Entry Level Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs
New grad postdoctoral researcher jobs are open to recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong dissertation chapter, lab rotation, or research internship can carry more weight than years on a resume. Most openings are on-site roles concentrated in Education, Science & Research, and Healthcare & Medical Services, with employers like University of Arizona, Texas A&M University, and Carnegie Mellon University hiring at this level now.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 86+ Entry Level Postdoctoral Researcher 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!
Innovation. Interdisciplinary collaboration. Complex problem solving. In Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, faculty members, researchers, and students are revolutionizing focus areas in advanced manufacturing, bioengineering, computational engineering, energy and the environment, product design, and robotics. In addition, they are using their expertise in interdisciplinary research centers across the university.
Carnegie Mellon University’s department of Mechanical Engineering is searching for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment. In this role, you will work in the applied nanotechnology lab, assisting in the development and execution of research projects related to the production and characterization of multivalent DNA origami nanosensors. This role requires analysis of data collected and summarizing experiment results and such other tasks that are assigned to you.
Your core responsibilities will include:
- Leads lab activities related to cloning and/or synthesis of nucleic acid nanotechnology.
- Designs and validates the performance of molecular sensing circuits.
- Designs and carries out experiments in BSL2 lab space.
- Performs quantitative analyses and generates data-rich visualizations from data.
- Demonstrates ability to perform multidisciplinary research.
- Develops SOPs for critical activities and trains lab members on their performance.
- Possess strong verbal and written communication skills and a passion for research.
- Possesses an eagerness to learn new techniques and lead projects independently.
- Other tasks as assigned.
Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to 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. in Engineering, Computational Biology, Biophysics, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics or related field.
- Laboratory expertise in DNA nanotechnology and/or molecular programming. Strong skills in analytical chemistry are a plus.
- 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, available to all full-time Carnegie Mellon University employees. Experience the full spectrum of advantages, from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to enticing retirement savings programs. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, and take well-deserved breaks with generous paid time off and holidays. Rest easy knowing you're covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. For a comprehensive overview of the benefits awaiting you, explore: https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance .
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role & responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique key skills and the diverse perspectives you bring. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive
work environment means we also account for geographic differentials. 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 this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!
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, PAJob Function
Pre/Post-Doctoral Associates & FellowsPosition Type
Postdoctoral Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)Full Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalarySee All 86 Entry Level Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsEntry Level Postdoctoral Researcher Job Market
Who's Hiring
- University of Arizona11

- Texas A&M University4

- Carnegie Mellon University3

- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute3

- UT Southwestern Medical Center3

Top Industries Hiring
- Education61
- Science & Research13
- Healthcare & Medical Services11
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals7
- Non-Profit & Social Services2
Entry Level Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level postdoctoral researcher job?
Entry level postdoctoral researcher positions typically require a recently completed or near-completion doctoral degree in a relevant field. What gives candidates an edge at this stage is a focused publication record, a clear research proposal, and strong letters of recommendation from dissertation advisors. Applying to labs whose current projects align with your thesis work significantly improves your chances of a first offer.
Which companies hire entry level postdoctoral researchers?
Companies hiring entry level postdoctoral researchers right now include University of Arizona, Texas A&M University, and Carnegie Mellon University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring comes from a mix of research universities, academic medical centers, national laboratories, and private-sector R&D teams that support early-career scientists building independent research programs.
Are there remote entry level postdoctoral researcher jobs?
Yes, though most postdoctoral researcher roles are lab- or campus-based, a meaningful share do offer remote or hybrid arrangements in computational, data-driven, or writing-focused positions. About 8% of entry level postdoctoral researcher openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, making flexibility most common in fields like bioinformatics, computational biology, and social science research.
Are these new grad postdoctoral researcher jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior postdoctoral researcher roles. A posting is new-grad friendly when it welcomes candidates who have recently defended or are nearing completion of a PhD, accepts zero to two years of postdoctoral experience, and treats doctoral training itself as the primary qualification rather than requiring a prior postdoc.
Which industries hire the most entry level postdoctoral researchers?
Entry Level postdoctoral researcher roles concentrate in Education, Science & Research, and Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Those sectors drive early-career hiring because they rely on a steady pipeline of recently trained scientists to staff funded research projects, support grant deliverables, and develop the next generation of independent investigators.