Postdoctoral Research Scientist Jobs
Postdoctoral research scientist jobs are open across academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and government research labs, covering specializations in molecular biology, computational biology, and materials science, from early postdoc to senior research associate level. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 307+ Postdoctoral Research Scientist jobs
Minimum Qualifications:
It is the policy of Alabama State University to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
Federal law requires identity and employment eligibility verification on Form I-9 within three (3) business days of employment.
All positions require the passing of a background check and some the passing of a drug screen.
Minimum Qualifications:
It is the policy of Alabama State University to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
Federal law requires identity and employment eligibility verification on Form I-9 within three (3) business days of employment.
All positions require the passing of a background check and some the passing of a drug screen.
See All 307+ Postdoctoral Research Scientist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsPostdoctoral Research Scientist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- UT Southwestern Medical Center68
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center21
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)21
- Los Alamos National Laboratory18
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory13
Top Industries Hiring
- Education50
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals23
- Non-Profit & Social Services18
- Science & Research10
- Healthcare & Medical Services8
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in postdoctoral research scientist jobs.
- PhD in a relevant biological, chemical, computational, or physical science field
- Hands-on experience with at least one primary experimental or computational methodology central to the lab
- Record of first-author peer-reviewed publications or manuscripts in preparation
- Proficiency with data analysis tools such as R, Python, MATLAB, or domain-specific bioinformatics pipelines
- Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot independent research projects with minimal supervision
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for grant writing, presentations, and cross-functional collaboration
Tips for Your Postdoctoral Research Scientist Job Search
Tailor your CV to each lab's focus
Postdoctoral applications live and die on research fit. Rewrite your CV summary for each posting to mirror the lab's active grant areas, model organisms, or core techniques. Generic CVs get screened out before a PI reads past the first section.
List every technique with instrument context
Name the exact platforms you've run, not just the method category. 'Single-cell RNA sequencing on 10x Genomics' outperforms 'transcriptomics experience' every time. Hiring committees scan for specific tools before they read your project descriptions.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists postdoctoral research scientist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Contact the PI before submitting formally
Many postdoc offers are decided informally before a posting closes. Email the principal investigator directly with a two-paragraph pitch tied to their most recent publication. A warm introduction raises your odds well above cold application pools.
Prepare a chalk talk, not just a job talk
Many postdoc interviews include a chalk talk where you outline a project you'd pursue in the new lab. Prepare two or three feasible research directions that use the host lab's existing resources and align with the PI's funded aims.
Negotiate start date and lab resource commitments
Salary flexibility is narrow at most institutions, but start date, conference travel funds, and instrument time are negotiable. Confirm in writing what core facility access and consumable budget you'll have before you accept an offer.
Postdoctoral Research Scientist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most postdoctoral research scientists?
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) are hiring the most postdoctoral research scientists right now, with openings concentrated in Texas, California, and Massachusetts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Research universities and large pharmaceutical employers consistently post the highest volumes of postdoc openings nationwide.
How many postdoctoral research scientist jobs are remote?
About 19% of postdoctoral research scientist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most bench research roles. Computational biology, bioinformatics, and data-intensive research subfields account for the largest share of remote-eligible postdoc positions.
How do you become a postdoctoral research scientist?
You become a postdoctoral research scientist by completing a PhD in a relevant discipline, then securing a postdoc appointment at a university, research institute, or industry lab. Identify PIs whose active research aligns with your dissertation work, reach out directly with a targeted pitch, apply through the institution's formal posting, and interview with the lab team before receiving an offer.
How do you get hired as a postdoctoral research scientist with little experience?
If your publication record is thin, emphasize transferable technical skills, poster presentations, and any collaborative projects with named outcomes. Applying to labs whose current grant cycle is early gives you the best shot, since PIs building out a new project are more willing to train. Rotating in a lab during your PhD final year can also convert into a postdoc offer before you graduate.
What does the postdoctoral research scientist interview process look like?
The postdoctoral research scientist interview typically starts with an informal video call with the PI to assess research fit, followed by an on-site or virtual visit that includes a research seminar, a chalk talk presenting your independent research ideas, and one-on-one meetings with lab members and collaborating faculty. Final decisions often hinge on the chalk talk and how well your proposed directions align with the lab's funded aims.
Where can I find and apply to postdoctoral research scientist jobs?
You can find and apply to postdoctoral research scientist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from academic institutions, biotech companies, pharmaceutical employers, and government research labs across the United States. Search for roles that match your research specialization and apply directly to each listing that fits your background and career goals.
See All 307+ Postdoctoral Research Scientist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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