchers ready to advance scientific discovery and grow their careers. Postdoctoral scientists conduct specialized research, analyze data, publish findings, and collaborate with academic, clinical, government, and industry teams. Browse vetted opportunities on Ladders, including roles with compensation of $100,000 or more.

What Does a Postdoctoral Scientist Do?

Postdoctoral scientists typically lead or contribute to research projects after completing a doctoral degree. Depending on the role and field, responsibilities may include designing experiments, developing research methods, managing laboratory or computational workflows, interpreting results, preparing manuscripts and grant materials, and presenting findings. Many positions also involve mentoring students or coordinating with multidisciplinary collaborators.

Where Postdoctoral Scientists Work

Postdoctoral scientists work in universities, research institutes, hospitals, government laboratories, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical organizations, and other research-focused employers. Their specialties may include molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology, genetics, chemistry, biomedical engineering, data science, and related fields. Industry and translational research roles can offer opportunities to apply scientific expertise to product development and real-world challenges.

Qualifications and Career Development

Most postdoctoral scientist roles require a Ph.D. or another relevant doctoral degree, along with research experience aligned to the position. Employers may seek expertise in particular techniques, instruments, programming languages, or subject areas, as well as strong communication and project-management skills. A postdoctoral appointment can deepen subject-matter expertise and build a foundation for careers in academia, industry, government, and scientific leadership.

Find Postdoctoral Scientist Opportunities on Ladders

Use Ladders to discover vetted professional research opportunities, review role requirements, and compare positions that match your experience and goals. Search postdoctoral scientist jobs by specialty, employer, or location to find opportunities aligned with your next career step. Compensation and eligibility vary by posting, so review each listing for current details.

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$80K - $95K *

Transform peptide synthesis processes and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive impactful research projects in a fast-paced environment. Leverage your expertise to innovate and support both...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$147K - $210K *

Pioneer advancements in quantum computing by developing models for qubit systems, collaborating with teams, and publishing research findings to drive innovation and optimize performance in superconduc...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$185K - $232K *

Shape the future of laboratory operations by leading teams that deliver innovative scientific technology solutions, ensuring alignment with company strategies and driving performance improvements acro...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$185K - $232K *

Drive the strategic direction of laboratory systems and scientific technology, leading cross-functional teams to optimize performance, innovate processes, and deliver effective solutions aligning with...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$268K - $358K *

Pioneer groundbreaking domain models connecting biological data with machine learning, utilizing innovative methodologies to interpret complex biological interactions and guide experimental strategies...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $195K *

Champion the future of clinical science by leading trial design, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure compliance with GCP and drive innovative solutions in rare disease research...

San Diego, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$129K - $207K *

Transform the future of microelectronics by leading innovative research in nanofabrication. Collaborate with a diverse team to develop cutting-edge materials and techniques, while fostering user engag...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $195K *

Lead the charge in operational excellence by managing a diverse clinical team across regions, ensuring timely and quality clinical deliverables while driving strategic initiatives and fostering talent...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of AI with innovative research and engineering in reinforcement learning. Collaborate on high-impact projects to develop models that enhance human-computer interaction and autonomy. D...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$126K - $181K *

Elevate your career by joining a team of scientists dedicated to advancing innovative DNA-encoded library technology. Collaborate to develop cutting-edge methods, conduct experiments, and drive scient...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $160K *

Drive innovative solutions and lead a dynamic team to enhance customer success in life sciences. Collaborate with partners, provide technical support, and ensure product excellence to accelerate R&D p...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $160K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team of Field Applications Scientists to innovate solutions, enhance customer relationships, and drive product success in the life sciences sector, ensuring impac...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $250K *

Empower AI safety by leading research on white-box methods, publishing findings, and engaging with the community to improve algorithm alignment and risk management in real-world applications with a fo...

3 weeks ago

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

$81K *

Join a dynamic team to analyze and support science and technology policy initiatives. Engage with federal agencies, conduct research, and develop analytical skills in a collaborative environment over...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of molecular diagnostics by leading high-complexity testing operations, overseeing quality control, and ensuring rigorous performance standards in a dynamic lab environment...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$145K - $220K *

Help us drive advancements in cutting-edge DoD technologies through systems analysis, contributing innovative solutions for critical missions and developing complex models while collaborating with int...

Reposted 4 days ago

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

$278K - $400K *

Elevate the Global Assay Development organization by setting strategic direction and leading multi-modality assay development, ensuring compliance and quality across platforms while managing talent an...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$278K - $400K *

Strategize and lead the Global Assay Development team, shaping multi-modal IVD assay strategies that ensure robust development across molecular diagnostics, while managing governance and interfacing w...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$185K - $200K *

Drive bioanalytical and biomarker strategy for gene editing programs, overseeing assay development, validation, and analysis. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure scientific rigor and reg...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $110K *

Join a dynamic team to innovate lipid and polymer molecules for RNA delivery. Engage in hands-on chemistry, develop scalable processes, and contribute to pioneering drug delivery solutions while colla...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$155K - $190K *

Unlock potential by leading laboratory operations to ensure safe, efficient environments. Collaborate across teams to enhance research support, manage resources, and drive continuous improvement in a...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$70K - $94K *

Champion groundbreaking genomic diagnostics, leading assay development and analysis to enhance animal health and public safety at a respected research institution. Influence research through innovatio...

1 month ago

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

$149K - $393K *

Join a dynamic team as a clinical hematopathologist, contributing to innovative patient care, teaching, and collaborative research at a prestigious institution. Engage in diagnostic services and mento...

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$130K - $160K *

Empower the future of drug discovery by designing scalable ML software that integrates with chemical physics workflows. Collaborate with scientists to enhance methodologies for predicting drug molecul...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$81K - $150K *

Champion innovative in vivo research to evaluate novel oncology therapies. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to conduct pre-clinical studies, analyze data, and develop models essential for drug...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What qualifications are commonly required for postdoctoral scientist jobs?question toggle

    Most positions require a Ph.D. or a related doctoral degree and research experience relevant to the role. Specific technical, computational, or subject-area expertise may also be required.

  • Where can postdoctoral scientists find jobs?question toggle

    Postdoctoral scientists work at universities, research institutes, hospitals, government laboratories, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical organizations, and other research-focused employers.

  • What are typical postdoctoral scientist responsibilities?question toggle

    Responsibilities may include designing and conducting research, analyzing data, maintaining research workflows, writing papers or grant materials, presenting findings, and collaborating with colleagues.

  • Can postdoctoral scientist roles pay $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Some postdoctoral scientist and related research positions may meet or exceed $100,000, depending on the employer, location, specialty, and seniority. Review individual job listings for compensation details.

  • How can I find a postdoctoral scientist job on Ladders?question toggle

    Search Ladders for postdoctoral scientist roles and refine your search by specialty, employer, or location. Review each listing’s qualifications, responsibilities, and compensation information.