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 - $116K *

Grow your career with a pivotal role in preclinical research, coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality outcomes while developing your leadership and project management skills in a dy...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$105K - $115K *

Optimize oligonucleotide manufacturing processes and drive innovation in synthesis and purification techniques. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality, reduce production ti...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Transform your career by driving project controls for innovative IVD device development. Leverage your analytical skills to optimize project financials, schedules, and risks while supporting a dynamic...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $216K *

Elevate scientific advancements by independently developing vaccine and biotherapeutic formulations, analyzing data, and leading research projects, ensuring the integrity and innovation critical to cl...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $180K *

Engage in pioneering research that challenges the limits of voice AI. Lead innovative projects from conception to production impact, collaborating with top-tier experts to drive transformative advance...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$75K - $105K *

Unlock potential by providing scientific and technical support to clients across North America, acting as a liaison between customers and internal teams to enhance product application and resolve tech...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Champion advanced microscopy investigations by leveraging Dual Beam FIB/SEM technology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality imaging and materials analysis for diverse indus...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Optimize our advanced Dual Beam Analysis processes to enhance imaging and materials analysis, supporting clients with high-quality TEM lamella preparation, detailed analysis, and collaborative problem...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$262K - $364K *

Champion innovative AI research by leading interdisciplinary teams, advancing generative model capabilities, and shaping post-training initiatives. Drive impactful publications and strategic collabora...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $175K *

Transform the future of quantum computing by developing and executing innovative quantum algorithms on cutting-edge hardware, contributing to both theoretical advancements and practical implementation...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in translating innovative immunology research into actionable strategies for drug discovery, collaborating with cross-functional teams to evaluate external opportunities and drive prog...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Transform the future of drug discovery by leading a dynamic team in molecular pharmacology, driving innovation through robust assay development and cross-functional collaboration in various therapeuti...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Drive process validation excellence by designing and executing robust strategies. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and enhance manufacturing processes, contributing to safe and consistent...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in analytical development, overseeing drug substance and product strategies. Collaborate across teams to ensure compliance and performance, while mentoring a high-performing analytical...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$88K - $135K *

Unlock your potential as you support innovative research in polymer chemistry and hybrid materials. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and evaluate advanced materials, contributing to...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$57K - $201K *

Join a team that's advancing neuroscience research through cutting-edge animal models and experimental techniques. Contribute to innovative projects while managing lab operations and fostering a colla...

3 weeks ago

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

$95K - $115K *

Support the transition of JEDI data assimilation to operations, collaborating on research and development for atmospheric data assimilation, focusing on innovative methods in numerical weather predict...

College Park, MDRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Elevate your career by leading impactful research in wireless communications and sensing systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on innovative projects while mentoring students and contribut...

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$105K - $110K *

Join a team that's transforming satellite data access through cloud solutions. Collaborate on developing APIs and applications to enhance user experience and operational readiness in polar oceanograph...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the development and optimization of innovative electrochemical cell architectures, driving research from concept to production while collaborating cross-functionally to enhance efficiency and dur...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$117K - $184K *

Lead the charge in operational planning and execution of clinical trials, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure project success. Utilize your leadership and project management skills to...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$170K - $212K *

Transform drug substance development by leading innovative process chemistry investigations, managing cross-disciplinary teams, and solving complex challenges to ensure successful regulatory submissio...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$74K - $104K *

Play a key role in environmental assessments and monitoring projects, combining fieldwork and office duties. You'll lead teams and mentor junior biologists while ensuring compliance with regulations...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$180K - $260K *

Unlock cutting-edge innovation in Data Science and AI. As a Principal Scientist, you'll lead the design of scalable data pipelines and analytical frameworks, driving impactful discoveries in human hea...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$114K - $281K *

Elevate your career by joining our team to design and enhance the MOOSE framework, enabling high-fidelity modeling for nuclear energy. Collaborate globally to optimize performance and drive innovation...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.