postdoc and phd difference

PhD And Postdoc: Which Path Is Right For You?

PhD and postdoc: Is the grind worth the glory? Learn the key differences between them and decide your path.

Choosing the best path for your career aspirations and intellectual passions is often the most challenging part of embarking on advanced academic journeys. The pursuit of a PhD and the completion of postdoctoral research are two significant milestones in this journey. Educational, research, or industrial careers each offer their challenges and opportunities. It is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully when making a decision. Ultimately, it is important to choose what best fits your long-term career goals. In this blog, we will explore this topic in detail!

Understanding The PhD Journey

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is the highest academic degree awarded by universities in most fields of study. This program is primarily designed to prepare individuals for conducting original research and contributing to their field of study. A PhD program aims to develop advanced research skills, critical thinking, and expertise in a specific field.

Also read: Master’s vs PhD: Which Degree Is The Right One for You?

Typical Duration And Structure

Depending on the field of study, the country, and the student’s progress, PhD programs typically last three to seven years. PhD programs generally include the following stages:

• Coursework: During the initial phase, students take advanced courses relevant to their field of study to build a strong theoretical foundation.
• Comprehensive Exams: Students usually take comprehensive exams after completing coursework to demonstrate mastery of the subject matter and readiness for independent study.
• Dissertation Research: Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, PhD students conduct original research for their dissertations. A research question is formulated, experiments are conducted, and data is gathered during this phase.
• Dissertation Writing and Defense: The final step is to write a dissertation that presents the research findings in detail and discusses their significance. Students present their work to a committee of experts and answer questions to demonstrate their expertise during a formal defense.

The Role of a PhD in Academic and Professional Careers

A PhD opens up numerous career opportunities in academia, research, and many other fields. PhDs are a prerequisite for faculty positions in academia, enabling individuals to teach and conduct research at the university level. A PhD holder can also find employment in research institutions, government agencies, and private industry, where their expertise is highly valued.

Also read: Doctoral Degrees In The Digital Age: Can You Get A PhD Online?

PhD graduates advance knowledge, solve complex problems, and drive innovation in their fields. Their rigorous training equips them with analytical and problem-solving skills that are useful in a wide range of careers, including consulting, policymaking, and specialized technical work.

The Postdoctoral Experience

The postdoctoral position, also known as a postdoc, is usually a transitional stage in an academic or professional career, usually after completing a PhD. A postdoctoral position provides early-career researchers with an opportunity to deepen their expertise, gain additional research experience, and enhance their professional abilities. Postdoctoral positions also provide an opportunity to develop their teaching and mentoring skills, as well as to build professional networks. They often provide a platform for researchers to become more competitive for jobs in academia and industry.

Related article: Academic Career – Make a Living Out of Learning

Typical Duration And Expectations

Generally, postdoctoral positions last between two and five years, but they can vary depending on the field of study, the funding available, and the specific goals of the research project. Research, publication, and academic participation are all expected during the postdoctoral period.

Aspects to consider

• Postdocs are expected to conduct independent research, often building on their PhD studies. Research in this field is typically more advanced and specialized, leading to significant advances.
• Publication in reputable journals is a crucial aspect of a postdoc. Accreditation and visibility within the academic community depend on publishing.
• For postdocs, grant writing is an essential skill. Grant proposals help sustain research projects and can lead to future career opportunities.
• Postdocs often mentor graduate students and sometimes undergraduate students in their research. Leadership and teaching skills can be developed through this experience.

The Role of a Postdoc in Academic and Professional Careers

In order to become an independent researcher or academic professional, postdoctoral positions play a crucial role. A successful postdoc can lead to faculty positions, tenure-track positions, or other permanent research positions in academia. A postdoc’s advanced skills and experience can lead to research-intensive positions in industry, government, and nonprofits.

PhD and Postdoc: What’s Good and What’s Bad

Advantages of pursuing a phd.

• PhDs allow you to specialize in a particular field. Your original research will contribute to new knowledge in your field, setting you apart from your peers.
• PhDs can open the door to a variety of academic positions, including tenure-track professorships and government or industry research positions. Additionally, it enhances your qualifications for leadership positions.
• PhDs are intellectually rewarding for many. A sense of accomplishment and purpose can be gained from deep investigation and discovery.

Disadvantages of Pursuing a PhD

• A PhD can take 4-7 years to complete, requiring dedication, perseverance, and sustained effort. In addition to rigorous exams, extensive research, and publishing pressure, the journey is often filled with obstacles.
• There is a possibility that PhD stipends and funding will be modest, and the prolonged period of study may delay entry into higher-paying positions. Many students are concerned about the financial burden.
• As a result, there are more PhD graduates than positions available on the academic job market. It can be challenging and uncertain to secure a tenure-track position or a desirable industry job.

Advantages of Pursuing a Postdoc

• Postdoctoral positions allow you to expand your research portfolio and deepen your expertise. You can develop new skills, explore new research areas, and build a more robust academic profile.
• It is common for postdocs to work in highly collaborative environments, allowing them to establish connections with leading researchers and institutions. Collaborations and career opportunities can be enhanced through these networks.
• It is possible to secure competitive academic positions, research grants, and industry roles after completing a postdoc. Managing projects and conducting independent research are demonstrated here.

Disadvantages of Pursuing a Postdoc

• Compared to permanent academic or industry roles, postdoctoral positions are typically temporary and last for 2-3 years. Expertise may not be rewarded financially.
• It remains highly competitive to obtain a permanent academic position after completing a postdoctoral fellowship. Many postdocs face extended periods of uncertainty due to a tight job market for tenure-track positions.
• In postdoctoral research, long hours and high levels of dedication are often required. There is a risk of burnout when balancing professional and personal commitments.

Balancing the Pros and Cons

It’s important to weigh these pros and cons against your personal goals, interests, and circumstances before choosing between a PhD or postdoc. Think about the long-term impact on your career, financial stability, and general well-being. If you want to make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations, you should consult mentors, peers, and professionals in your field.

Key Differences Between PhD and Postdoc

Focus and independence.

Research focus and independence are two of the main differences between a PhD and a postdoc. A PhD program involves guided research under the supervision of a mentor or advisor. As a result of this guidance, PhD candidates gain research skills, formulate hypotheses, and learn how to navigate the complexities of their fields of study. Postdoctoral researchers, however, are expected to conduct independent research. Although they may still work under a principal investigator (PI), they have significant autonomy to pursue their own research ideas.

Responsibilities

There is also a significant difference in the responsibilities associated with each academic stage. Typically, PhD students balance coursework and research, completing required classes, passing comprehensive exams, and working on their dissertations. Teaching assistantships are also common among PhD students. Postdoctoral researchers, on the other hand, focus primarily on advanced research. They are often responsible for publishing their findings, applying for research grants, and mentoring PhD students or junior researchers. Developing a strong research portfolio and establishing a reputation in the academic community is crucial at this stage.

Career Stage

PhDs and postdocs represent distinctly different stages of a scientist’s career. Generally, PhD students are early-stage researchers acquiring the foundational knowledge and skills they need to conduct independent research. When you complete a PhD, you are ready to contribute original research to the field. In contrast, postdoctoral fellows are early-career academics or professionals who have already earned their PhDs. In this stage, they are consolidating their expertise and preparing for permanent positions in academia, industry, or other research-oriented fields.

Funding and Financial Aspects

It is also important to note that the financial aspects of pursuing a PhD versus a postdoc differ as well. To support their studies and research, PhD students usually receive stipends and scholarships. Tuition waivers, living stipends, and health insurance are part of these packages, but they are usually modest and require additional funding through teaching and research assistantships. In contrast, postdoctoral researchers usually receive funding from research grants, fellowships, or institutions. In contrast to permanent academic or industry positions, postdoctoral salaries are often modest, even when compared to PhD stipends. A successful grant application and proposal can help a postdoc secure funding.

Personal and Professional Considerations

The decision between a PhD and a postdoctoral position requires careful consideration of your professional and personal goals. You should consider the following factors when making your decision:

Aligning Your Career Goals with the Right Path

Take a moment to reflect on your career aspirations over the long term. Would you like to work in academia, conducting groundbreaking research and teaching the next generation of scholars? Would you rather work in an industry, where your expertise can be applied to practical problems and innovation? You can determine whether a PhD or postdoc is the right path for you by understanding your ultimate career goals.

Evaluating Personal Interests and Long-term Objectives

Think about what excites you most about your field. A PhD allows you to delve deep into a specific topic, contributing original knowledge to your field. PhDs may be the right choice if you are passionate about discovering new insights and advancing your field. In contrast, if you are eager to refine your skills, gain additional research experience, and collaborate with leading experts, a postdoc may offer the ideal setting.

Considering Work-life Balance and Financial Stability

Postdoctoral positions and PhD programs can be demanding, often requiring long hours and dedication. Your personal life and overall well-being should be considered when evaluating these commitments. Lastly, keep in mind the financial aspect: PhD stipends vary widely, and postdoctoral salaries are generally higher, but may not meet industry standards. Examine the compensation offered by each path in light of your financial needs.

Seeking Advice from Mentors and Professionals in the Field

This is not a decision you should make on your own. Consult mentors, professors, and professionals who have walked these paths before. They can offer valuable insights into the realities of pursuing a PhD or postdoctoral position. To gather a wide range of opinions and advice, attend academic conferences, join relevant professional networks, and participate in discussions. Networking and mentorship can play crucial roles in helping you make informed decisions.

When you carefully consider these factors, you can align your choices with your personal preferences and professional ambitions, making it easier to succeed in your academic or professional endeavors.

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About Aayushi Zaveri

Aayushi Zaveri majored in biotechnology engineering. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Bioentrepreneurship from Karolinska Institute. She is interested in health and diseases, global health, socioeconomic development, and women's health. As a science enthusiast, she is keen in learning more about the scientific world and wants to play a part in making a difference.

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PhD Vs. PostDoc

20 differences between a phd and a postdoc.

Deciding on your academic path can be a bit confusing. You’ve probably heard about getting a PhD and doing a PostDoc , but what do these terms really mean? Well, we’re here to help you make sense of it all in plain and easy-to-understand language.

In this article, iLovePhD breaks down the differences between a PhD and a Postdoc. Think of it as two significant steps in your academic journey. We’ve put together a table with 20 points to tell you everything you need to know. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the academic world for a while, this guide will help you understand the choices ahead.

Let’s start this journey together and explore the world of PhD and Postdoc , making it all clear and simple for you.

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Who actually is a Post-Doctoral fellow?

Many of us often talk about Bachelor's and Master's students, PhD students, researchers, professors, and postdocs.

But, do we know what we actually intend when we say " Post-Doc "?

We all know that a Post-Doc is a person who, after finishing his/her PhD, works for one or two years as a scientist in a scientific research group. Beyond this simple definition, I would like to know what you think about Post-Doc roles inside a laboratory and a group.

What is actually a Postdoc fellow?

Is he a debutant researcher ? Or is he just a ultra-super-student? Or is he half a super-student, and half a researcher?

What is a Postdoctoral fellow supposed to do?

What do you expect from a Postdoctoral fellow?

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• 17 In my neck of the woods, we call debutante researchers PhD students . –  JeffE Commented Jun 26, 2012 at 17:45
• 1 @ArtemKaznatcheev Naaaaahhh... don't think so, they're just graduated students. –  DavideChicco.it Commented Jun 29, 2012 at 10:20
• 37 In general a postdoc is someone that soon realizes he made a huge mistake about his career. –  Stefano Borini Commented Jul 2, 2012 at 21:39
• 9 "We all know that a Post-Doc is a person who, after finishing his/her PhD, works for one or two years as a scientist in a scientific research group." Sorry to say: we don't even know that much. There are many postdocs who are not scientists, and many who work for more than one to two years. –  Pete L. Clark Commented Jun 24, 2014 at 16:41
• 2 According to PhD Comics: phdcomics.com/comics.php?f=1721 . –  Piotr Migdal Commented Jun 25, 2014 at 11:33

9 Answers 9

There are many formal roles that generally fall under the category of "post-doc":

• The simplest is as a post-Ph.D researcher working with a faculty mentor and doing their own research
• Some postdocs have a role as "lab manager": they help with advising students.
• In addition, if given an appropriate title, a postdoc (as "visiting/research faculty") can write their own grants or collaborate on grants that might support them.
• The limit of the above is a pure soft-money position that is not "supervised" by a faculty member. Such faculty are also often called 'research faculty', and may be many years away from a Ph.D
• In wetlabs, a postdoc role might also be as a lab technician or lab manager, handling supplies, tech work (making knockout mice for example).

• 12 I think a post doc is also a temporary/transitory position. I know of some permanent "lab managers", with PhDs, who have no desire to write their own grants or move on. I don't consider them postdocs. –  StrongBad Commented Jun 26, 2012 at 17:30
• 2 Joining @DanielE.Shub, I think research faculty is more or less a permanent position while post-doc is not. –  Stat-R Commented Aug 6, 2012 at 16:54
• I agree with the idea that a postdoc is, by definition, supposed to be a transient position. –  Fomite Commented Jul 13, 2017 at 19:38

In addition to Suresh's answer, I'd say that a postdoc is no longer a student. A PhD student is expected to demonstrate that she can do research, and this is sanctioned by the PhD degree. A postdoc is rather expected to demonstrate that she can be trusted with a permanent academic position.

In my field, postdoc positions usually denote fixed-term positions (between 1 and 3 years) with limited "official" administrative responsibilities (i.e. no involvement in the long-term management of the department). Most postdocs are usually funded on some project, which implies some concrete duties w.r.t. to the project (such as taking care of the "deliverables"). Some are more like "fellowships", where the applicant must come up with her own research agenda. But there is no common basis, and it can varies greatly from one position to another.

• 1 A "fellow" the the holder of a "fellowship". A fellowship may just be a special honor awarded to him. Or it could come with a salary and other perks. –  GEdgar Commented Sep 2, 2015 at 15:55

To quote (jokingly) a rather blunt friend of mine, a post-doctoral fellow is "someone who has a Ph.D. but is still nobody." I don't quite subscribe to so dismal a view, but it usually means someone who hasn't achieved full independence yet (inasmuch as they still have at least a nominal advisor).

I expect a postdoctoral fellow in my group to be a competent researcher who doesn't need much instruction on the basics of how to do research, but might need some training on the particular skills needed in my group. She should be capable of taking over virtually any duty in the group, and would be expected to take on some of the duties that would be associated with being a professor (or staff member in a research lab somewhere). That would mean being responsible for supervising undergraduates doing research projects, occasionally covering lectures, and being responsible for supervising the lab (purchasing equipment, and so on).

That said, the post-doctoral fellow would not be left entirely to her own devices: since she is still effectively in a training situation, she would be given help and advanced notice. I would not just surprise her with duties; they would be assigned per mutual agreement, and always with a specific purpose in mind. (In other words, I am not simply "dumping" duties on the post-doc.)

• 6 In my field, a successful PhD student is already not nobody. –  JeffE Commented Aug 2, 2012 at 21:56
• 1 @JeffE: Fair enough. I don't think that it's quite so dismal. But I do think a postdoc is by definition not quite a fully established individual. I've edited my answer accordingly. –  aeismail Commented Aug 3, 2012 at 13:35

This answer is a bit different from the others. The other answers deal with what a postdoc is . My answer describes the difference between the roles of grad students and postdocs in two ways.

The first distinction is this: A graduate student is an apprentice , while a postdoc is a journeyman .

The academic system in which a student earns a doctorate and eventually becomes an academic is based on the apprenticeship system.

The graduate student is the apprentice . The graduate student is learning his or her craft from the adviser (master). The graduate student hones his or her research skills performing the research of the adviser. Completion of the PhD defense signals that the student has completed the apprenticeship.

The post-doctoral fellow is the journeyman , one who has completed training in the basic skills, but is not yet considered a master. To this end, the postdoc seeks out other masters to learn from. Since the postdoc is not an apprentice, the postdoc is given more freedom to design and implement his or her project. The postdoc is also expected to be able to work with minimal oversight from the adviser. A postdoc journeyman becomes a master upon successfully securing his or her own academic position.

The second distinction is in terms of classification and compensation. At most US institutions, the graduate student is a student . The grad student may receive a stipend and benefits, but someone pays tuition for that student. A postdoc is an employee who receives a salary and benefits. No money is paid back to the institution by (or on behalf of) the postdoc.

• 7 I like and use the apprentice, journeyman, master description I'm not sure that it is correct to say that the academic career path is based on the the ranking system of the old craft guilds. It is just a convenient way to describe the relationship to people outside of academia. –  dmckee --- ex-moderator kitten Commented Jun 27, 2012 at 13:43
• 10 The two systems are related. They both came about in Western Europe in the 11th and 12th centuries. See the similarities described in these wikipedia pages: medieval univeristy and Guild: European History . –  Ben Norris Commented Jun 28, 2012 at 11:45

The NIH link is: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/all_personnel_report_faq.htm#774

This links to a letter to the US National Postdoctoral Association: http://grants.nih.gov/training/Reed_Letter.pdf

At some universities, a Post-Doctoral Fellow is a different title than a Post-Doctoral Researcher due to federal regulations in the USA .

The Post-Doctoral Fellow is paid through a different funding mechanism (e.g., NRSA training grants) and is not considered an employee (thus is excluded from health insurance and retirement benefits) and is treated more like a student (may take classes or do a clinical residency; receives a non-negotiable stipend which is not ordinary income ). There may be a citizenship requirement for this funding mechanism.

The Post-Doctoral Researcher is an employee (qualifies for benefits but does not take classes or receive training). It may be easier to deal with visa requirements through this position.

In both cases, postdocs do research. Neither is guaranteed to advance your career to being a professor, but pretty much everyone has to do it .

• "fellow" is a status w.r.t. to an organization, "researcher" is a description of what you do. I don't see why a post-doctoral fellow isn't always a "post-doctoral research fellow" or "post-doctoral researcher fellow". But, well, I guess sometimes terms are used somewhat artificially. –  einpoklum Commented Mar 1, 2017 at 9:24

A postdoc is also someone that needs to be hired by academia to do a task, that is, a contractor for academia. I am a scientific programmer, but I am hired as a postdoc because that's the only kind of contract they can give in academia. I publish no papers, have no interest in an academic career, and I have no other duties other than coding (or at least that would be the plan).

• 8 In some institutions, you'd be deemed 'research staff' –  Suresh Commented Jul 2, 2012 at 22:54
• 1 In my university, you'd be "research associate" (assegnista di ricerca), not PostDoc. –  DavideChicco.it Commented Jul 3, 2012 at 7:52
• 1 @Suresh it all boils down to the wild west academia lives in when it comes to hiring contracts. Companies trying to hire with the academic terms would be eaten alive by worker unions, but in academia this is somehow considered the norm. –  Stefano Borini Commented Jul 27, 2012 at 12:33
• Because postdocs don't get unions - they are the equivalent of migrant labor –  Suresh Commented Jul 27, 2012 at 14:48
• @Suresh Postdocs ate unionized at Berkeley. –  JeffE Commented Jun 24, 2014 at 13:21

"Whatever else they may be, postdoctorates are one of the greatest bargains in the US economy. Where else can one hire Ph.D.s, whose training and smarts put them among the best and brightest in the world, to work 60 hours a week for $30,000 to $40,000 a year, with limited benefits and little power to influence their working conditions and pay?" -- Richard Freeman, Thanks for the Great Postdoc Bargain

http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_magazine/previous_issues/articles/2002_08_30/nodoi.4149859741665864757

• This does not seem to answer the question. –  StrongBad Commented Jun 24, 2014 at 19:10
• Interesting link. –  Faheem Mitha Commented Jun 26, 2014 at 23:35

In some cases, postdocs are seen as a means to shuffle newly-minted PhD's into "alt-ac" careers. I just came off of one such postdoc myself. Since the postdoc was very programming/data/technology centered, and I actually went back to school to get out of programming, it didn't really take with me.

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What is a Postdoc?

Most people outside of academia know what a PhD is, but a postdoc is more confusing. Are postdocs students? Do they actually earn a degree? Are they called postdoctoral researchers or fellows or scholars or associates or assistants? Let’s clear up some of that confusion.

So, What is a Postdoc?

In many fields, a postdoc is the de facto next step on the academic career path after earning a PhD (hence the name.) A postdoc is a temporary position that allows a PhD to continue their training as a researcher and gain skills and experience that will prepare them for their academic career. Most postdoc positions are at a university or in industry, but there some postdocs positions at nonprofits and in government. While the vast majority of postdocs work in STEM fields, these types of positions are becoming more common in social sciences and the humanities.  

What Does a Postdoc Do?

A postdoc is primarily a researcher who works under the supervision of a mentor as part of a larger research group. As such, they conduct research, either on a pre-specified project or one of their own design and publish that research. At the same time, a postdoc is meant to prepare young researchers to become principal investigators or junior faculty members, so they also take on senior responsibilities like mentoring, grant writing, and teaching.

How Long Are Postdoc Positions?

There is no set length for a postdoc. It will depend on a number of factors such as the university, country of research, PI, or funding. That being said, most positions are two to three years and some can be extended. It is common to do more than one postdoc before applying for faculty positions. Some countries do limit the total number of years a person can work as a postdoc. For example, in Canada and Sweden, it is only possible to be a postdoc for five years total, while there is no limit on postdoc years in the US.

How Are Postdocs Funded?

Postdoc positions can be funded in several ways. Some postdocs are salaried employees of a university, institution, or company. Other times they are paid a stipend from a grant, fellowship, or scholarship. In some countries, the name of the position indicates the funding source. In the UK for example, a postdoctoral assistant works on a project developed for and funded by a grant awarded to the PI, while a postdoctoral fellow is awarded their own fellowship giving them a larger say in the scope of their project.

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What is a postdoc?

Understanding the difference between academic, industry, government, and non-profit positions

A postdoc (or "post-doc," "postdoctoral," or "postdoctoral research") fellowship is a training-focused position available to people who have earned a doctorate. Postdoc positions usually act as a stepping-stone between the student experience and the full-time professional experience. For the postdoc appointee, a postdoc position offers in-depth training. For the postdoc institution or organization, a postdoc is a dedicated researcher, with specialized knowledge but flexible to explore other topics, often with lower a financial cost than a permanent employee.

The most common type of postdoc position is a research-focused position at an academic institution, but postdocs also exist in industry, government, non-profit, and other non-academic organizations. Most postdocs are focused on research, but there are also opportunities in specialized areas such as technology transfer and policy at all types of organizations.

Academic postdocs

Academic postdocs tend to be focused on research and the academic experience. A postdoc typically has a higher degree of freedom in determining the direction of their research than a Ph.D. student. Postdocs are often expected to secure grants (as lead principal investigators or collaborators) and teach courses in addition to completing research objectives and publishing results.

Some research groups may offer high-performing Ph.D. students the opportunity to stay at the same institution, even within the same research group. Treat any offer like this carefully! It is an honor to be recognized as such a benefit to the research group, but will you be able to get the training you need if you stay in the same location? Also be aware that many future employers prefer candidates who have taken risks by moving to a new area (mentally, if not physically) and have broadened their area of expertise.

Industry postdocs

Industry postdocs can vary significantly between organizations. Most have a focus on teamwork, while valuing independent thought and development. A postdoc may be viewed as a "stepping stone" position, somewhere between an entry-level position and a higher-value research position... or it could be a distinguished staff scientist position with an opportunity for higher pay. For many organizations, while the postdoc position is a one to two year contract, it can serve as a pathway to a permanent position within the organization. Many industry postdocs offer easier access to state-of-the-art facilities, whereas many academic postdocs only provide access to these facilities through collaborations with other organizations.

Government postdocs

Government postdocs have some similarities with academic and industry postdocs. Like academic positions, there is often an expectation to publish a high number of manuscripts; however, the salary offered may be higher than that of an academic postdoc. There may be fewer opportunities to write external grants, which could be a detriment to any future applications to an academic (especially tenure-track) position. Depending on the organization, there may be fewer opportunities to teach compared to an academic postdoc. Like industry postdocs, government postdocs can act as a stepping stone to a permanent position within the organization and can provide access to state-of-the-art federal facilities.

Non-profit postdocs

Non-profit postdocs can offer a less traditional option with similar benefits to academic postdocs. The focus of a non-profit postdoc can cover any topic, from food scarcity to sports management. There is likely a strong focus on grant writing and collaborative efforts, although possibly fewer opportunities to teach.

Meet some of the ORISE participants who are advancing scientific research and discovery

ORISE administers STEM education programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal agencies. The diversity of these programs enables individuals—whether undergraduate, graduate, postdoc, or faculty—to conduct collaborative research with national laboratories or at one of DOE's federal agency partners. Learn about how their research experiences have advanced their academic and professional careers.

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Researcher Hub

What is a postdoc part 1.

Posted on: 27 April 2020 by Catherine Kennedy in Blog posts

Since Prosper began, we've often found ourselves facing the question 'so what is a postdoc?' Our Research Staff Developers, Dr Catherine Charlwood and Dr Fiona McBride, look at defining the term and what it means in relation to Prosper.

TL:DR PhD = Student, Postdoc = Staff/employee, Postdoc ≠ student, Postdoc ≠ independently funded researcher in control of their own research direction.

As we’ve talked to employers and third parties about Prosper, it’s become clear that for many outside the academic world, the term ‘postdoc’ is often misunderstood or has no meaning. Even within academia, the specific terms used can vary. In the first of a two-part blog, we’ll seek to clarify what the Prosper project means when we use the term ‘postdoc’. In part two, we’ll explore what a postdoc is in terms of skills and outlook. We’ll also cover the attributes that postdocs bring that make them desirable employees in whatever sector they choose to work.

If you work practically anywhere other than a University, you may not have ever encountered a postdoc in the wild. Perhaps the term means nothing to you whatsoever. If that’s the case, this is the blog post for you! Even for those in the know, are you aware of terminology differences between different disciplines? If not, you’re in the right place.

What is a postdoc?

In many ways, it can be easier to define a postdoc by what they are not. First and foremost, postdocs aren’t students. At a simple level a postdoc is someone who has a PhD, and is now working as a researcher, most typically in a university setting. As former postdocs ourselves, we labour this point as many postdocs find even their own families continually asking them “When are you going to get a job?” or “Still studying? Don’t you get bored?”. While a PhD student is a student studying to achieve a qualification, a postdoc is a member of an organisation’s staff. America’s  National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) answers the question  ‘What is a Postdoc?’ like this:

A postdoctoral scholar (“postdoc”) is an individual holding a doctoral degree who is engaged in a temporary period of mentored research and/or scholarly training for the purpose of acquiring the professional skills needed to pursue a career path of his or her choosing.

As members of the Prosper team, we particularly like this definition as it doesn’t foreclose the outcome of a postdoc: not all postdocs will become academics, and many will choose not to do so. The hidden ‘p’ behind ‘postdoc’ is preparation, because being a postdoc prepares you for a variety of futures in a whole host of ways.

So far, so good. However, this is where some difficulties can start, as specific postdoc job titles can vary. Typically, UK postdocs can be Postdoctoral Research Assistants, Postdoctoral Research Associates (often abbreviated to PDRAs), or Postdoctoral Research Fellows. This last title can be a source of particular confusion, as a fellow or a fellowship holder usually refers to an independently-funded researcher, on their way to becoming a fully-fledged academic. The difficulty is that many fellowships offer no guarantee of a permanent role afterwards (or ‘tenure’ to use the American term), so fellowships are fixed-term and can be precarious like postdoctoral positions. Research Assistant is another tricky category, as sometimes these positions don’t require a PhD, but increasingly (given the saturated market) they are filled by those holding doctorates and become postdoctoral positions by default.

A postdoctoral role is not a permanent position and thus, as What Every Postdoc Needs to Know puts it, “Being a postdoc is not a career”. Researchers can have multiple sequential postdoctoral positions, sometimes even in the same research group, team or institution, but also often relocate for work. A postdoc role has traditionally been viewed as a preparatory role before embarking on an academic career: according to the Medical Research Council’s Interactive Career Framework , a postdoc position constitutes the ‘consolidation’ after your ‘training’ (i.e. your PhD), with a second or additional postdocs described as an ‘exploration’. This makes clear that being a postdoc is an interim career stage, but it’s one which takes you far beyond your student days.

Prosper is keen to gain the insight of the Principal Investigator (PI) community in terms of understanding how best to support postdocs. Speaking recently to Professor Rachel Williams, of Liverpool’s Institute for Ageing and Chronic Disease (IACD), she noted that often postdoctoral positions aren’t viewed as roles that prepare postdocs for moving towards their chosen career path. As such, not enough consideration is given to allotting time and funding to those all-important career development opportunities. In a recent video case study for Prosper, new PI and UKRI FLF fellow Dr Ruth Nugent characterised a postdoc as someone who “wants to explore how they want to proceed [… who] may be upskilling,” again underlining the importance of the development undertaken in a postdoc.

Differences between disciplines

Another important distinction to make for our purposes in Prosper is the difference between a postdoc and an early career researcher (ECR). In STEM subjects, a postdoc refers to someone who holds a PhD and works as a researcher under a supervisor or principal investigator (PI), whereas an ECR is someone who is now at the start of their career as an academic (possibly on a tenure track), who holds their own funding and doesn’t work under a PI. This is where there is a disciplinary difference: postdocs have existed in STEM subjects for a long time and are relatively numerous, but postdocs (as a role) are much newer and scarcer in arts and humanities. Typically, anyone in the arts and humanities with a PhD could refer to themselves as an ECR, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are contracted to an institution in a research capacity – they may be in other roles within universities and conduct their research in their spare time, often unpaid.

What does this mean for Prosper?

In summary, a postdoc holds a PhD, is an employee, is not fully independent (i.e. is not on a tenure track to become a permanent member of academic staff) and is on a short fixed-term contract. This is the definition the Prosper project means when it refers uses the term ‘postdoc’. So, even if your formal job title is not ‘postdoc’, you may identify yourself as fitting our definition of the term ‘postdoc’. We’re looking to be inclusive of all postdocs, working across all disciplines.

Hopefully this piece helps to clarify the myriad terminology used to describe the postdoc population. It’s important to note that in this piece, we are referring to generalisations – things that are typically correct in the UK academic setting. There are exceptions to these rules but we have tried to keep things as clear and concise as possible.

Are there any uses of ‘postdoc’ we’ve missed? Let us know! We’re finding it’s a much more complex picture than you can know from individual experience!

Do you have thoughts, experiences or reflections relevant to Prosper? We’d love to hear from you – get in touch at at [email protected] , or tweet us  @ProsperPostdoc.  

References: Liz Elvidge, Carol Spencley and Emma Williams, What Every Postdoc Needs to Know (London: World Scientific Publishing, 2017).

Keywords: postdoctoral reseacher , Prosper , Wellcome Trust , research culture , covid-19 .

A guide to securing four different types of postdoc positions

Choosing the right one depends on your specific academic background, lived experience, personal interests and career goals.

• One comment

There are many paths to securing a post-doctoral position at a university. Before we explore some of them, let’s start by defining the job. Postdoctoral fellowships are temporary academic appointments that take place during the first five years after completing your doctoral degree. This is a time when you become an independent leader in your field while receiving mentorship and professional training.

While the four most common categories presented here are not a comprehensive list, they may help you find the best fit when searching for a postdoc in the social sciences and humanities.

Type 1: Funding your own postdoc

One pathway to being a postdoc is to apply for funding yourself through an agency, foundation, or university. For example, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) awards 180 postdocs annually through the Banting and SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowship competitions. In the U.S., the National Science Foundation awards 15 to 20 postdoctoral fellowships in the social, behavioral and economic sciences . Also competitive, but often more broad in the fields of research they fund, the American Association of University Women offers the postdoctoral research leave fellowship s to women in tenure-track positions, and the American Council of Learned Societies funds full-time research and/or writing to untenured scholars. Though the application process for these and similar postdocs differ slightly, they all require that you write a proposal that details what you will do during the postdoc and how it will support achieving your professional goals. Some competitions require a faculty nomination or university endorsement in addition to identifying a postdoctoral supervisor.

Type 2: Become a postdoc for a principal investigator (PI)

A second pathway is to look at university job postings in your field. Faculty often hire postdocs to contribute to long-term projects – particularly to conduct fieldwork and data analysis and to contribute to writing research outputs. This reflects my own experience working with three other postdocs on the SSHRC-funded project Urbanization, Gender and the Global South: a transformative knowledge network with our PI, Linda Peake , at the City Institute of York University. Similarly, the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) and the SSHRC-funded project Gender, Health & Caregiver Friendly Workplaces employ postdocs at McMaster University. Much like postdoc positions that you apply for, these opportunities are often funded by research agencies, but the main difference is that the project is being led by the PI, or your employer. While you may not lead your own research in these kinds of postdocs, you will be able to expand your knowledge and skillsets by working closely with others and being mentored by experts in your field. Ideally, the research project you are hired for contributes and aligns with your interests so that you continue to build a career profile.

Type 3: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) postdocs

A third possibility for becoming a postdoc is through fellowships that support scholars who contribute to EDI in higher education. For example, the Associated Colleges of the Midwest coordinates Mellon faculty fellowships for candidates whose backgrounds and life experiences enhance diversity. For over a decade, the Partnership for Faculty Diversity has offered postdoctoral programs at over a dozen universities in the U.S. Called president’s postdoctoral fellowships or chancellor’s postdoctoral fellowships, these programs offer postdocs support to pursue their own research agenda with faculty mentoring, professional development and networking opportunities. At the end of the term, postdocs may be hired to tenure-track positions. While president’s and chancellor’s postdocs exist in many fields, research agencies and universities offer more specific opportunities such the Burroughs Wellcome Fund postdoctoral diversity enrichment program and the Cancer Research Institute’s Irvington postdoctoral fellowship to promote racial diversity for scholars in medical research.

Type 4: Professional postdocs

The fourth type of postdoc involves professional training in a strategic area. For example, the McCall MacBain postdoctoral fellows teaching and leadership program is designed to increase teaching and leadership skills. The Government of Canada postdoctoral research program is aimed at recruiting recent doctorate graduates to public service at various federal departments and agencies such as Natural Resources Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada. Many, like the Cadieux-Léger fellowship , provide doctoral students or recent graduates with direct experience in policy development and research. If a career at a federal department, government agency, or teaching at the high school or university level is your priority, then pursuing a postdoc focused on professional training is an excellent fit.

Whether you are pursuing your own research agenda, collaborating with others, enhancing the EDI of higher education, or preparing for a profession outside of academia, postdocs offer valuable experience. Choosing the right one depends on your specific academic background, lived experience, personal interests and career goals.

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#1 and #4 are great for one’s career, #2 is a recipe for exploitation and stagnating. No idea about the #2. Just my C$ 0.02 as a former (mostly funded through my own fellowships) postdoc.