What does postdoctoral mean?
The term postdoctoral refers to a period of study or research undertaken after completing a doctoral degree, typically a PhD. This phase of academic or professional development allows individuals to further specialize in their field, often under the guidance of experienced researchers or professors. Postdoctoral positions, fellowships, or research projects are common in various disciplines, including sciences, humanities, and social sciences. These opportunities enable recent PhD graduates to gain additional expertise, contribute to cutting-edge research, and enhance their career prospects in academia, industry, or government. The postdoctoral experience is a crucial step in the career trajectory of many researchers and scholars.
adjectiveRelating to or denoting a period of study or research undertaken after completing a doctoral degree.
- relating to a period of study or research after a doctoral degree
"The university offers postdoctoral fellowships to recent PhD graduates."
"The postdoctoral researcher worked in the university's biology department."
"She was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship to study climate change."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of postdoctoral
The term postdoctoral is derived from the prefix 'post-', meaning 'after', and 'doctoral', relating to a doctorate or PhD degree. The word has its roots in the Latin 'docere', meaning 'to teach', and emerged in the mid-20th century to describe the period of research or study following the completion of a doctoral degree.
Usage notes
Often used in academic and research contexts to describe positions, fellowships, or research projects.