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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$80K - $88K *

Shape the future of automation and decision support by developing innovative multi-agent systems. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to enhance intelligent systems for complex challenges in def...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

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

$67K - $101K *

Drive high-quality sample analysis in ligand-binding and immunoassays, ensuring precise data generation for drug development. Collaborate with a dynamic team to support RNAi therapeutics in a fast-pac...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$133K - $172K *

Drive impactful process development for Lentivirus manufacturing, utilizing advanced scientific principles to create scalable and cost-effective purification methods. Collaborate with multidisciplinar...

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Optimize the development of bioanalytical quantitation methods for large molecules using LC-MS/MS. Collaborate with teams to manage projects, employ new technologies, and ensure compliance while enhan...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $137K *

Join a dynamic team to leverage data science solutions, engage with scientists, and deliver impactful presentations. Collaborate across departments to enhance customer experiences and drive innovation...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K *

Drive innovation in computational materials science by leveraging machine learning and molecular dynamics to enhance solvent-based separation systems. Collaborate with chemists to develop insights and...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$72K - $121K *

Join a team that's advancing energy innovation through critical materials recovery. Support R&D on hydrometallurgical processes and collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers to drive sustainable...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$87K - $108K *

Elevate the understanding of regulatory genomics by analyzing multiomic data and enhancing synthetic tools for brain health. Collaborate across teams to refine models and validate sequences, driving i...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$72K - $121K *

Lead the charge in advancing AI foundation models for weather and hydrology, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance predictive capabilities and resilience workflows in earth system scie...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Unlock your potential by developing innovative genome engineering strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and optimize CRISPR/Cas9 and advanced editing techniques, driving impact...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $155K *

Drive innovation in automated research systems as part of our R&D team. Work with experts on cutting-edge AI capabilities and contribute to impactful publications in a collaborative environment...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $150K *

Drive impactful research by collaborating with analysts to analyze biotechnology companies, build financial models, and produce insightful reports, while engaging with industry leaders and investors t...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$105K - $123K *

Unlock potential by driving immunoassay development and optimization. Collaborate with scientists to execute assays, support method development, and ensure data integrity in a fast-paced biopharmaceut...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in advancing RF pre-ionization technology for fusion generators. Drive experimental design, execution, and performance optimization to achieve cutting-edge plasma systems while collabo...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$141K - $321K *

Transform safety assessment in drug development by leading innovative preclinical strategies in Neuroscience and CVRM portfolios. Collaborate cross-functionally and drive strategic initiatives to addr...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$109K - $174K *

Drive the development of innovative enzyme formulations for DNA template manufacturing, ensuring stability and performance. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to translate scientific need...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of nuclear nonproliferation through innovative research and collaboration. This two-year fellowship offers early-career scientists the chance to develop expertise...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K *

Join a dynamic team advancing nuclear nonproliferation through innovative research. This two-year fellowship offers early-career scientists the chance to develop leadership skills and collaborate acro...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$69K - $119K *

Explore innovative sensing systems for earth science and renewable energy. Lead interdisciplinary projects focused on acoustic design, environmental impact studies, and advanced signal processing to e...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Drive impactful data science solutions by leveraging machine learning and causal inference expertise. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design effective algorithms, analyze complex datasets...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $210K *

Drive the analytical development and biophysical characterization of biologics. Collaborate across teams to evaluate therapeutic candidates and establish strategic testing methodologies. Lead technica...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$179K - $198K *

Lead groundbreaking research in immunology, advancing targeted therapies for autoimmune diseases by integrating biology, pharmacology, and chemistry, while fostering innovation and team collaboration...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Transform RNA-therapeutics delivery by leading innovative programs from design to in vivo validation, ensuring a comprehensive, hands-on approach to experimental decisions across safety, potency, and...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$145K - $220K *

Unlock potential by conducting innovative research in quantum computing applications, developing algorithms and circuit implementations, and collaborating with experts to solve significant scientific...

Reposted 2 days ago

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

$93K - $156K *

Champion cutting-edge high-content imaging solutions to support small molecule discovery and optimization across therapeutic areas, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to translate data into...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.