What is a Post Doctoral Degree?

If you're currently a PhD student or a recent doctoral graduate, you may be wondering about pursuing postdoctoral studies. If you've heard the term 'postdoctoral degree' or 'postdoc,' you may have questions about what, exactly, this means.

Postdoctoral degrees, also called postdocs, are not actual degrees; instead, they are paid positions typically referred to as postdoctoral fellowships. These positions allow PhD graduates to refine their research skills and improve senior-level skills such as teaching, grant-writing, and more.

Read on for more information.

What is a Postdoc?

A postdoc is a type of research fellowship for those who have graduated with a PhD degree. Postdocs are usually completed within a few years of getting your PhD. They are common among those in STEM fields but are also becoming more common in humanities and social sciences.

Postdoctoral work allows students to gain additional research experience by completing a research project usually related to their dissertation. They may also have the opportunity to teach and apply for funding in preparation for a full-time academic position.

Postdocs are commonly offered as paid positions at universities or within various industries; other times, they are available through government or nonprofit organizations.

What is the Purpose of a Postdoc?

The primary purpose of a postdoc is to provide career development and teaching preparation in a real-world setting. Many postdoc fellows are preparing for tenure-track teaching or faculty positions, while others plan to enter research careers.

Postdoctoral scholars work under guidance from more experienced faculty but typically have a lot more freedom than they do in graduate school. Aside from conducting postdoctoral research, they also learn to secure funding sources and may be tasked with a variety of academic jobs, including teaching classes.

All of these tasks prepare postdoctoral fellows for their chosen academic career or research position.

How Long Does a Postdoc Last?

Postdoc lengths vary from program to program. In many cases, they last for about one to two years. Some postdoc programs may be a little longer, commonly two to three years. Some of the longest programs may last up to five years. The average program length is determined by:

• the industry
• the amount of funding available
• the school or organization providing the fellowship

Are Postdoc Positions Paid?

Most postdocs are paid positions, though the pay may be lower than full career positions within a given industry. Sometimes a salary is provided by the organization offering the postdoc; other times, fellows are paid a stipend from a grant, scholarship, or another source. Sometimes instead of payment, fellows are offered a benefits package that may consist of:

• vacation time
• insurance
• housing allowances

How Do You Become a Postdoc?

To become a postdoc fellow, graduate students must first complete a doctoral degree. Most complete a PhD, but others may earn an industry-specific doctoral degree. Either during or after completing their degree, individuals can begin applying for postdoc fellowships. You may need to write essays or cover letters to submit with these applications. It's also a good idea to include any relevant academic credentials you may have.

To better your chances of acceptance, you may also want to gain additional research experience. This may be required for some programs. Anywhere between two and five years of research experience is ideal for most doctoral programs.