Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania
Postdoctoral Associate jobs in Pennsylvania are consistently active, with the state ranking among the most competitive research markets in the country, driven by its dense concentration of research universities, academic medical centers, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology employers. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the surrounding research corridors anchor most of the hiring, with institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and Penn State Health routinely posting openings across biomedical sciences, materials science, and computational research. Demand is strongest for postdoctoral associates specializing in cancer biology, neuroscience, and data-driven life sciences. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 18+ Postdoctoral Associate jobs
Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) ranks among the best in the country. Our research programs are at the forefront of the technologies that have changed the world we live in. Our interdisciplinary approach to education and research allows faculty and students across the university and beyond to collaborate on problems that have a significant impact on the world around us.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment.
Core Responsibilities:
- Collect and analyze data, including periodical/literature search and utilizing specialized skills in related field to analyze the collected data.
- Conduct research experiments within the predetermined research scope and methodology of department and university.
- Lab maintenance, including equipment maintenance and ordering of supplies may be required depending on area and specialty.
- Participate/assist in manuscript writing for publication in scientific journals and/or presentations. May also assist in grant writing.
- Other duties as assigned.
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. required
- A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Pre/Post-Doctoral Associates & Fellows
Position Type
Postdoctoral Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)
Full Time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) ranks among the best in the country. Our research programs are at the forefront of the technologies that have changed the world we live in. Our interdisciplinary approach to education and research allows faculty and students across the university and beyond to collaborate on problems that have a significant impact on the world around us.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment.
Core Responsibilities:
- Collect and analyze data, including periodical/literature search and utilizing specialized skills in related field to analyze the collected data.
- Conduct research experiments within the predetermined research scope and methodology of department and university.
- Lab maintenance, including equipment maintenance and ordering of supplies may be required depending on area and specialty.
- Participate/assist in manuscript writing for publication in scientific journals and/or presentations. May also assist in grant writing.
- Other duties as assigned.
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. required
- A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Pre/Post-Doctoral Associates & Fellows
Position Type
Postdoctoral Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)
Full Time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
See All 18 Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Postdoctoral Associate JobsPostdoctoral Associate Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Postdoctoral Associate Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Carnegie Mellon University11
- Rodale Institute2
- Drexel University2
- University of Pittsburgh2
- Lehigh University1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in postdoctoral associate jobs across Pennsylvania.
- Earned PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant scientific or research discipline
- Strong publication record or demonstrated research output in a peer-reviewed setting
- Experience with grant writing, IRB protocols, or externally funded research projects
- Proficiency in laboratory techniques, statistical software, or computational methods relevant to the position
- Ability to mentor graduate students and contribute to the research group independently
- Familiarity with compliance requirements for federal research funding such as NIH or NSF grants
Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a postdoctoral associate in Pennsylvania?
Becoming a postdoctoral associate in Pennsylvania requires a completed doctoral degree in a relevant field, as the role is an advanced research appointment rather than a licensed profession. Pennsylvania does not issue a state license for postdoctoral work, so eligibility is determined by the hiring institution. Most Pennsylvania universities and academic medical centers require applicants to have defended their dissertation and secured faculty sponsorship before a formal appointment is made.
Which companies hire postdoctoral associates in Pennsylvania?
Companies currently hiring postdoctoral associates in Pennsylvania include Carnegie Mellon University, Rodale Institute, and Drexel University, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Pennsylvania's strong pharmaceutical corridor around Philadelphia and its research university ecosystem in Pittsburgh mean postdoctoral openings appear across both industry and academic settings throughout the year.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most postdoctoral associate jobs?
Pittsburgh, Kutztown, and Philadelphia are the Pennsylvania cities with the most postdoctoral associate openings. Philadelphia leads because of its concentration of Ivy League and health system research infrastructure, including the University of Pennsylvania and Jefferson Health, while Pittsburgh's strength in robotics, AI, and biomedical engineering at Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh sustains steady demand in that market.
Are there remote postdoctoral associate jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of postdoctoral associate openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the fact that most postdoctoral work is bench-based or requires physical access to institutional facilities. Computational and data science postdoctoral roles represent the segment most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements.
How can I get hired as a postdoctoral associate in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path for candidates with a recently completed doctorate but limited independent research experience is applying directly to faculty-sponsored postdoctoral fellowships at Pennsylvania institutions such as Penn State, Drexel University, or Temple University, which regularly recruit new PhDs. National Institutes of Health training grants hosted by Philadelphia-area medical schools often fund postdoctoral positions specifically designed for early-career researchers. Presenting at regional conferences and establishing a connection with a potential mentor before a formal posting appears significantly improves placement chances.
Where can I find and apply to postdoctoral associate jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to postdoctoral associate jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current Pennsylvania openings. Find the roles that fit your research background and apply directly through the listings.
See All 18 Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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