Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs
Postdoctoral Researcher jobs are open across academia, pharmaceuticals, biotech, and government research institutions, from entry-level postdoc appointments to senior research associate roles, with specializations in molecular biology, computational research, and materials science. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology at the University of Arizona is dedicated to understanding the fundamental structures of life, exploring how biological molecules function within cells and how these processes are regulated through genetics. Our collaborative and innovative research community spans a broad range of disciplines. The Duhamel Lab studies the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical transformations, their adaptation to different environments, and their stress response. As part of this dynamic environment, you will have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and collaborate with a multidisciplinary group of scientists advancing discoveries in biology.
The Duhamel Lab at the University of Arizona (Marine Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry) invites you to apply for the role of Postdoctoral Research Associate in Marine Microbial Ecology. In this role, you will lead NSF-funded laboratory research (the P-MixSwitch project, in collaboration with Susquehanna University) investigating whether prasinophyte mixoplankton switch from photosynthesis to prey ingestion when phosphorus becomes scarce. You will design and conduct steady-state continuous-culture experiments with radioisotope tracers (14C and 33P) to quantify carbon and phosphorus acquisition from photosynthetic and phagotrophic pathways, together with physiological and biochemical measurements. You will analyze, synthesize, and publish results; present findings at national and international conferences; and coordinate experiments with collaborators at Susquehanna University. You will also assist the PI with mentoring undergraduate researchers and participate in the project's education and outreach activities.
This is a full-time, 24-month postdoctoral appointment funded by a National Science Foundation Biological Oceanography award (the collaborative P-MixSwitch project with Susquehanna University), and is renewed annually contingent on performance and funding. The anticipated start date is early 2027 (negotiable). The position includes funded travel to present findings at national and international conferences and structured career development under the project's postdoctoral mentoring plan. Work is performed in the Duhamel Lab and involves laboratory research with algal cultures, chemicals, and radioisotope tracers.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.
- Lead laboratory culture experiments with prasinophyte mixoplankton and bacterial prey by:
- Designing, setting up, and operating exponentially fed batch (EFB) continuous cultures.
- Monitoring steady-state growth.
- Conducting experimental sampling.
- Performing sample analyses in collaboration with a research laboratory technician and the PI.
- Coordinate experiments with the collaborating postdoctoral scientist and PI at Susquehanna University by:
- Planning experiment timelines.
- Hosting their research visits to Tucson.
- Conduct radioisotope tracer experiments (14C-bicarbonate, 33P-phosphate, and dual-labeled bacterial prey) to quantify carbon and phosphorus uptake from osmoautotrophic and phagotrophic pathways.
- Perform physiological and biochemical measurements (e.g., flow cytometry, prey ingestion assays, chlorophyll, cellular energy charge, alkaline phosphatase activity, nutrient analyses).
- Analyze and synthesize experimental data.
- Prepare and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
- Present research findings at national and international conferences (e.g., ASLO Ocean Sciences).
- Assist the PI with data management and reporting, and in mentoring undergraduate researchers.
- Participate in the project's education and outreach activities (e.g., high school workshops and public science events).
The successful Candidate must complete the University of Arizona laboratory safety and radiation safety training to work with radioisotopes under the laboratory's authorization.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
- Knowledge of aquatic microbial ecology, phytoplankton physiology, and marine biogeochemistry.
- Knowledge of laboratory and radiation safety practices related to work with chemicals and radioisotopes (training will be provided).
- Skill in microbial and phytoplankton culturing and sterile technique, including continuous culture systems.
- Skill in quantitative instrumental analyses (e.g., flow cytometry, fluorometry, and liquid scintillation counting).
- Skill in scientific writing and data analysis using tools such as R or Python.
- Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot complex experiments independently.
- Ability to organize and prioritize work across concurrent experiments and coordinate with a multi-institutional team.
- Ability to communicate results effectively through publications and presentations and to mentor undergraduate researchers.
Physical Requirements and Environmental Demands:
- Work is performed primarily in a research laboratory environment.
- Requires the ability to access and work throughout laboratory areas, which may include extended periods of standing and walking, and to perform repetitive laboratory procedures.
- Requires handling laboratory equipment, chemicals, biological materials, and, following required training, radioisotopes.
- Must adhere to established laboratory safety procedures and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Valerie McClure
Human Resources Generalist
vmcclure@arizona.edu
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Cover letter.
- Contact information for three professional references.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
The Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology at the University of Arizona is dedicated to understanding the fundamental structures of life, exploring how biological molecules function within cells and how these processes are regulated through genetics. Our collaborative and innovative research community spans a broad range of disciplines. The Duhamel Lab studies the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical transformations, their adaptation to different environments, and their stress response. As part of this dynamic environment, you will have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and collaborate with a multidisciplinary group of scientists advancing discoveries in biology.
The Duhamel Lab at the University of Arizona (Marine Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry) invites you to apply for the role of Postdoctoral Research Associate in Marine Microbial Ecology. In this role, you will lead NSF-funded laboratory research (the P-MixSwitch project, in collaboration with Susquehanna University) investigating whether prasinophyte mixoplankton switch from photosynthesis to prey ingestion when phosphorus becomes scarce. You will design and conduct steady-state continuous-culture experiments with radioisotope tracers (14C and 33P) to quantify carbon and phosphorus acquisition from photosynthetic and phagotrophic pathways, together with physiological and biochemical measurements. You will analyze, synthesize, and publish results; present findings at national and international conferences; and coordinate experiments with collaborators at Susquehanna University. You will also assist the PI with mentoring undergraduate researchers and participate in the project's education and outreach activities.
This is a full-time, 24-month postdoctoral appointment funded by a National Science Foundation Biological Oceanography award (the collaborative P-MixSwitch project with Susquehanna University), and is renewed annually contingent on performance and funding. The anticipated start date is early 2027 (negotiable). The position includes funded travel to present findings at national and international conferences and structured career development under the project's postdoctoral mentoring plan. Work is performed in the Duhamel Lab and involves laboratory research with algal cultures, chemicals, and radioisotope tracers.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.
- Lead laboratory culture experiments with prasinophyte mixoplankton and bacterial prey by:
- Designing, setting up, and operating exponentially fed batch (EFB) continuous cultures.
- Monitoring steady-state growth.
- Conducting experimental sampling.
- Performing sample analyses in collaboration with a research laboratory technician and the PI.
- Coordinate experiments with the collaborating postdoctoral scientist and PI at Susquehanna University by:
- Planning experiment timelines.
- Hosting their research visits to Tucson.
- Conduct radioisotope tracer experiments (14C-bicarbonate, 33P-phosphate, and dual-labeled bacterial prey) to quantify carbon and phosphorus uptake from osmoautotrophic and phagotrophic pathways.
- Perform physiological and biochemical measurements (e.g., flow cytometry, prey ingestion assays, chlorophyll, cellular energy charge, alkaline phosphatase activity, nutrient analyses).
- Analyze and synthesize experimental data.
- Prepare and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
- Present research findings at national and international conferences (e.g., ASLO Ocean Sciences).
- Assist the PI with data management and reporting, and in mentoring undergraduate researchers.
- Participate in the project's education and outreach activities (e.g., high school workshops and public science events).
The successful Candidate must complete the University of Arizona laboratory safety and radiation safety training to work with radioisotopes under the laboratory's authorization.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
- Knowledge of aquatic microbial ecology, phytoplankton physiology, and marine biogeochemistry.
- Knowledge of laboratory and radiation safety practices related to work with chemicals and radioisotopes (training will be provided).
- Skill in microbial and phytoplankton culturing and sterile technique, including continuous culture systems.
- Skill in quantitative instrumental analyses (e.g., flow cytometry, fluorometry, and liquid scintillation counting).
- Skill in scientific writing and data analysis using tools such as R or Python.
- Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot complex experiments independently.
- Ability to organize and prioritize work across concurrent experiments and coordinate with a multi-institutional team.
- Ability to communicate results effectively through publications and presentations and to mentor undergraduate researchers.
Physical Requirements and Environmental Demands:
- Work is performed primarily in a research laboratory environment.
- Requires the ability to access and work throughout laboratory areas, which may include extended periods of standing and walking, and to perform repetitive laboratory procedures.
- Requires handling laboratory equipment, chemicals, biological materials, and, following required training, radioisotopes.
- Must adhere to established laboratory safety procedures and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Valerie McClure
Human Resources Generalist
vmcclure@arizona.edu
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Cover letter.
- Contact information for three professional references.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Postdoctoral Researcher JobsPostdoctoral Researcher Job Market
Who's Hiring
- UT Southwestern Medical Center57
- University of Arizona27
- Los Alamos National Laboratory27
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital26
- MD Anderson Cancer Center14
Top Industries Hiring
- Education117
- Healthcare & Medical Services23
- Science & Research13
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals5
- Retail1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in postdoctoral researcher jobs.
- PhD in a relevant field completed or defended prior to start date
- Demonstrated first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Proficiency with field-specific software such as R, Python, MATLAB, or ImageJ
- Experience designing and independently executing original research projects
- Strong written and oral communication skills for grant writing and presentations
- Ability to mentor graduate students and collaborate across interdisciplinary teams
Tips for Your Postdoctoral Researcher Job Search
Tailor your CV to each institution
Academic and industry postdoc applications weight your CV differently. For industry roles, move your methods and technical skills above publications. For academic positions, lead with your dissertation work and any independent funding you've secured.
Target labs with active funding cycles
A PI's grant cycle determines whether a postdoc position is real or aspirational. Check NIH Reporter or NSF Award Search to confirm a lab has active R01s or equivalent grants before investing time in a cover letter.
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.
Write a research statement that lands
Your research statement should spend two-thirds on your past work and one-third on a specific future project. Committees reject vague future directions. Name the exact question you'll pursue and explain why the host lab's resources make it answerable.
Prepare for a chalk talk, not just questions
Many postdoc interviews include an informal chalk talk where you sketch a project at the whiteboard. Practice explaining your most recent experiment from scratch to a non-specialist, because hiring committees often include faculty outside your subfield.
Negotiate start date and lab resources directly
Salary in postdoc offers is often fixed by NIH scale, but start date, equipment access, travel funding, and authorship agreements are negotiable. Confirm these in writing before accepting, because they shape your productivity and publication timeline.
Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most postdoctoral researchers?
The companies hiring the most postdoctoral researchers right now include UT Southwestern Medical Center, University of Arizona, and Los Alamos National Laboratory, with the largest share of openings in Texas, California, and Massachusetts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Research universities and federally funded national laboratories consistently account for the largest volume of postdoc openings nationwide.
How many postdoctoral researcher jobs are remote?
About 17% of postdoctoral researcher openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, which is lower than most professional roles because bench science requires on-site lab access. Computational biology, bioinformatics, data science, and theoretical physics postdocs are the sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements.
How do you become a postdoctoral researcher?
You become a postdoctoral researcher by completing a doctoral degree, identifying a PI whose research aligns with your expertise, and submitting a CV, cover letter, and research statement directly to that lab or through a formal institutional posting. Networking at conferences, reaching out to PIs whose papers you cite, and applying through university career offices are all standard entry points into postdoc positions.
Can you get a postdoctoral researcher role with no prior postdoc experience?
Yes, a postdoctoral position is itself the entry-level role in academic research, so no prior postdoc experience is required or expected. What matters is a completed PhD, a strong dissertation with at least one first-author manuscript, and a clear research proposal. Candidates who publish during their PhD and present at national conferences are consistently more competitive than those who wait until after graduation to begin applying.
What does the postdoctoral researcher interview process look like?
The postdoctoral researcher interview typically begins with a one-hour seminar presenting your doctoral research to the department, followed by individual meetings with the supervising PI, collaborating faculty, and current lab members. Some labs add an informal chalk talk where you outline a proposed project. The process usually concludes with a lab tour and a discussion of funding, timeline, and authorship expectations before an offer is made.
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, and industry sponsors across the United States. Find roles that match your field and career stage, then apply directly to each listing.
See All 471+ Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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