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)

PositionSchool / DepartmentDeadline
Postdoctoral Researcher – Cancer BiologyPerelman School of MedicineOpen Until Filled
Postdoctoral Fellow – NeurosciencePerelman School of MedicineRolling Applications
Postdoctoral Fellow – ImmunologyPerelman School of MedicineOpen Until Filled
Postdoctoral Researcher – BioinformaticsPerelman School of MedicineRolling
Postdoctoral Fellow – GeneticsPerelman School of MedicineOpen
Postdoctoral Fellow – Biomedical EngineeringSchool of Engineering and Applied ScienceUntil Filled
Postdoctoral Fellow – Chemical EngineeringSchool of EngineeringRolling
Postdoctoral Fellow – Materials ScienceSchool of EngineeringOpen
Postdoctoral Fellow – Data Science & AISchool of EngineeringRolling
Postdoctoral Fellow – Public HealthSchool of MedicineOpen

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)

PositionDepartmentDeadline
Cancer BiologyPerelman School of MedicineOpen Until Filled
NeurosciencePerelman School of MedicineRolling
ImmunologyPerelman School of MedicineOpen Until Filled
BioinformaticsPerelman School of MedicineRolling
GeneticsPerelman School of MedicineOpen
Biomedical EngineeringSchool of EngineeringUntil Filled
Chemical EngineeringSchool of EngineeringRolling
Materials ScienceSchool of EngineeringOpen
Data Science & AISchool of EngineeringRolling
Public HealthPerelman School of MedicineOpen

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

https://www.seas.upenn.edu/

Perelman School of Medicine

https://www.med.upenn.edu/


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

PositionDepartmentDeadline
Abramson Cancer CenterCancer ResearchOpen Until Filled
Cardiovascular ResearchCardiovascular InstituteRolling
PsychiatryDepartment of PsychiatryUntil Filled
RadiologyDepartment of RadiologyRolling
ImmunologyInstitute for ImmunologyUntil Filled
Veterinary MedicineSchool of Veterinary MedicineOpen
Arts & SciencesMultiple DepartmentsVaries
Wharton SchoolResearch CentersRolling
Data Science & AIInterdisciplinary ProgramsUntil Filled
Biomedical SciencesBiomedical Graduate StudiesRolling

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

https://www.vet.upenn.edu/

School of Arts & Sciences

https://www.sas.upenn.edu/

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.