Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs in Pennsylvania
Postdoctoral Researcher jobs in Pennsylvania are concentrated in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and State College, where anchor institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and Penn State University sustain a large and consistent demand for postdoctoral talent. The most active specialties are biomedical sciences, computational biology, materials science, and machine learning research, reflecting both the region's major academic medical centers and its growing tech research sector. Pennsylvania ranks among the most active markets in the country for postdoctoral hiring, with openings at every stage from first appointment to senior research fellow. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 30+ 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!
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 30 Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Postdoctoral Researcher JobsPostdoctoral Researcher Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Postdoctoral Researcher Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Carnegie Mellon University11
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia11
- Rodale Institute2
- Drexel University1
- Lehigh University1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in postdoctoral researcher jobs across Pennsylvania.
- PhD in a relevant field from an accredited institution required before start date
- Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications in the candidate's research area
- Experience conducting independent laboratory or computational research projects
- Proficiency with discipline-specific tools such as R, Python, MATLAB, or imaging software
- Ability to write and contribute to grant applications and technical reports
- Strong communication skills for presenting findings at seminars and conferences
Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a postdoctoral researcher in Pennsylvania?
You become a postdoctoral researcher in Pennsylvania by completing a doctoral degree and then securing a formal postdoctoral appointment at a university, research institute, or industry lab in the state. Pennsylvania does not require a state license for most postdoctoral positions, but appointments at medical research centers affiliated with institutions like Penn Medicine or UPMC may require credentialing through those institutions' research offices before you can begin laboratory work.
Which companies hire postdoctoral researchers in Pennsylvania?
Employers hiring postdoctoral researchers in Pennsylvania right now include Carnegie Mellon University, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Rodale Institute, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Pennsylvania's concentration of major research universities, academic medical centers, and pharmaceutical industry partners in the Philadelphia corridor makes it one of the most active states for postdoctoral recruitment.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most postdoctoral researcher jobs?
The cities with the most postdoctoral researcher openings in Pennsylvania are Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Kutztown. Philadelphia leads because of its dense cluster of research universities and academic medical systems, Pittsburgh draws heavily from Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh's research enterprise, and State College reflects Penn State's large grant-funded research portfolio across the life sciences and engineering.
Are there remote postdoctoral researcher jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but they're rare. Postdoctoral research is largely a hands-on role requiring access to laboratory equipment, institutional resources, or on-site collaboration, so most appointments require a physical presence. About 25% of postdoctoral researcher openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to be in computational research, bioinformatics, data analysis, or theory-focused disciplines that do not require a physical lab.
How can I get hired as a postdoctoral researcher in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to postdoctoral fellowship programs at Pennsylvania's major research institutions before or immediately after completing your PhD. Penn Medicine, UPMC, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Penn State all run structured postdoctoral fellowship programs designed for researchers at the start of their careers. Building a strong dissertation chapter, presenting at regional conferences, and connecting with faculty principal investigators in Pennsylvania labs through academic networks will significantly strengthen an application from a candidate with no prior postdoctoral experience.
Where can I find and apply to postdoctoral researcher jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to postdoctoral researcher jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your research background and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 30 Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs