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Concept
Postdoctoral researcher
Summary
A postdoctoral fellow, postdoctoral researcher, or simply postdoc, is a person professionally conducting research after the completion of their doctoral studies (typically a PhD). Postdocs most commonly, but not always, have a temporary academic appointment, sometimes in preparation for an academic faculty position. According to data from the US National science foundation. The number of holders of PhD in Biological sciences who end up in tenure track has consistently dropped in the last decades from over 50% in the 1970s to contemporary levels of 20% [direct reference needed]. They continue their studies or carry out research and further increase expertise in a specialist subject, including integrating a team and acquiring novel skills and research methods. Postdoctoral research is often considered essential while advancing the scholarly mission of the host institution; it is expected to produce relevant publications in peer-reviewed academic journals or conferences. In some countries, postdoctoral research may lead to further formal qualifications or certification, while in other countries, it does not.
Postdoctoral research may be funded through an appointment with a salary or an appointment with a stipend or sponsorship award. Appointments for such a research position may be called postdoctoral research fellow, postdoctoral research associate, or postdoctoral research assistant. Postdoctoral researchers typically work under the supervision of a principal investigator. In many English-speaking countries, postdoctoral researchers are colloquially referred to as "postdocs".
Due to the nature of their work in some fields, and an over-supply of graduating PhD students in many fields, some postdoctoral researchers in certain countries face an uncertain future in academia, and a large proportion will not gain tenure or a coveted faculty position in their chosen field of research.
A study on the topic was conducted in collaboration between Virginia tech and MIT in 2018. The authors found that only about 17% of postdocs ultimately land tenure-track positions.
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