Postdoctoral Work
Overview
A postdoc, short for "postdoctoral fellowship” (and “postdoctoral fellow"), is a fixed period of advanced research and training for someone who holds a PhD (or MD, other doctorate, or the equivalent), usually in a setting other than one’s graduate institution. Universities, public and private research centers, and industrial businesses employ postdocs to further goals that are ideally mutually beneficial to the postdoc and the employer. The postdoc lends his or her expertise to the employer’s project, and in return the employer provides mentoring and guidance that broadens the scope of the postdoc’s professional experience. The term of postdoctoral work typically ranges from 1-3 years. The National Postdoctoral Association represents postdoctoral interests.
Postdoctoral experience is increasingly emphasized as a prerequisite for faculty positions at research universities and top tier liberal arts institutions (and for advanced research positions beyond academe) in many fields, especially in the sciences and engineering. Interesting postdoctoral opportunities also exist in the humanities and social sciences. A postdoctoral fellowship affords the opportunity to expand and deepen one’s research and may provide the chance to teach.
For information on the postdoctoral experience at the University of Virginia, please see Postdoctoral Programs.
Gearing Up for the Search
If you choose to apply for postdoctoral positions, be sure to have a proactive strategic plan that supports your long-term career objectives. In a recent survey sponsored by Science Careers, participating postdocs rated the following factors as most critical in their choice of which postdoctoral positions to pursue: the principal investigator and the vision/direction of the his or her group, good mentoring, chances to network, and opportunities for funding/grants for the postdoc’s own research.
Getting connected professionally is arguably the most effective way to find a postdoctoral position, by meeting people at scholarly conferences, by cultivating solid relationships with faculty in your department and with other professionals in your field. Keep your eyes and ears open within your department for news of advertised positions and more privately circulated openings. You may also consider sending unsolicited letters of application, along with your CV, to labs and research centers that especially interest you. The key is to put yourself out there. Make a case for your qualifications and at the same time express interest and a willingness to learn. Because postdoctoral opportunities are available both within academe and beyond, you will find relevant information in the Academic Careers and Careers Beyond Academe sections of this website. Below are particularly useful additional resources.
Resources
Resources on Postdocs and How to Find Opportunities
Biology Postdoctoral Fellowships, MIT Biology Postdoctoral Association
Enhancing the Postdoctoral Experience for Scientists and Engineers: A Guide for Postdoctoral Scholars, Advisers, Institutions, Funding Organizations, and Disciplinary Societies, The National Academies Press (2000)
Funding Your Research: How to Apply for an NRSA, University of Pennsylvania Career Services and Office of Postdoctoral Programs
National Postdoctoral Association: Graduate Students
National Postdoctoral Association: Career Development Resources
Nationally Coveted College Scholarships, Graduate Fellowships and Postdoctoral Awards
NIH Research Training & Research Career Opportunities: Career Resources
National Science Foundation Pathways to Science Portal (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Pasteur Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in Paris (US citizenship required)
PhDs.org: Science, Math, and Engineering Career Resources
Postdoc Jobs
Lists academic and nonacademic postdoctoral positions, mostly in the sciences. Includes info on fellowship and scholarship opportunities, a resume bank, and career-related advice.
Postdoc Salary Information (2002), National Institutes of Health
Postdoctoral Fellowships in the Biological Sciences, University of California at Berkeley
Postdoctoral Funding Opportunities and Resources, University of Pennsylvania Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs
Search Google for Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships, especially for opportunities in the humanities and social sciences.
Search the Chronicle of Higher Education for “Teaching Fellow” positions.
Recommended Reading
"A 10-Step Plan for Better Postdoc Training,” Postdoctoral Fellows Focus Group, Scientist (2006)
"A Different Kind of Postdoc,” Hadass Sheffer and Judith Pinch, Chronicle of Higher Education (2001)
"Finding the ‘Perfect Postdoc’ for You,” (.pdf) Carol L. Manahan
"Going in With Your Eyes Open: What to Ask Before Accepting a U.S. Postdoctoral Position,” (.pdf) Chiara Gamberi and Derek Scholes
"How to Become a Successful Postdoc,” Mika Ono Benedyk, The Scripps Research Institute
"Industrial Postdocs: The Road Less Traveled," Laura Bonetta, Science Careers (2008)
Note: Provides links to great opportunities at the end of the article.
"In Pursuit of a Postdoc,” Amber Watson, Chronicle of Higher Education (2004)
"Postdocs for Humanists,” Peter S. Cahn, Chronicle of Higher Education (2002)
"Success Factors for Postdocs: Be Prepared!,” Peter Gwynne, Science (2006)
Excellent article.