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Postdoctoral Researcher Salary: Average Salary of Postdocs Explored

Postdocs maybe one of the more natural paths to take after completing Ph.Ds, but like many jobs, salary matters. What is postdoctoral researcher salary like?

Postdoctoral researcher salary vary significantly depending on the country and sector. In the United States, the average postdoc salary is around $72,798 per year. You may earn around $60,000 a year in Canada, or up to 70,000 Euro annually in Europe.

In this post, we break down the average postdoctoral researcher salary, across places around the world. We also explore factors that determine the salary, and how you can land a postdoc position yourself.

Salary Of Postdoc Researcher Salary Per Year

CountryAverage Salary (Annual)
United States$72,798
Germany€51,000 – €71,000
SwitzerlandCHF 80,000 – CHF 100,000
CanadaCAD 60,658

Postdoctoral researcher salary vary significantly depending on the country and sector. In the United States, the average postdoc salary is around $72,798 per year , but this can vary with:

  • experience,
  • employer. 

Postdoctoral Researcher Salary

For example, researchers in R&D roles within tech or pharmaceutical sectors might earn more than those in academia.

In higher-cost cities like Boston or San Francisco, the compensation is often higher but adjusted for the local cost of living​, so postdoctoral researcher salary in these areas are higher.

In Europe, postdoctoral researcher salary are also influenced by the country and institution. In Germany, postdocs typically earn between €4,253 and €5,951 per month depending on experience and the type of position.which amounts to an annual salary of around €51,000 to €71,000.​

In Switzerland, postdoctoral researcher salary are among the highest in Europe, with postdocs earning approximately CHF 80,000 to CHF 100,000 per year​.

Canada also offers competitive salaries for postdocs, with the average salary being about CAD 60,658 per year​.

Recent policy changes in Canada are aiming to improve postdoctoral researcher salary, especially in high-demand fields like biomedical and AI research.

What Factors Determine A Postdoctoral Researcher Salary?

When it comes to determining postdoctoral researcher salary, a variety of factors are at play.

Job Title & Field Of Work

The first is the job title and the specific field in which you work. Postdoctoral researcher salary in some fields are higher than others.

Postdocs in R&D roles in pharmaceutical companies often command higher salaries compared to those working in academia.

A postdoc in machine learning at a tech company could see an annual salary well above the national average for a postdoctoral researcher. In fields like AI and biomedical research, the postdoctoral researcher salary tend to be higher.

Postdoctoral Researcher Salary

In machine learning or AI, a graduate with extensive industry experience might bypass the traditional PhD route and still get paid postdoc-level salaries. 

The second factor is the funding source.

Some postdoctoral researcher salary are supported through institutional funds, while others rely on fellowships or grants . The latter can make a big difference in your salary range.

In academia, a postdoctoral position funded by a prestigious fellowship might offer a more competitive salary than a standard postdoc position funded by an internal department budget.

Postdoctoral researcher salary with funding by federal grants or private foundations like the NIH or National Science Foundation typically pay more than roles supported by university funds alone.

Location plays a huge role in determining your salary. Postdoctoral researchers in the United States, especially in high-cost living areas such as Boston (Harvard, MIT), New York, or California, tend to make more annually compared to those in other regions.

However, the cost of living in these locations also significantly eats into that higher salary.

A postdoc in the Midwest might earn less per year, but with a much lower cost of living, the actual quality of life could be comparable to their coastal counterparts.

Your PhD Institution & Connections

Your PhD institution and connections can also influence salary. Graduates from prestigious universities often have more leverage in negotiating pay.

Those with high-impact publications or experience in in-demand fields may find themselves in a better position to secure higher salaries.

Alumni networks and career path mentorship also play a pivotal role, helping you land positions with better pay and benefits.

Overall Budget

The employer or hiring organization sets the salary range based on the overall budget, the field’s demand, and the seniority of the position.

Some companies, particularly in the tech or pharmaceutical sectors, offer generous benefits, stock options, and bonuses, in addition to the base postdoc salary.

This makes working outside of academia a lucrative option for many postdoctoral researchers looking to maximize their earnings.

Must All Postdoc Have A PhD?

Not all postdoctoral researchers need a PhD, but in most fields, it’s almost mandatory. 

From my experience in academia, a PhD is essential for a postdoc position, especially if you want to get a job as an assistant professor or move into a full-time research role. The PhD provides the foundation for executing independent research and securing funding.

In the pharmaceutical or tech industries, the situation can be different. While many postdocs in R&D roles still hold PhDs, some companies allow candidates with equivalent experience to take on similar roles.

phd post doctoral salary

Fellowships often require a PhD for eligibility. Still, some postdoctoral researchers may take on administrative or project associate roles that don’t require a doctoral degree.

These positions can offer lower salaries but still provide valuable research experience. If you are still stuck on whether to pursue a PhD for a postdoc, consider your long-term career path.

Tech companies may offer higher salaries without a PhD, but academic careers nearly always demand it.

How To Get A Postdoc Position?

Getting a postdoc position starts with finding the right job search strategies. You need to identify positions that align with your research interests, whether it’s in academia, industry, or R&D.

Job and researchers’ websites usually advertises available postdoctoral positions, like:

  • National Postdoctoral Association, or
  • Specific university job sites.

If you’re aiming for high-paying postdoc roles in the pharmaceutical industry or tech, look for positions with job titles in AI, machine learning, or biomedical research.

Networking plays a pivotal role. Connecting with mentors, attending academic conferences, or participating in webinars can lead to valuable insights on upcoming positions.

A postdoc in machine learning might learn about roles at tech companies directly through a former PhD advisor or industry connections.

Universities like Harvard or MIT may have exclusive job boards or connections to top employers.

Your CV and cover letter should emphasize not just your PhD, but also your publications, grants, and any research that aligns with the postdoc’s requirements.

Employers in academia typically look for strong publication records, while those in industry may prioritize specific project experience.

Funding is another important factor. Some postdoc positions are supported by fellowships, while others depend on institutional funds. A fellowship can offer higher salaries and more independence.

Remember that location impacts salary too. Postdocs in the United States, especially in high-cost cities, may earn more per year, but the cost of living should factor into your decision.

With persistence and the right connections, you can land a postdoc that suits your long-term career goals.

What Are The Benefits For Postdoctoral Researchers?

As a postdoctoral researcher, the benefits you receive go beyond your salary. Although postdocs are considered temporary roles, many employers offer comprehensive benefits packages.

In academia, government research labs, and the private sector, these benefits can significantly enhance your overall compensation.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is a common benefit, especially for full-time postdoc positions. In countries like the United States, postdoctoral researchers working at universities or large research institutions often receive:

  • dental, and
  • vision coverage.

The type and extent of the coverage depend on the employer and the job title, but it is generally aligned with the university or institution’s benefits for other full-time employees.

Pharmaceutical companies and tech firms offering postdoc positions often include top-tier health benefits, making industry roles particularly appealing.

Retirement Benefits

Retirement benefits can also be part of your package. While postdoctoral roles are typically short-term, many institutions still offer retirement savings plans, such as:

  • 401(k) matching programs in the U.S.,
  • Superannuation programs in Australia, or
  • Pension contributions in Europe. 

This adds long-term value to your overall compensation, even if you’re only staying in the position for a few years.

Professional Development 

Professional development opportunities are another key benefit for postdocs. You may get paid to:

  • attend conferences,
  • present research, and
  • access exclusive training. 

These opportunities not only enhance your CV but also offer valuable networking chances. Many postdocs also have the chance to publish as lead authors, boosting their career profile.

Fellowships

Fellowships may come with extra perks.

A prestigious fellowship might offer additional research funds or travel allowances, allowing you to attend international conferences or collaborate with researchers abroad.

Some postdocs also receive relocation assistance, making it easier to move for a new position, whether in academia or industry.

Stock Options and Bonuses

Postdocs working in high-demand fields like IT , AI or biomedical research might even receive stock options or bonuses in private-sector roles.

phd post doctoral salary

While this is less common in academia, tech companies and R&D labs often offer these benefits to attract top talent.

Many postdoctoral researcher salaries, especially in these sectors, include performance-based bonuses and access to company shares.

Postdoctoral Researcher Salary:  Get Paid Properly

Postdoctoral researchers’ salaries vary significantly depending on the country, institution, and field of study. Additional factors such as funding sources, experience, and cost of living influence pay.

Despite the relatively modest salary, postdocs are critical contributors to scientific advancement and academic research, often working long hours to further their expertise and career prospects.

How Much Is Postdoctoral Researcher Salary In The US?

In the United States, the average postdoc salary is around $72,798 per year

Location, job title, funding, your PhD, workload

Not necessarily, but most Postdoc position requires a PhD.

phd post doctoral salary

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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phd post doctoral salary

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phd post doctoral salary

Postdoctoral Salary and Health Insurance Rates

The Vice President for Research periodically updates the community on standards related to postdocs. Below please find summary information related to salary/stipend thresholds and health benefits for postdoctoral fellows. We have an outstanding population of over 1500 postdocs at MIT, and we are committed to providing  mentoring  and  career development  that supports each postdoc’s advancement on the path to professional independence.

Mandatory Minimum Salary Level for Postdoctoral Scholars (Associates and Fellows)

Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum salary/stipend for all postdoctoral scholars (Postdoctoral Associates and Postdoctoral Fellows) is $66,950.

The minimum salary/stipend for postdoctoral scholars is reviewed each fall, and adjustments take effect annually on January 1. The annual reappointment of a postdoc does not trigger an increase as a matter of policy; however, PIs retain discretion to provide a salary or stipend above the Institute-wide minimum and are encouraged to consider the competitive landscape when doing so. For more information, see the  letter from the Vice President for Research . 

Maximum Salary Level

The maximum postdoctoral salary is $85,000. DLCIs should direct requests for exceptions to this maximum to  [email protected] . The Office of the Vice President for Research will work with the relevant dean’s office to review all requests.

Health Benefits for Postdoctoral Scholars

We are committed to equalizing the cost of health insurance between postdoc fellows and associates, so that the premiums paid by fellows for the  SHIP/Affiliate health plan  are not greater than what they would be paying if they were postdoctoral associates on the  employee health plan .

At the time of a fellow's initial appointment,  MIT administrative contacts  conduct an evaluation, factoring in any health insurance coverage included in the fellowship. When the remaining cost to the fellow would exceed that of a postdoctoral associate, they arrange in advance for the faculty host to provide the difference between the cost to the individual for fellows versus associates. For each category of coverage, the current annual premium cost difference is indicated below.

2024 Annual Rates

Benefits Annual Rates

Coverage Tier

Postdoc Associates Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO+ Plan

Postdoc Fellows MIT Affiliate Plan and Extended Insurance

Difference

Individual

$2,868

$4,897

-$2,029

Individual and Spouse (or Spousal Equivalent)

$6,924

$8,729

-$1,805

Individual and dependent

$5,916

$6,071

-$155

Family

$9,108

$9,904

-$796

  • Faculty Postdoctoral Advisory Committee (FPAC)
  • Key Administrative Contacts for Postdocs
  • Information for New Postdocs
  • Join the Postdoc Mailing List
  • Defining Postdoc Fellows and Associates
  • Looking for a postdoctoral position?
  • Salary and Health Insurance
  • Eligibility
  • FAQs for New Parent Postdocs
  • Postdoc Time Off Benefits
  • Portable Child Care Benefits at MIT
  • Tax Information
  • From Associate to Fellow
  • From Fellow to Associate
  • Postdoctoral Mentoring and Advising Toolkit
  • Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training
  • Postdoc Involvement in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Taking a Course at MIT
  • Teaching at MIT
  • Getting Help: Medical and Stress Management Resources
  • Personal Safety
  • Transportation and Parking
  • MIT Acronyms
  • MIT Policies and Procedures
  • Establishing an Internal Fellowship
  • Contact OPA
  • Provost's Advisory Committee on Postdoctoral Affairs
  • Verification Requests
  • List of Academic Department Postdoc Admins
  • How To Apply
  • Open Postdoctoral Positions
  • Finding a Faculty Mentor
  • Cost of Living
  • Pilot Transitional Housing for Incoming Postdoctoral Scholars
  • School of Medicine Dean's Postdoctoral Fellowship
  • The Walter V. and Idun Berry Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
  • The Shoshana Levy Early Career Awards to Support Women in Science
  • The Helena Anna Henzl-Gabor Young Women in Science Fund for Postdoctoral Scholars Travel Grant
  • The Katharine McCormick Advanced Postdoctoral Scholar Fellowship to Support Women in Academic Medicine
  • PRISM Mentors
  • PRISM Baker Fellowship
  • Stanford T32 Institutional Awards for Postdocs
  • Banting Fellowships
  • New Postdoc Onboarding Checklist
  • List of Helpful Websites
  • Codes of Conduct
  • Your Individual Development Plan (IDP)
  • Report Your IDP Meeting
  • IDP FAQs for Postdocs
  • Lab and Safety Training
  • Auditing Courses
  • Loan Deferments
  • Emergency Resources
  • 2023-2024 Child Care Assistance Grant Program
  • 2023-2024 Family Grant Program
  • Back-Up Child and Adult Care Program
  • Emergency Grant-in-Aid Reimbursement Program
  • Legal Resources for Postdocs
  • Postdoctoral Scholar Groups & Associations
  • Pregnant or Planning a Pregnancy?
  • Report A Change of Address
  • Postdoc Travel Awards
  • Certificates
  • Stanford Email Forwarding and FAQs
  • Funding Principles
  • Postdoc Basics for New Faculty
  • IDP and Mentoring
  • IDP FAQs for Faculty
  • Additional IDP Resources
  • Offices, People to Support You
  • Posting a Postdoc Position
  • Clinical Trainees
  • Onboarding Toolkit
  • Gain Access to Web Forms
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  • GRPD Aid Year Activation Job Aid
  • Job Aid: Postdoc Invite
  • Job Aid: Recommendation Form
  • Job Aid: Change Form
  • Job Aid: My Postdocs
  • Job Aid: Postdoc Administrative Worklist and Returned Transaction Codes
  • Job Aid: Postdoc Data Form
  • Job Aid: Recommendation Forms
  • Job Aid: Termination Form
  • Making an Offer to a Direct-Funded Postdoc Job Aid
  • Request Visas
  • Calculate Research Experience
  • Pay Postdocs
  • Extend Appointments
  • End Appointments
  • Early Termination by Dept
  • Leave of Absence
  • Transfer to New Dept
  • Charging and Paying a Postdoc's Health Premiums
  • Postdoc Pay All Health Insurance
  • Miscellaneous Forms
  • New Postdoc Needs Immediate Medical Care
  • Terms and Conditions of Postdoctoral Offers
  • Funding Rates and Guidelines
  • Winter Closure

Stanford is committed to supporting its postdoctoral scholars who comprise a vital part of the Stanford community. Each year, the Provost’s Advisory Committee on Postdoctoral Affairs convenes to recommend the postdoctoral minimum salary for the following academic year. Postdocs are represented on this committee by the SURPAS co-chairs, who are non-voting members. The increase in salary has met or exceeded the December 12-month Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the bay area each year since 2016.

FY25 Minimum Annual Funding Rates

By months of research experience (at Stanford or other institution) at 09/01/24 increase

YEAR 0  (MO)  $ YEAR 1  (MO)  $ YEAR 2  (MO) $ YEAR 3  (MO)  $ YEAR 4  (MO)  $ YEAR 5  (MO)  $
0Yr 0Mo   (0)   $73,800 1Yr 0Mo  (12)  $74,158 2Yr 0Mo  (24)  $74,516 3Yr0Mo  (36)  $74,874  4Yr 0Mo  (48)  $75,233 5Yr 0Mo  (60)  $77,103
0Yr 1Mo   (1)   $73,830 1Yr 1Mo  (13)  $74,188 2Yr 1Mo  (25)  $74,546 3Yr 1Mo  (37)  $74,904 4Yr 1Mo  (49)  $75,263 5Yr 1Mo  (61)  $77,133
0Yr 2Mo   (2)   $73,860 1Yr 2Mo  (14)  $74,218 2Yr 2Mo  (26)  $74,576 3Yr 2Mo  (38)  $74,934 4Yr 2Mo  (50)  $75,293 5Yr 2Mo  (62)  $77,163
0Yr 3Mo   (3)   $73,890 1Yr 3Mo  (15)  $74,248 2Yr 3Mo  (27)  $74,606 3Yr 3Mo  (39)  $74,964 4Yr 3Mo  (51)  $75,323 5Yr 3Mo  (63)  $77,193
0Yr 4Mo   (4)   $73,919 1Yr 4Mo  (16)  $74,277 2Yr 4Mo  (28)  $74,635 3Yr 4Mo  (40)  $74,994 4Yr 4Mo  (52)  $75,353 5Yr 4Mo  (64)  $77,223
0Yr 5Mo   (5)   $73,949 1Yr 5Mo  (17)  $74,307 2Yr 5Mo  (29)  $74,665 3Yr 5Mo  (41)  $75,024 4Yr 5Mo  (53)  $75,383 5Yr 5Mo  (65)  $77,253
0Yr 6Mo   (6)   $73,979 1Yr 6Mo  (18)  $74,337 2Yr 6Mo  (30)  $74,695 3Yr 6Mo  (42)  $75,054 4Yr 6Mo  (54)  $75,413 5Yr 6Mo  (66)  $77,283
0Yr 7Mo   (7)   $74,009 1Yr 7Mo  (19)  $74,367 2Yr 7Mo  (31)  $74,725 3Yr 7Mo  (43)  $75,083 4Yr 7Mo  (55)  $75,443 5Yr 7Mo  (67)  $77,313
0Yr 8Mo   (8)   $74,039 1Yr 8Mo  (20)  $74,397 2Yr 8Mo  (32)  $74,755 3Yr 8Mo  (44)  $75,113 4Yr 8Mo  (56)  $75,473 5Yr 8Mo  (68)  $77,343
0Yr 9Mo   (9)   $74,069 1Yr 9Mo  (21)  $74,427 2Yr 9Mo  (33)  $74,785 3Yr 9Mo  (45)  $75,143 4Yr 9Mo  (57)  $75,503 5Yr 9Mo  (69)  $77,373
0Yr10Mo (10) $74,098 1Yr10Mo (22)  $74,456 2Yr10Mo (34)  $74,814 3Yr10Mo (46)  $75,173 4Yr10Mo (58)  $75,533 5Yr10Mo (70)  $77,403
0Yr11Mo (11) $74,128 1Yr11Mo (23)  $74,486 2Yr11Mo (35)  $74,844 3Yr11Mo (47)  $75,203 4Yr11Mo (59)  $75,563 5Yr11Mo (71)  $77,433
0Yr12Mo (12) $74,158 1Yr12Mo (24) $74,516 2Yr12Mo (36)  $74,874 3Yr12Mo (48)  $75,233 4Yr12Mo (60)  $77,103 5Yr12Mo (72)  $77,433

How to Determine the FY25 Minimum Funding Amount for Incoming Postdocs

(For illustration purposes only:  FY26, FY27, FY28 minimums will differ from the FY25 amounts used in the examples below)

Start date 07/01/24 with 0Yr 0Mo previous research experience Start Date 08/01/24 with 1Yr 6Mo previous research experience
Entry Salary                                       0Yr 0Mo          $71,650 Entry Salary                                      1Yr 6Mo          $74,337
Salary Change on 09/01/24          0Yr 2Mo          $73,860 Salary Change on 09/01/24         1Yr 7Mo          $74,367
Salary Change on 07/01/25          no change     $73,860 Salary Change on 08/01/25         no change     $74,367
Salary Change on 09/01/25          1Yr 2Mo          $74,218 Salary Change on 09/01/25         2Yr 7Mo          $74,725
Salary Change on 09/01/26          2Yr 2Mo          $74,576 Salary Change on 09/01/26         3Yr 7Mo          $75,083
Salary Change on 09/01/27          3Yr 2Mo          $74,934 Salary Change on 09/01/27         4Yr 7Mo          $75,443
Exit Salary on 06/30/28                                           $74,934        Exit Salary on 07/31/28                                           $75,443

How to Determine the FY25 Minimum Funding Amount for Current Postdocs

  • See Job Aid: Change Form for details

Important Funding Guidelines

  • Minimum funding levels are published annually in Spring quarter.
  • Departments may establish their own guidelines as long as funding rates meet or exceed those established by the University.
  • Departments must review postdoc salaries/stipends on an annual basis to ensure that postdocs are funded at the minimum rate (or higher) on September 1st of each year.
  • For budgeting purposes, estimate a 4.5% annual increase from the current minimum funding level, but remember that increases to the minimum are never guaranteed.
  • Funding paid in foreign currency must meet or exceed the minimum in USD, regardless of currency exchange rate, or be supplemented by funds from the appointing department.
  • Funding levels are auto-calculated on the Recommendation web form.
  • Clinical fellows at the SoM must be funded at the PGY level established by GME at Stanford Hospitals & Clinics. For more information on pay levels contact GME .

Historical Minimum Annual Funding Rates by Year

Effective Date

Stanford Salary

(0 - 60 months)

%

Increase

CPI-U

(Dec 12-month)

6th Year Salary

(61 - 72 months)

FY24   (09/01/23) $71,650 5.0% 4.90% $73,083
FY23   (09/01/22) $68,238 4.1% 4.10% $69,695
FY22   (09/01/21) $65,568 2.0% 2.00% $66,888
FY21   (09/01/20) $64,268 2.5% 2.50% $64,268
FY20   (09/01/19) $62,700 4.5% 4.50% $62,700
FY19   (09/01/18) $60,000 12.3% 2.90% $60,000
FY18   (09/01/17) $53,406 3.5% 3.50% $53,406
FY17   (09/01/16) $51,600 3.2% 3.20% $51,600
FY16   (09/01/15) $50,000 12.8% 2.70% $50,000
FY15   (09/01/14) $44,310 0.9% 2.60% $44,310
FY14   (09/01/13) $43,933 1.0% 2.20% $43,933
  • NRSA support is limited to three years for postdocs. NIH provides eight levels of postdoc stipend for those with other forms of health-related training prior to accepting a Kirschstein-NRSA supported position. (The presence of eight discrete levels of experience, however, does not constitute an endorsement of extended periods of postdoc research training.) Stanford sets a five year cap on the postdoc training period (including time at Stanford and at other institutions).
  • For information on pay levels for Stanford Hospital house staff, contact the Stanford Hospital GME Office .
  • When determining funding levels for MDs, the years of concentrated research listed on the CV may be used; internships and residencies do not count as research years.
  • New Administrators
  • How To: Quick Links

Salary Guidelines

Postdoctoral fellows.

(updated 03/18/2024)

In 2009, the School formally adopted the NIH/NRSA stipend guidelines as the minimum salary for Harvard Chan School postdoctoral research fellows. These guidelines are based on years of postdoctoral experience, and were used as a baseline for setting salaries for other annual appointees.

The Harvard Chan School voted to raise the minimum annual postdoctoral fellow salary to $55k in November 2019, which officially went into effect for FY2021. Following this decision, all future postdoctoral salaries at the Harvard Chan School will be adjusted to coincide with the annual salary increase guidelines. Departments have the discretion to set the minimum at or above this threshold. In order to offer competitive salaries, departments and PIs are encouraged to pay postdocs and other researchers as generously as they are able, while being mindful of equity within their groups and more broadly.

HARVARD CHAN SCHOOL POSTDOCTORAL SALARY/STIPEND LEVELS FOR FY2025 (effective July 1, 2024)

Stipend for FY 2025 Monthly Stipend
Postdoctoral 0 $65,000 $5,417
1 $65,419 $5,452
2 $65,852 $5,488
3 $68,223 $5,685
4 $70,294 $5,858
5 $72,665 $6,055

NOTE: Postdoctoral Fellows that have reached 5 or more years can no longer be considered trainees and must moved to Research Associate or another appropriate appointment.

For more information and the current (FY24) NIH guidelines, please visit the NIH/NRSA website .

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Stipends & Salaries

Minimum salary and stipend levels.

In December 2016, a minimum salary and stipend level for all full-time postdocs was established by Vanderbilt and based on the NIH NRSA stipend recommendations. Annually, when the NIH NRSA stipend recommendations are updated, Vanderbilt’s minimum salary and stipend level for all full-time postdocs are similarly updated. Given the release on April 23, 2024 of the FY 2024 NIH Stipend Levels , the minimum payment at Vanderbilt has been increased as detailed in the table below. This minimum payment is regardless of job classification (fellow or trainee) and funding mechanism (salary or stipend).

Upon  reappointment , all postdocs appointed by the OPA should be offered at least the current NIH NRSA scale below based on their years of postdoctoral experience. There is no set maximum allowable compensation. A postdoctoral salary/stipend may be supplemented at the request of the faculty mentor/principal investigator and approved by the respective dean of the postdoc’s home department.

Salary and stipend levels are set for full-time postdoctoral employment. Activities are determined by the department/program. Requests to reduce from 100% FTE must be approved by the faculty advisor, dean of the school/college, and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

Stipend Levels for Postdoctoral Trainees & Fellows on NIH NRSA

Years of ExperienceStipend for FY 2022Stipend for FY 2023Stipend for FY 2024Monthly Stipend for FY 2024
0$54,840$56,484$61,008$5,084
1$55,224$56,880$61,428$5,119
2$55,632$57,300$61,884$5,157
3$57,852$59,592$64,356$5,363
4$59,784$61,572$66,492$5,541
5$61,992$63,852$68,964$5,747
6$64,296$66,228$71,532$5,961
7$66,600$68,604$74,088$6,174

Additional information can be found at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-24-104.html .

NIH NRSA Childcare Supplement

NIH Notice NOT-OD-21-177 - Childcare Costs for NRSA Institutional Research Training Awards

NIH will provide an annual $3,000 per each full-time predoctoral or postdoctoral NRSA trainee appointment slot at the time the new, renewal, or continuation award is made. NIH will not provide childcare support for short-term  predoctoral or postdoctoral NRSA trainees regardless of the activity code.

For childcare costs to be considered allowable, eligible full-time predoctoral or postdoctoral NRSA trainees must be appointed to the NRSA institutional research training award prior to use of the childcare costs.

The NRSA childcare costs are not tied to payback obligations, nor should it be reported as such.

Childcare must be provided by a licensed childcare provider. Recipients must maintain all supporting documentation (e.g., proof provider is licensed) and make it available to NIH officials upon request. NIH does not require recipients to submit this supporting documentation except when specifically requested.

NIH Notice NOT-OD-21-074 - Childcare Costs for NRSA Individual Fellows

Each NRSA fellow may request $3,000 per budget period to defray childcare costs. Childcare must be provided by a licensed childcare provider. Recipients must maintain all supporting documentation (e.g., proof provider is licensed) and make it available to NIH officials upon request. NIH does not require recipients to submit this supporting documentation with each request.

Please review the complete childcare supplement policies found at NIH Notice NOT-OD-21-177 (for institution training grants), NOT-OD-21-074 (individual fellowships), or speak with your grants manager. 

stage indicator - apply for a grant

Salary Cap, Stipends, & Training Funds

Consult the latest salary cap and stipend levels when you prepare your grant application or contract proposal budget. For fellowship and training awards, learn how you may spend funds.

Congress restricts the amount of direct salary paid to an individual under an HHS grant, cooperative agreement, or applicable contract to a rate no greater than Executive Level II of the  2024 Executive Schedule Pay Table .

Effective January 1, 2024, the Executive Level II salary cap level is $221,900 . NIH announced this level and provided example salary calculations in a January 29, 2024, Guide notice .

Your institution may pay you beyond the cap with non-grant funds. Note that for a nonmodular, noncompeting award, you may not get paid beyond the salary cap by rebudgeting from other categories.

For historic levels, see NIH’s Salary Cap Summary (FY 1990-Present) .

NRSA Stipend Levels

The HHS Secretary sets National Research Service Awards (NRSA) stipend levels and adjusts them periodically to reflect increases in the cost of living, as specified in 42 U.S. Code § 288(b)(5). NIH announced the levels for 12 months shown below in an April 23, 2024 Guide notice .

Fellowship and Training Stipend Levels, in Dollars

Career Level12 months1 month
Predoc28,2242,352
Postdoc 061,0085,084
Postdoc 161,4285,119
Postdoc 261,8845,157
Postdoc 364,3565,363
Postdoc 466,4925,541
Postdoc 568,9645,747
Postdoc 671,5325,961
Postdoc 7 or more74,0886,174

What Do Training Funds Pay For?

You may use funds from Training Grants (T) and Fellowship Grants (F) to pay for the following:

  • Stipends—follow the amounts shown in the Stipend Levels table above.
  • Facilities and administrative costs based on 8 percent of modified total direct costs. State and local government agencies may request full reimbursement.
  • Predoctoral—60 percent of level requested by applicant institution, up to $16,000 per year. You may use 60 percent up to $21,000 for formally combined dual-degree training.
  • Postdoctoral—60 percent of level requested by applicant institution, up to $4,500 per year. You may use 60 percent up to $16,000 for formal degree-granting training.
  • Trainee travel, including attendance at vital scientific meetings. We do not set a limit on how much you can request, though the norm is $1,000 for each trainee.
  • Predoctoral—$4,750 per year at non-federal public, private, and non-profit institutions (domestic and foreign) and $3,650 per year for federal and for-profit institutions.
  • Postdoctoral—$12,400 per year at non-federal public, private, and non-profit institutions (domestic and foreign) and $11,300 per year for federal and for-profit institutions.
  • On a case-by-case basis, institutional costs for accommodating disabled trainees in addition to usual costs paid by training-related expenses. Check with your assigned grants management specialist.  

More Information

For news on salary and stipends, watch this page or NIAID Funding News . Find more Paylines & Funding  information such as the Financial Management Plan  and NIAID Paylines .

Questions & Answers

How does the salary cap apply to nih-funded awards, may i charge a higher salary to my grant than the cap allows, can my salary increase each year.

Each year, NIH sets a maximum for PI salaries, though your institution can use its own money to pay beyond NIH's limit.

If the limit changes, you can rebudget funds to pay for a higher salary without prior approval, but you can't get more money from NIH.

When NIH announces the levels in its  Guide , we notify you in the NIAID Funding News and post the salary levels on this page.

Can I increase my effort on a grant without increasing my salary and thus keep my budget the same?

Yes, but we expect you to budget for salary at a level that matches your level of effort, up to the salary cap.

Keep in mind that if increasing your effort will alter the scope of your research, you need NIAID's permission for the change in scope.

Read Changes to Project or Budget to learn more.

Previous Step

Have questions.

A program officer in your area of science can give you application advice, NIAID's perspective on your research, and confirmation that your proposed research fits within NIAID’s mission.

Find contacts and instructions at When to Contact an NIAID Program Officer .

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PhD Salaries and Lifetime Earnings

PhDs employed across job sectors show impressive earning potential:

“…[T]here is strong evidence that advanced education levels continue to be associated with higher salaries. A study by the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce showed that across the fields examined, individuals with a graduate degree earned an average of 38.3% more than those with a bachelor’s degree in the same field. The expected lifetime earnings for someone without a high school degree is $973,000; with a high school diploma, $1.3 million; with a bachelor’s degree, $2.3 million; with a master’s degree, $2.7 million; and with a doctoral degree (excluding professional degrees), $3.3 million. Other data indicate that the overall unemployment rate for individuals who hold graduate degrees is far lower than for those who hold just an undergraduate degree.” - Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers , Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) and Educational Testing Service (ETS), pg. 3.

Average salaries by educational level and degree (data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2009-2011, courtesy of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce):

AGRICULTURE and NATURAL RESOURCES

52000

63000

79000

83000

9385

2174

620

571

ARCHITECTURE

63000

71000

78000

73000

3597

1470

294

68

ARTS

46000

55000

65000

67000

17693

4257

579

447

BUSINESS

62000

83000

102000

94000

137905

32908

5392

1201

COMMUNICATIONS and JOURNALISM

50000

61000

84000

72000

28938

6479

1260

473

COMPUTERS and MATHEMATICS

73000

90000

90000

104000

30666

11873

986

1557

CONSUMER SERVICES and INDUSTRIAL ARTS

63000

84000

94000

83000

4204

584

65

33

EDUCATION

42000

56000

63000

73000

39185

30819

2371

1397

ENGINEERING

79000

101000

104000

107000

44297

22903

2090

3831

HEALTH

63000

77000

103000

98000

32807

9492

4073

2051

HUMANITIES and LIBERAL ARTS

47000

59000

99000

69000

38955

19013

7414

3408

LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY

52000

65000

89000

84000

14350

3049

994

192

PSYCHOLOGY and SOCIAL WORK

43000

56000

83000

78000

23192

16036

2945

2624

RECREATION

45000

58000

75000

73000

5004

1493

310

199

SCIENCE--LIFE/PHYSICAL

54000

73000

125000

89000

28075

14646

13187

9868

SOCIAL SCIENCE

57000

75000

105000

90000

32617

14167

7566

1971

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports higher earnings and lower unemployment rates for doctoral degree holders in comparison to those with master’s and bachelor’s degrees:

According to national studies, more education translates not only to higher earnings, but also higher levels of job success and job satisfaction:

“Educational attainment – the number of years a person spends in school – strongly predicts adult earnings, and also predicts health and civic engagement. Moreover, individuals with higher levels of education appear to gain more knowledge and skills on the job than do those with lower levels of education and they are able, to some extent, to transfer what they learn across occupations.” - Education for Life and Work (2012), National Research Council of the National Academies, pg. 66.

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Found 155 jobs

Postdoctoral Associate

Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) logo

  • Houston, Texas (US)
  • Hiring up to $61,008
  • Baylor College of Medicine (BCM)

View details Postdoctoral Associate

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Postdoctoral Associate- Genetic Epidemiology

View details Postdoctoral Associate- Genetic Epidemiology

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Postdoctoral Associate- Environmental Epidemiology

  • Hiring up to $62,000

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Postdoctoral Researcher - Neural Circuits Genetics and Physiology for Learning and Memory

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center logo

  • Dallas, Texas (US)
  • NIH NRSA Stipend Scale
  • The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

A postdoctoral position is available to study molecular mechanisms, neural circuits and neurophysiology of learning and memory.

View details Postdoctoral Researcher - Neural Circuits Genetics and Physiology for Learning and Memory

  • 10 days ago
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Post Doctoral Research Scientist

Columbia Center for Translational Immunoogy logo

  • New York City, New York (US)
  • $72,100 annually or commensurate with experience
  • Columbia Center for Translational Immunoogy

Post-Doctoral Research Scientist Position in Human Transplant Immunology at the Columbia Center for Translational Immunology in New York, NY

View details Post Doctoral Research Scientist

  • 16 days ago
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Postdoctoral Associate- Neuromodulation and Computational Psychiatry

  • Hiring up to $66,492

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Postdoctoral Fellow

Weill Cornell Medical College logo

  • 70,000 per year + benefits
  • Weill Cornell Medical College

Modeling Autism Spectrum Disorders using genetically modified human stem cell-derived brain organoids and mouse models.

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Postdoctoral Fellow – Cancer Immunotherapy

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute logo

  • Tampa, Florida
  • Commensurate with experience
  • H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute

View details Postdoctoral Fellow – Cancer Immunotherapy

  • 22 days ago
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Postdoctoral Associate - Specialist

  • Hiring up to $72,000

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Postdoctoral Associate- CAR T Cells, Synthetic Biology

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Postdoctoral Scholar

Polaris Recruitment logo

  • Columbus, Ohio
  • Polaris Recruitment

Dr. Glen N. Barber in the OSUCCC-PIIO is looking to hire enthusiastic, self-motivated Postdoctoral Scholars to contribute to cutting-edge research.

View details Postdoctoral Scholar

  • 23 days ago
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Postdoctoral Fellow Position - Breast Medical Oncology

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center logo

  • The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

View details Postdoctoral Fellow Position - Breast Medical Oncology

  • 24 days ago
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Postdoctoral Fellow Position

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) logo

  • Birmingham, Alabama (US)
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

View details Postdoctoral Fellow Position

  • 25 days ago
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Postdoctoral Scholar - Pharmaceutical Sciences

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) logo

  • Memphis, Tennessee
  • The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC)

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Postdoctoral Scholar- Speech Language Pathologist

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Postdoctoral Fellow PhD- Cancer Biology and Metabolism

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Postdoc Fellow / Senior Scientist

Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital logo

  • Boston, Massachusetts (US)
  • Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital

The Yakoub and Sulzer labs at Harvard Medical School-Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Columbia University

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  • 26 days ago
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Postdoctoral Fellow in Epigenetics/RNA Biology in the Lab of Yvonne Fondufe-Mittendorf

Van Andel Institute logo

  • Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Salary begins at 70,000 with relocation and full health benefits
  • Van Andel Institute

Van Andel Institute’s (VAI) Professor Yvonne Fondufe-Mittendorf, Ph.D. is hiring a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the lab and carry out an independent...

View details Postdoctoral Fellow in Epigenetics/RNA Biology in the Lab of Yvonne Fondufe-Mittendorf

  • 29 days ago
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Postdoctoral Associate- Trauma Research

Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) logo

View details Postdoctoral Associate- Trauma Research

  • 32 days ago
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Postdoctoral Associate- Aging and Microbiome

  • Hiring up to $70,000

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  • Postdoc vs. PhD: Becoming a Postdoctoral Researcher

Becoming a Postdoctoral Researcher

Written by Hannah Slack

For many individuals, becoming a postdoctoral researcher represents a significant milestone in their academic careers. Often referred to as research assistant or research associate roles, these positions offer you the chance to consolidate the knowledge and skills gained during your PhD.

Ready to dive into what a postdoc is and determine if it's the right next step for you? Let's explore everything you need to know about becoming a postdoctoral researcher –from what the role involves to the funding and application process.

What is a postdoc?

A postdoc, or postdoctoral research position, is a temporary, funded role typically based at a university or research institution. Commonly, these positions are sponsored by Research Councils, supporting individuals to work in specific institutions.

Although postdoctoral researchers are considered university staff, they often work under supervision and in teams led by senior academics. Unlike a PhD, a postdoc does not culminate in a thesis or viva. Instead, the focus is on producing results and disseminating findings through publications and conferences.

Postdoctoral vs PhD

Let’s looks at the key differences between a postdoc and a PhD. Although both roles involve extensive research, a PhD focusses on completing original research culminating in a thesis, which must be defended.

A postdoc, on the other hand, involves completing advanced research projects but does not end with a thesis or a defence. Postdoctoral researchers are expected to publish their findings and often partake in teaching and mentoring activities, bridging the gap between learning and contributing new knowledge.

Why pursue a postdoc?

There are several reasons why you might want to pursue a postdoc:

  • Further research : it offers an opportunity to complete any unfinished research or pursue lines of enquiry excluded from your doctoral thesis.
  • Skill development : it helps in honing specialised research skills and gaining expertise needed for a career in academia or industry.
  • Networking and reputation : a postdoc provides a platform to network within the academic community and build a solid professional reputation, essential for securing future positions or funding.
  • Career progression : for those aiming for a permanent academic role, postdocs serve as a stepping stone, enabling continuous professional development and experience.

How does postdoc funding work?

Typically, postdoctoral researchers are externally funded by large research organisations such as the UKRI Research Councils . Alternatively, funding can come from universities or private companies. The funding body determines the length of the contract and the nature of the research to be undertaken based on grant applications.

Postdoc salary

In the UK, the average postdoc salary is approximately £34,124. Unlike PhD stipends, postdoc salaries are taxable income. As an employee, you may also contribute to pensions and be eligible for student loan repayments. Additionally, you’ll have access to benefits offered by your employer, such as healthcare or insurance.

What does a postdoctoral researcher do?

As a postdoctoral researcher, your role can be diverse and multifaceted. Although responsibilities may vary depending on the field, common tasks include:

  • Conducting research : performing advanced research aligned with the project's objectives.
  • Disseminating findings : publishing results in academic journals, presenting at conferences, and engaging with the wider academic community.
  • Teaching and mentoring : some postdocs involve teaching undergraduate students or supervising postgraduate students.
  • Grant and funding applications : assisting in applying for research grants and other funding opportunities.

How long is a postdoc?

The duration of postdoctoral positions can vary widely, typically ranging from six months to three years. These may be extended if additional funding is secured. Many PhD graduates complete several postdoc positions before securing a permanent academic role.

How to get a postdoc position

Applying for a postdoc is similar to job hunting. You’ll need an academic CV, a cover letter, and references. Some applications might require a research proposal or a statement of research intent if the role allows for individual research projects. Here are key steps to follow:

  • Check eligibility : verify that you meet the specific criteria for each postdoc position, which typically requires a completed PhD.
  • Prepare your application : tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills.
  • Submit your application : follow outlined procedures for submission, ensuring deadlines are met.

Where to find postdoctoral positions

There are many places where you can find postdoctoral positions. Universities and research institutes typically advertise internally as well as externally. Make sure you’re signed up for emails from relevant career hubs. There are also many independent websites specialising in job postings for academics, such as FindAPostdoc . Additionally, you may find positions on popular career websites like LinkedIn.

Some aspiring postdoctoral researchers also hear about positions ‘through the grape vine’. Networking is a prominent part of being an academic and so attending conferences can be a great way to keep in touch with upcoming research projects.

What is the next step after a postdoc?

You're probably wondering what the career trajectory looks like after completing a postdoc. Here are a few avenues:

  • Academia : many aspire to secure permanent academic roles such as lecturers or professors. This often requires completing multiple postdocs and building a strong academic record.
  • Fellowships : prestigious fellowships offer greater research independence and can be a significant career milestone.
  • Industry : transitioning to industry roles is also a viable path. The skills acquired during a postdoc can be valuable in private research sectors, healthcare, and technology companies.

Is a postdoc right for you?

Completing a postdoc can be a rewarding experience, offering valuable research opportunities and professional growth. Whether you aim to secure an academic position or move into industry, a postdoc can provide the skills, network, and expertise needed to advance your career.

If you’re looking for some options outside of academia after completing your PhD, take a look at our alternative career paths after your PhD guide.

Hannah Slack

Hannah worked at FindAPhD as a Content Writer from 2020 to 2023. She started with us part-time whilst studying for her PhD, giving her personal experience with balancing work responsibilities with academia. Hannah has a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of East Anglia, and both a Masters in Early Modern History and a PhD on Early Modern English seafarers from the University of Sheffield.

phd post doctoral salary

Ever wondered what being a postdoc is really like? We've chatted to Kshitij Tiwari, a postdoctoral researcher in robotics, to find out about his academic career path and what his everyday work involves.

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Office for Postdoctoral Affairs

Postgraduate salary minimum.

Yale’s minimum compensation level for postgraduate trainees is $3,200 per month or $38,400 per year, effective July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 and $3,660 per month or $43,920 per year, effective July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 ( updated May 29. 2024 ) .  These minima also apply to Laboratory Associate and Visiting Fellow appointments.

Postgraduate trainees may not receive compensation at or above that of a first year postdoctoral trainee . 

Please note that Postgraduate Associates who are at Yale as visiting students, currently matriculated in a degree-granting program at another institution, who are paid by University funds and administered grants, compensation may be as high, but may not exceed the stipend amount provided to students enrolled in Yale’s BBS graduate student program. Please see here for more information. 

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Preparing for a Postdoc role

In Robotics Development Laboratory: Engineers and Scientists Work on a Bionics Exoskeleton Prototype with Person Testing it. Designing Wearable Exosuit to Help Disabled People, Warehouse Workers

Are you considering applying for a postdoc role after your PhD?

Do you wonder if a postdoc role could be the right option for you and how you should apply? This article explores some key questions to ask yourself and helps you decide if this may be the right career option for you.

What is a postdoc?

Working as a postdoc would prepare you for an academic path and help you gain valuable research experience in the field of academia. Vacancies may be advertised as Postdoctoral Research Assistants , Postdoctoral Research Associates or Postdoctoral Fellows .

Many people mistakenly believe that a postdoc is an advanced doctoral degree. However, this is not correct. A postdoc can be undertaken after successfully completing your doctorate studies. Many postdoc positions are offered on a temporary basis, and most postdocs stay in their position for 2-4 years.

What are some of the responsibilities?

As a postdoc, you would work under the guidance of a more senior research staff member. You could assist in writing funding applications/ grants. You could be involved in preparing data for analysis, interpreting data, managing large data sets and disseminating research findings. You could take on projects on your own. You may also be asked to work with partners within academia and industry. You may undertake some teaching, and administrative tasks or supervise academic students. You might be involved in communicating research findings to non-academic audiences.

Is this the right option for you?

You would need to be genuinely interested in your chosen field and enjoy examining data. Writing skills are important as you could be writing for publications. To thrive in this role, you would be a strongly organised and detail-oriented person. At times, you will be working under pressure to meet set deadlines and to achieve milestone targets. You should have strong analytical and critical thinking skills as you will be involved in collecting, analysing and interpreting data, and examining it from different angles. As a postdoc, you would be confident at giving presentations and talking about your research to both small and large audiences. When taking part in conferences, you would network with other academics. If you aspire to pursue a career in academia however you have slightly limited experience in teaching and publishing, a postdoc may be an excellent role for you.

How to make the right decision

If you are currently completing your doctorate studies, you could discuss the option of a postdoc with your supervisor. Ask your supervisor about their recommendations and whether they think this career path would align with your skills. Your supervisor should understand your key academic strengths and give you some helpful guidance based on their experience and observations. Your supervisor may be able to make professional connections and introduce you to others who could help further your career.  It is essential that you do not hurry and make quick decisions. Do avoid following your peers without considering your skills, strengths, and future aspirations. Choosing your next career step is a significant decision which might require lots of reflection, research, and discussions. The more you take the time to explore different avenues, the better decision you are likely to make.

You could ask yourself the following reflective questions:

  • To what extent do I envisage myself to work in academia in the long term?
  • Where do I see myself in two/ five/ ten years’ time?
  • What are some of my strengths which could be helpful?
  • What could hold me back from progressing in academia?
  • Are there any gaps in terms of my skills or experience which could hinder my progress?
  • If so, what actions could I take to fill those gaps?
  • Who could provide me with some support (personal, professional, academic)?
  • Do I have a backup plan in case I need to change my career direction?

How to apply for a postdoc?

Applying for a postdoc is in many ways similar to applying for any other job in general. You would need to devote time at least once a week to carry out online job searches. When you have identified a suitable vacancy, you should make your CV, cover letter and other application materials bespoke to the role. Keeping accurate records of your job search will help you with monitoring your progress. You will be able to easily identify which online platforms work best for you. Instead of focusing desperately on the end result of getting a job, you will do well to put your attention on the process. Process thinking means that you plan your search as if you were a project manager. It means that you have an organised approach. And it includes celebrating small wins such as crafting well-written applications. You can use a spreadsheet or a notepad to keep records of the below:

  • Where you find specific vacancies e.g. jobs.ac.uk
  • When you apply
  • What is the application deadline date
  • Planned interview date (if known)
  • Name of the university, role and salary expectations
  • Web link to the job advert
  • Key search words you use

Consider networking

If you are a doctoral student, it is never too early to start networking . You should think about it as an investment of your time and energy.  You can network at conferences, workshops, seminars, courses, industry events and of course via social media. LinkedIn, one of the largest social networking sites, is designed for individuals to make meaningful connections. If you have never really dipped your toe into the area of professional networking , LinkedIn could be a great place to start. Depending on your career aspirations, you could find research and educational conferences helpful. At these events, you could meet other scholars, learn about their research fields, and create collaborations with academics from all over the world.

Where to apply

jobs.ac.uk have hundreds of post-doc vacancies and new ones are added daily. You can also want to set up an e-mail alert and have the latest vacancies sent to you.

How to Navigate Career Fairs 

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Henrietta Nagy

Henrietta Nagy is a seasoned portfolio worker with over 10 years’ experience in the UK education sector. Henrietta writes educational content, designs academic courses, delivers university lectures, mentors entrepreneurs, and provides career development coaching. One of Henrietta's recent organisational clients is the Oxford University where she has facilitated over 100 hours of learning events. With 9 years of higher education studies internationally (including an MBA), she has worked with CEOs, academics, scholars, managers, women entrepreneurs, academic administrators and other consultants.

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Teaching and Research Postdoctoral Associate

Job posting for teaching and research postdoctoral associate at elizabethtown college.

Company Description

Elizabethtown College is a small college in central Pennsylvania that values a well-rounded and interdisciplinary education grounded in service. Part of the School of Sciences and Health at Elizabethtown College, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry consists of six full-time faculty members who value collaboration, diversity of backgrounds and ideas, equity, interdisciplinary thinking, and student-focused teaching. Following a teacher-scholar model, faculty members in the department engage undergraduates in meaningful research and scientific advancement. Examples of recent outcomes from this model include the recent successful hire of a previous postdoctoral associate at a PUI, publications in peer-reviewed journals with undergraduate and postdoctoral researcher co-authors, presentations at national and international meetings, three Goldwater Scholarship awards, novel curricular developments, and multiple placements of students into top graduate programs or industrial positions.

Role Description

The successful applicant will be dedicated to research in the MacKay and Rozners labs on sequence-specific recognition of double-stranded RNA using triplex-forming peptide nucleic acids (PNAs). They will be responsible for design and synthesis of new PNA monomers for incorporation into PNA to modulate the structure and function of complex non-coding regulatory RNAs. Research will involve organic synthesis and heterocyclic chemistry, and the postdoctoral associate will mentor undergraduate student research projects and help with the maintenance of group instrumentation. Further, the experience will be enriched though collaboration with Binghamton University graduate students and postdoctoral research assistants. Expected outcomes include presentation of research at national meetings and publication of results in scientific journals.

The Postdoctoral Associate will be responsible for teaching two or three introductory undergraduate lecture and/or laboratory courses per academic year. They will participate in mentoring activities offered by the College, the PI, and the research collaborator, to support teaching, research, and preparation for a faculty role at a PUI.

Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical biology, or related field
  • Expertise, aptitude and enthusiasm for research
  • Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team
  • Experience emntoring early career research (typically undergraduates)
  • Articulated desire to be a research-active teacher-scholar at a PUI

Please note, due to this position being grant funded and short length of term, sponsorship will not be available for International applicants.

For full consideration, please provide cover letter, CV, statement of teaching philosophy, research statement and contact information for (3) individuals to provide letters of recommendation on your behalf. Review of applicants will begin on December 1, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

Prefered Qualifications

The successful applicant should have many of the following desired qualifications and interests: Specific expertise in synthetic chemistry, heterocycle synthesis and/or computational modeling of nucleic acids is highly desirable. As this position is aimed at providing an early-career, developmental experience, the preferred candidate’s Ph.D. should have been earned during the last five years. Additionally, preferred candidates will have a track record of demonstrated success in high-quality teaching of undergraduate students from culturally diverse backgrounds and varying levels of preparedness in general, organic, bioorganic, and/or biophysical chemistry.

The job posting is available online at https://etown.peopleadmin.com/postings/6092

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Postdoctoral Fellow

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  • Location: Scottsdale, AZ
  • Job Number: 7280005
  • Posting Date: Sep 12, 2024
  • Salary / Pay Rate: $60,000
  • Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

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