What does a post-doctoral scientist do?
A post-doctoral scientist is responsible for conducting more complex research studies to gain knowledge and expertise on scientific methodologies and investigations. Post-doctoral scientists collect materials and components for the examination that would support their scientific claims. They perform field investigations, interview participants, and write accurate reports for reference. A post-doctoral scientist must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, as well as an interest in discoveries and science nature that would play a vital role in the research development.
Post-doctoral scientist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real post-doctoral scientist resumes:
- Develop and manage third party claim investigations and contractor remedial oversight for various insurance companies.
- Research on DNA sensors and DNA enzymes.
- Investigate the contribution of DNA repair to prevention, causes, and cures of cancer.
- Lead HIV studies in human model according to FDA vaccine trial guidelines in collaboration with NIH.
- Provide computational support for an NIH program project that targets the gp120-CD4 interactions for small-molecule entry inhibitors.
- Analyze RNA-seq in rat primary neurons to identify genome-wide molecular targets of RNA-binding proteins.
- Publish results in top journals on scientific computing, numerical linear algebra, computational physics and chemistry.
- Develop the solid phase extraction technology for separation of the low level chemical/bio-particles from water for further analysis.
- Develop a comparative analysis using different types of commercially available liquid smokes and a proprietary extraction of a natural source.
- Conduct individual therapy and group counseling sessions as well as case management with a diverse population of severely mentally ill patients.
- Install probes and verify hardware routing for facility users to perform walk-up NMR experiments during schedule use times.
- Utilize TNBC cell lines, UPLC and NMR spectroscopy to obtain the metabolic profile of glucose metabolism in the tissue.
- Analyze data using regression, and descriptive statistics with STATA, and complete an essay.
- Conduct data simulation of linear regression, logistic regression, and multivariate regression model by programming in STATA.
- Identify glucose-induced increases in the phosphorylation levels of interest proteins, including metabolic enzymes and transcription factors by analyzing phosphoproteomics data.
Post-doctoral scientist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Post-Doctoral Scientists are proficient in Research Projects, Molecular Biology, and PI.
We break down the percentage of Post-Doctoral Scientists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Research Projects, 8%
Provided cell biology technical support and instruction for research projects of novel cloned human genes function with colleagues of other departments.
- Molecular Biology, 8%
Managed and trained 15+ students in molecular biology and animal handling, behavior, and surgical techniques.
- PI, 6%
Facilitate communication between PI and collaborators.
- RNA, 5%
Studied m-RNA and micro RNA profile of patient thymus samples and identified several target genes and deregulated micro RNAs.
- Cell Biology, 5%
Screened 70,000 small molecules in robotic HTS format at the ICCB (Institute of Chemistry and Cell Biology).
- Cell Culture, 5%
Developed a novel micro-textured, thermo-responsive cell culture substrates for cell sheet engineering.
Most post-doctoral scientists use their skills in "research projects," "molecular biology," and "pi" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential post-doctoral scientist responsibilities here:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a post-doctoral scientist to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "medical scientists must be able to explain their research in nontechnical ways." Post-doctoral scientists often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "mentored graduate and undergraduate students, teaching them surgical, histological, data analysis, and communication skills. "
Observation skills. Another essential skill to perform post-doctoral scientist duties is observation skills. Post-doctoral scientists responsibilities require that "medical scientists conduct experiments that require monitoring samples and other health-related data." Post-doctoral scientists also use observation skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "performed an evaluation of the cam simulations by the comparisons with observational data involving extensive data analysis. "
The three companies that hire the most post-doctoral scientists are:
- Nationwide Children's Hospital34 post-doctoral scientists jobs
- Johnson & Johnson11 post-doctoral scientists jobs
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory7 post-doctoral scientists jobs
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Compare different post-doctoral scientists
Post-doctoral scientist vs. Research fellow
A research fellow is an academic researcher who conducts research and analysis of comprehensive literature, data, and results and provides literature reviews. He/She supervises research assistants and recruits study participants to interview them for a particular study. To become a research fellow, a candidate should have a doctorate in a relevant discipline and publish peer-reviewed papers. Also, a research fellow can be an independent investigator or be supervised by a principal investigator.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, post-doctoral scientist responsibilities require skills like "molecular biology," "drug discovery," "research institute," and "extraction." Meanwhile a typical research fellow has skills in areas such as "patients," "immunology," "chemistry," and "data collection." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Research fellows really shine in the non profits industry with an average salary of $57,261. Comparatively, post-doctoral scientists tend to make the most money in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $70,701.research fellows tend to reach higher levels of education than post-doctoral scientists. In fact, research fellows are 6.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 14.4% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Post-doctoral scientist vs. Quality control analyst
Quality assurance representatives are professionals who are responsible for ensuring the quality of units produced or manufactured is following the standards set by the industry. These representatives supervise the entire production process to identify erroneous methods or tools being used by workers and observing produced for visible defects. They are required to perform various tests to check for the durability of the product and other desirable characteristics. Quality assurance representatives must also collaborate with the manufacturing engineer to implement quality control programs and preparing training manuals and quality guidelines.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real post-doctoral scientist resumes. While post-doctoral scientist responsibilities can utilize skills like "research projects," "molecular biology," "pi," and "rna," quality control analysts use skills like "qc," "lab equipment," "microbiology," and "test methods."
Quality control analysts earn a higher average salary than post-doctoral scientists. But quality control analysts earn the highest pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $62,870. Additionally, post-doctoral scientists earn the highest salaries in the pharmaceutical with average pay of $70,701 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Quality control analysts tend to reach similar levels of education than post-doctoral scientists. In fact, they're 2.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 14.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for post-doctoral scientists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Betsy Smith
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Elmira College
Post-doctoral scientist vs. Research and development assistant
A research and development assistant is responsible for supporting the research team in collecting studies and information to support research claims and evaluate data materials. Research and development assistants interview participants, conduct data and statistical analysis, and interpret survey results. They ensure to document all findings and research progress and report any concerns to the research supervisor for immediate resolution. A research and development assistant must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in participating in brainstorming sessions and finalize research subjects as required.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from post-doctoral scientist resumes include skills like "molecular biology," "pi," "rna," and "cell biology," whereas a research and development assistant is more likely to list skills in "lab equipment," "data entry," "laboratory equipment," and "data collection. "
Research and development assistants earn the highest salary when working in the health care industry, where they receive an average salary of $71,587. Comparatively, post-doctoral scientists have the highest earning potential in the pharmaceutical industry, with an average salary of $70,701.When it comes to education, research and development assistants tend to earn similar degree levels compared to post-doctoral scientists. In fact, they're 2.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 44.9% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Post-doctoral scientist vs. Research and development chemist
A research and development chemist primarily works at laboratories to conduct extensive tests and experiments aiming to develop new products and technologies. Although the extent of their duties may vary, it typically revolves around conducting research and studies, observing chemical reactions, maintaining records and databases, collaborating with fellow experts, and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing components or mixtures. They can find employment in different areas, such as manufacturing companies, private laboratories, government agencies, and even education.
Types of post-doctoral scientist
Updated January 8, 2025
