Current University of Pennsylvania Postdoctoral Positions 2026: Apply for Fully Funded Research Opportunities
Are you looking for a prestigious postdoctoral research position in the United States? The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is currently recruiting talented researchers from around the world for a wide range of postdoctoral positions across its renowned schools and research centers.
As one of the eight Ivy League universities, Penn is recognized globally for excellence in medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, business, public health, and biomedical sciences. Every year, hundreds of postdoctoral researchers join Penn to work alongside world-leading faculty members on groundbreaking research projects.
Whether your expertise is in life sciences, data science, engineering, chemistry, cancer research, or social sciences, the University of Pennsylvania offers outstanding opportunities with competitive salaries, world-class research facilities, and excellent career development support.
Why Choose the University of Pennsylvania?
Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the world's top universities.
Penn is internationally recognized for:
Biomedical Research
Artificial Intelligence
Cancer Research
Neuroscience
Data Science
Engineering
Medicine
Public Health
Economics
Business
Veterinary Medicine
Researchers benefit from an interdisciplinary environment where collaboration between departments is encouraged, leading to innovative discoveries and global impact.
Benefits of Working as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Penn
Penn provides a supportive research environment and comprehensive employee benefits.
Benefits include:
Competitive postdoctoral salary
Health insurance
Dental and vision coverage
Retirement savings options
Paid vacation and holidays
Professional development programs
Access to state-of-the-art laboratories
International research collaborations
Conference travel opportunities
Career mentoring and networking support
Many positions are funded through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), industry collaborations, and private research foundations.
Current University of Pennsylvania Postdoctoral Positions (2026)
| Position | School / Department | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Postdoctoral Researcher – Cancer Biology | Perelman School of Medicine | Open Until Filled |
| Postdoctoral Fellow – Neuroscience | Perelman School of Medicine | Rolling Applications |
| Postdoctoral Fellow – Immunology | Perelman School of Medicine | Open Until Filled |
| Postdoctoral Researcher – Bioinformatics | Perelman School of Medicine | Rolling |
| Postdoctoral Fellow – Genetics | Perelman School of Medicine | Open |
| Postdoctoral Fellow – Biomedical Engineering | School of Engineering and Applied Science | Until Filled |
| Postdoctoral Fellow – Chemical Engineering | School of Engineering | Rolling |
| Postdoctoral Fellow – Materials Science | School of Engineering | Open |
| Postdoctoral Fellow – Data Science & AI | School of Engineering | Rolling |
| Postdoctoral Fellow – Public Health | School of Medicine | Open |
Important: Many Penn postdoctoral positions are advertised on a rolling basis and remain open until a suitable candidate is selected. Applicants should apply as early as possible.
1. Postdoctoral Researcher – Cancer Biology
Department: Perelman School of Medicine
The Perelman School of Medicine is recruiting postdoctoral researchers to investigate the molecular mechanisms of cancer development and develop innovative therapeutic approaches.
Research Areas
Cancer Biology
Molecular Oncology
Cell Biology
Precision Medicine
Translational Research
Eligibility
Applicants should possess:
PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree.
Strong laboratory research experience.
Publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled
Applications are reviewed continuously until a suitable candidate is selected.
Official Application
https://www.med.upenn.edu/postdoc/prospective-postdocs/
2. Postdoctoral Fellow – Neuroscience
Department: Perelman School of Medicine
Penn is seeking talented researchers interested in understanding brain development, neurological disorders, and neural circuits.
Research Areas
Neuroscience
Brain Imaging
Neurobiology
Cognitive Science
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Deadline
Rolling Applications
International applicants are encouraged to apply.
Official Careers Portal
https://www.med.upenn.edu/postdoc/
3. Postdoctoral Fellow – Immunology
The Department of Immunology offers exciting opportunities for researchers studying immune responses, infectious diseases, and cancer immunotherapy.
Research Areas
Immunology
Infectious Diseases
Cancer Immunotherapy
Molecular Biology
Cell Signaling
Deadline
Open Until Filled
Applications are accepted throughout the recruitment period.
4. Postdoctoral Researcher – Bioinformatics
Researchers will develop computational tools to analyze genomic and biomedical datasets.
Research Areas
Bioinformatics
Computational Biology
Machine Learning
Genomics
Data Science
Eligibility
Applicants with programming experience in Python, R, or related computational tools are highly encouraged to apply.
Deadline
Rolling Recruitment
5. Postdoctoral Fellow – Genetics
Penn's Department of Genetics conducts internationally recognized research in genomics and precision medicine.
Research Areas
Human Genetics
Functional Genomics
CRISPR
Precision Medicine
Molecular Genetics
Deadline
Currently Open
Applications remain open until the position is filled.
6. Postdoctoral Fellow – Biomedical Engineering
School: School of Engineering and Applied Science
Researchers will contribute to the development of advanced biomedical technologies for healthcare applications.
Research Areas
Biomedical Engineering
Biomaterials
Tissue Engineering
Medical Devices
Biomedical Imaging
Deadline
Open Until Filled
7. Postdoctoral Fellow – Chemical Engineering
The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering regularly recruits postdoctoral researchers for cutting-edge research projects.
Research Fields
Chemical Engineering
Catalysis
Nanotechnology
Sustainable Energy
Process Engineering
Deadline
Rolling Applications
8. Postdoctoral Fellow – Materials Science
The Materials Science program is seeking researchers to develop innovative materials for electronics, healthcare, and clean energy.
Research Areas
Materials Science
Nanomaterials
Energy Storage
Advanced Manufacturing
Electronic Materials
Deadline
Open Until Filled
9. Postdoctoral Fellow – Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Penn continues to expand research in artificial intelligence and machine learning across multiple departments.
Research Areas
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Data Science
Computer Vision
Natural Language Processing
Robotics
Deadline
Rolling Recruitment
Applicants with interdisciplinary research backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.
10. Postdoctoral Fellow – Public Health
Department: Perelman School of Medicine
Researchers will participate in projects addressing global health challenges through epidemiology, health policy, and biostatistics.
Research Areas
Epidemiology
Public Health
Health Policy
Biostatistics
Global Health
Deadline
Currently Open
Applications are reviewed throughout the year.
Summary of Current Postdoctoral Positions (Part 1)
| Position | Department | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Biology | Perelman School of Medicine | Open Until Filled |
| Neuroscience | Perelman School of Medicine | Rolling |
| Immunology | Perelman School of Medicine | Open Until Filled |
| Bioinformatics | Perelman School of Medicine | Rolling |
| Genetics | Perelman School of Medicine | Open |
| Biomedical Engineering | School of Engineering | Until Filled |
| Chemical Engineering | School of Engineering | Rolling |
| Materials Science | School of Engineering | Open |
| Data Science & AI | School of Engineering | Rolling |
| Public Health | Perelman School of Medicine | Open |
Official Application Links
University of Pennsylvania Postdoctoral Office
https://www.med.upenn.edu/postdoc/
Prospective Postdoctoral Researchers
https://www.med.upenn.edu/postdoc/prospective-postdocs/
University of Pennsylvania Careers
https://www.upenn.edu/work-at-penn
Penn Engineering Careers
Perelman School of Medicine
Tips Before You Apply
Before submitting your application:
Carefully read the job announcement and eligibility requirements.
Tailor your CV and cover letter to the research group.
Highlight relevant publications, technical expertise, and collaborative research experience.
Prepare strong recommendation letters from academic mentors.
Apply early, as many positions are reviewed on a rolling basis and may close once a suitable candidate is identified.
Important: Many University of Pennsylvania postdoctoral positions are recruited on a rolling basis, meaning applications remain open until a suitable candidate is selected. Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible.
11. Postdoctoral Fellow – Abramson Cancer Center
Department: Abramson Cancer Center
The Abramson Cancer Center is one of the leading cancer research institutions in the United States and regularly recruits postdoctoral fellows to support translational and clinical oncology research.
Research Areas
Cancer Biology
Precision Oncology
Immunotherapy
Tumor Microenvironment
Molecular Medicine
Eligibility
Applicants should have:
PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree.
Strong background in cancer biology or biomedical sciences.
Publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled
Official Information
https://www.med.upenn.edu/postdoc/
12. Postdoctoral Fellow – Cardiovascular Research Institute
Penn's Cardiovascular Institute is recruiting researchers interested in heart disease, vascular biology, regenerative medicine, and cardiovascular genetics.
Research Areas
Cardiology
Cardiovascular Biology
Regenerative Medicine
Molecular Genetics
Biomedical Research
Deadline
Rolling Applications
Applications are reviewed continuously.
13. Postdoctoral Fellow – Department of Psychiatry
The Department of Psychiatry offers exciting opportunities for researchers studying mental health, neuroscience, addiction, and behavioral sciences.
Research Areas
Psychiatry
Mental Health
Addiction Science
Behavioral Neuroscience
Clinical Psychology
Deadline
Open Until Filled
14. Postdoctoral Fellow – Department of Radiology
Penn Medicine is seeking postdoctoral researchers specializing in advanced imaging technologies and biomedical imaging.
Research Areas
Medical Imaging
MRI
Artificial Intelligence
Computer Vision
Radiological Sciences
Application Deadline
Rolling Recruitment
Researchers with computational imaging experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
15. Postdoctoral Fellow – Institute for Immunology
Penn's Institute for Immunology conducts internationally recognized research on immune system function and disease.
Research Areas
Immunology
Infectious Diseases
Autoimmune Disorders
Vaccine Research
Cancer Immunotherapy
Deadline
Applications Accepted Until Filled
16. Postdoctoral Fellow – Veterinary Medicine
School: School of Veterinary Medicine
The School of Veterinary Medicine recruits postdoctoral fellows for research in animal health, infectious diseases, comparative medicine, and translational biomedical science.
Research Areas
Veterinary Medicine
Comparative Biology
Animal Health
Infectious Diseases
Translational Research
Deadline
Open Throughout the Year
17. Postdoctoral Fellow – School of Arts & Sciences
Researchers interested in interdisciplinary science, social sciences, economics, psychology, mathematics, and physics can find opportunities throughout Penn's School of Arts & Sciences.
Research Areas
Psychology
Economics
Sociology
Physics
Mathematics
Political Science
Deadline
Varies by Department
Applicants should review individual department announcements.
18. Postdoctoral Fellow – Wharton School Research Centers
The Wharton School regularly recruits postdoctoral researchers for projects in business analytics, finance, behavioral economics, operations research, and organizational behavior.
Research Areas
Business Analytics
Economics
Finance
Marketing
Management Science
Organizational Behavior
Deadline
Rolling Applications
19. Postdoctoral Fellow – Data Science and Computational Research
Penn continues to expand interdisciplinary research in artificial intelligence, big data, and computational science.
Research Areas
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Data Science
Computational Biology
High-Performance Computing
Robotics
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled
20. Postdoctoral Fellow – Biomedical Sciences
The Biomedical Graduate Studies program supports numerous laboratories recruiting postdoctoral researchers across multiple disciplines.
Research Areas
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Genetics
Pharmacology
Biochemistry
Systems Biology
Deadline
Applications Reviewed Continuously
Summary of Additional Current Postdoctoral Positions
| Position | Department | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Abramson Cancer Center | Cancer Research | Open Until Filled |
| Cardiovascular Research | Cardiovascular Institute | Rolling |
| Psychiatry | Department of Psychiatry | Until Filled |
| Radiology | Department of Radiology | Rolling |
| Immunology | Institute for Immunology | Until Filled |
| Veterinary Medicine | School of Veterinary Medicine | Open |
| Arts & Sciences | Multiple Departments | Varies |
| Wharton School | Research Centers | Rolling |
| Data Science & AI | Interdisciplinary Programs | Until Filled |
| Biomedical Sciences | Biomedical Graduate Studies | Rolling |
Eligibility Requirements
Although individual laboratories have specific requirements, most University of Pennsylvania postdoctoral positions require applicants to:
Hold a PhD, MD, DVM, or equivalent doctoral degree.
Demonstrate strong research experience in a relevant discipline.
Have publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Be able to work independently as well as in collaborative research teams.
Some federally funded projects may include additional eligibility requirements based on funding regulations.
Required Application Documents
Applicants are commonly asked to submit:
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Cover Letter
Research Statement
Publication List
Doctoral Degree Certificate (or proof of completion)
Contact information for two or three academic referees
Copies of selected publications (if requested)
Always review the individual job advertisement for any additional documentation requirements.
Official Application Links
University of Pennsylvania Careers
https://www.upenn.edu/work-at-penn
Penn Postdoctoral Office
https://www.med.upenn.edu/postdoc/
Prospective Postdoctoral Researchers
https://www.med.upenn.edu/postdoc/prospective-postdocs/
Penn Medicine Careers
https://www.pennmedicine.org/careers
School of Veterinary Medicine
School of Arts & Sciences
Wharton School
https://www.wharton.upenn.edu/
Tips for a Successful Application
To maximize your chances of receiving an interview:
Apply as early as possible since many positions are filled on a rolling basis.
Tailor your cover letter to the specific laboratory or research center.
Highlight your publications, technical expertise, and research achievements.
Demonstrate how your previous work aligns with the research goals of the principal investigator.
Secure strong recommendation letters from supervisors who can speak to your research abilities.

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