A postdoc, or postdoctoral researcher, is a person who conducts research professionally after completing their doctoral studies. Postdocs are typically temporary academic appointments that act as a stepping-stone between the student experience and full-time professional experience.
Postdocs are usually at a university or in industry, but there are also some postdoc positions at nonprofits and in government. Postdocs can be used to gain further skills and training for other careers, not just academia.
Postdocs can:
- Continue their training as a researcher
- Gain skills and experience that will prepare them for their academic career
- Develop independence
- Hone technical skills
- Focus research interests
- Contribute to their industry’s body of knowledge
Postdocs may be renewed annually on a fiscal year basis for up to four years.
