Postdoctoral: meaning, definitions and examples
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postdoctoral
[ ˌpəʊstˈdɒktərəl ]
academic position
Postdoctoral refers to a stage of academic or professional training that occurs after the completion of a doctoral degree (Ph.D.). Individuals in postdoctoral roles, often called postdocs, engage in advanced research or study under the mentorship of established scholars. This period is crucial for developing a deeper expertise in a specific field, enhancing research skills, and contributing to academic publications. Postdoctoral positions can be temporary and are typically designed to prepare individuals for faculty or independent research roles.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She accepted a postdoctoral position to further her research.
- Many scientists seek postdoctoral fellowships to gain additional experience.
- He published several papers during his postdoctoral studies.
Translations
Translations of the word "postdoctoral" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pós-doutorado
🇮🇳 पोस्टडॉक्टोरल
🇩🇪 Postdoktorand
🇮🇩 pasca-doktoral
🇺🇦 постдокторантура
🇵🇱 postdoktorancki
🇯🇵 ポスドク
🇫🇷 post-doctorant
🇪🇸 postdoctoral
🇹🇷 doktora sonrası
🇰🇷 박사후
🇸🇦 ما بعد الدكتوراه
🇨🇿 postdoktorandský
🇸🇰 postdoktorandský
🇨🇳 博士后
🇸🇮 poddoktorski
🇮🇸 doktorsnáms
🇰🇿 докторанттан кейінгі
🇬🇪 პოსტდოქტორანტი
🇦🇿 postdoktorant
🇲🇽 postdoctoral
Etymology
The term 'postdoctoral' combines the prefix 'post-', meaning 'after', with 'doctoral', which is derived from 'doctor', originally from the Latin 'docere', meaning 'to teach'. The use of 'postdoc' in academia began to gain prominence in the late 19th to early 20th century as higher education institutions expanded, and the need for advanced research became evident. Postdoctoral fellowships were established as a means for newly minted Ph.D. graduates to further their research skills, gain mentorship, and contribute to their fields before securing permanent academic positions. This phase is now recognized as a vital step in the academic career trajectory, and many scholars regard it as essential for gaining independence in research and developing a professional network.