Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs
Postdoctoral Researcher jobs are open across academia, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and national laboratories, from entry-level post-PhD appointments to senior research fellow roles, with specializations in molecular biology, computational modeling, and materials science. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.
Job Summary
The salary range for this position is $70,000-$71,750.
The Anahtar Laboratory in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative postdoctoral research fellow to join our team. Our lab combines machine learning, genomics, and experimental microbiology to address the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance, with a particular focus on discovering new antibiotic candidates and developing next-generation diagnostics for difficult-to-treat bacterial infections.
The hired candidate will focus on machine learning-guided antibiotic discovery against pathogens of urgent clinical concern. We have developed and deployed deep learning models to identify structurally novel antibacterial hits against bacteria, with a focus on Neisseria gonorrhoeae. We have also applied generative AI approaches to design entirely new antibiotic scaffolds that explore uncharted regions of chemical space. We validate our computational discoveries through rigorous experimental follow-up, including MIC testing across multidrug-resistant clinical isolates, mechanism of action studies, and in vivo mouse infection models.
Our lab sits at the intersection of basic research and clinical translation. Our work is directly informed by the resistant organisms, diagnostic gaps, and treatment failures we encounter clinically. We collaborate closely with engineers, clinicians, biologists, and chemists across MGH, Harvard Medical School, the Broad Institute, and MIT.
Located in Boston, Massachusetts General Hospital is a Harvard Medical School-affiliated academic medical center at the forefront of biomedical research and patient care. We are committed to building an inclusive, diverse, and equitable lab environment.
QUALIFICATIONS
Recent graduates with a background in microbiology, chemistry, computer science, and/or immunology, a history of academic productivity, and excellent references are encouraged to apply.
Applicants are asked to send (1) their CV, (2) a cover letter describing their background, research interests, and goals for their post-doctoral time, and (3) a PDF of a paper they have written, to Melis Anahtar (manahtar@mgh.harvard.edu).
Please do not apply through this link.
ADDITIONAL JOB DETAILS (if applicable)
Remote Type
Onsite
Work Location
80 Blossom Street
EEO Statement:
1300 Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.
Mass General Brigham Competency Framework
At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.
INTRODUCTION
Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.
Job Summary
The salary range for this position is $70,000-$71,750.
The Anahtar Laboratory in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative postdoctoral research fellow to join our team. Our lab combines machine learning, genomics, and experimental microbiology to address the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance, with a particular focus on discovering new antibiotic candidates and developing next-generation diagnostics for difficult-to-treat bacterial infections.
The hired candidate will focus on machine learning-guided antibiotic discovery against pathogens of urgent clinical concern. We have developed and deployed deep learning models to identify structurally novel antibacterial hits against bacteria, with a focus on Neisseria gonorrhoeae. We have also applied generative AI approaches to design entirely new antibiotic scaffolds that explore uncharted regions of chemical space. We validate our computational discoveries through rigorous experimental follow-up, including MIC testing across multidrug-resistant clinical isolates, mechanism of action studies, and in vivo mouse infection models.
Our lab sits at the intersection of basic research and clinical translation. Our work is directly informed by the resistant organisms, diagnostic gaps, and treatment failures we encounter clinically. We collaborate closely with engineers, clinicians, biologists, and chemists across MGH, Harvard Medical School, the Broad Institute, and MIT.
Located in Boston, Massachusetts General Hospital is a Harvard Medical School-affiliated academic medical center at the forefront of biomedical research and patient care. We are committed to building an inclusive, diverse, and equitable lab environment.
QUALIFICATIONS
Recent graduates with a background in microbiology, chemistry, computer science, and/or immunology, a history of academic productivity, and excellent references are encouraged to apply.
Applicants are asked to send (1) their CV, (2) a cover letter describing their background, research interests, and goals for their post-doctoral time, and (3) a PDF of a paper they have written, to Melis Anahtar (manahtar@mgh.harvard.edu).
Please do not apply through this link.
ADDITIONAL JOB DETAILS (if applicable)
Remote Type
Onsite
Work Location
80 Blossom Street
EEO Statement:
1300 Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.
Mass General Brigham Competency Framework
At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.
See All 1,135+ Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any postdoctoral researcher role that fits.
Find Postdoctoral Researcher JobsPostdoctoral Researcher Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Indiana University54
- Michigan State University41
- Rutgers University38
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital34
- University of Arizona33
Top Industries Hiring
- Education762
- Healthcare & Medical Services190
- Science & Research117
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals84
- Non-Profit & Social Services60
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in postdoctoral researcher jobs.
- PhD in a relevant scientific discipline completed before the start date
- Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications in the field of study
- Proficiency with discipline-specific tools such as R, Python, ImageJ, or MATLAB
- Experience designing and independently executing research experiments or studies
- Ability to present research findings at lab meetings, conferences, or seminars
- Strong scientific writing skills for manuscripts, grant sections, and progress reports
Tips for Your Postdoctoral Researcher Job Search
Tailor your CV to each institution
Academic and industry postdoc applications expect different emphases. For universities, front-load publications and grant contributions. For biotech or pharma, lead with methodologies and any translational research outcomes. A single generic CV loses both audiences.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists postdoctoral researcher openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target labs with active funding cycles
Principal investigators post positions when grants are awarded, often with short windows. Check NIH Reporter and NSF Award Search to identify recently funded labs in your specialty, then apply before those postings close or get filled through word of mouth.
Prepare a two-minute research pitch
Hiring committees ask you to summarize your dissertation and future directions in every first-round call. Practice stating your core finding, its significance to the lab's existing work, and the next experiment you would run, all without jargon that only your subfield knows.
Negotiate startup support, not just salary
In postdoc offers, the negotiable items that matter most are conference travel funds, computing resources, and co-PI publication credit. Ask about each explicitly during the offer stage, because most institutions have flexibility there even when base pay is fixed by scale.
Follow up with a methods-specific note
After an interview, send a brief note that references one technical point from the conversation, such as a protocol difference or a dataset you could contribute. It signals genuine engagement with the lab's work and keeps you distinct from other finalists.
Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most postdoctoral researchers?
The companies hiring the most postdoctoral researchers right now include Indiana University, Michigan State University, and Rutgers University, with the largest share of openings in Texas, Massachusetts, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Large research universities, federal laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies consistently account for the majority of posted positions.
How many postdoctoral researcher jobs are remote?
About 4% of postdoctoral researcher openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, which is lower than most professional roles because wet-lab and instrumentation work requires on-site presence. Computational biology, bioinformatics, data science research, and certain social science postdocs are the sub-areas where fully remote arrangements are most common.
How do you become a postdoctoral researcher?
You become a postdoctoral researcher by completing a doctoral degree, then applying to postdoc positions at universities, research institutes, or industry labs. The process involves submitting a CV, cover letter, and research statement tailored to a specific principal investigator's lab, followed by an interview. Most appointments start within months of PhD defense, so applying during the final year of your doctorate is standard practice.
Can you get a postdoctoral researcher position with no prior postdoc experience?
Yes, postdoctoral positions are specifically designed for researchers who have just completed their PhD and have no prior postdoc experience. Hiring committees evaluate your dissertation research, publications, technical skills, and fit with the lab's current projects rather than prior postdoc tenure. A strong recommendation from your PhD advisor and a clear research proposal aligned with the lab's funding are the most decisive factors for first-time applicants.
What does the postdoctoral researcher interview process look like?
The postdoctoral researcher interview typically begins with a video call with the principal investigator to discuss your dissertation and research interests, followed by an in-person or virtual visit that includes a research seminar where you present your work to the broader lab or department. You will also meet individually with lab members and collaborating faculty. The process often concludes with a conversation about project direction, funding, and timeline before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to postdoctoral researcher jobs?
You can find and apply to postdoctoral researcher jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from research universities, national laboratories, biotech firms, and other employers across the United States. Find roles that match your research background and apply directly to each listing from the results on this page.
See All 1,135+ Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any postdoctoral researcher role that fits.
Find Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs