Postdoctoral research is a stage of training and development for researchers who have recently obtained their doctoral degree. Its objective is to delve into a specialized topic and postdoctoral researchers are expected to produce publications and contribute to the academic mission of the host institution. In this post we will try to answer the question: What is a post-doc?

In Spain, there are various funding systems for postdoctoral research, which may come from national and/or autonomous funds. These contracts allow the doctor to deepen his area of doctoral research or explore new areas over a period of two years, while receiving a salary from the state. However, the only condition is that these two years must be carried out outside the institution where the doctorate was obtained. Many of the doctors who obtain this type of contract prefer to carry out their research abroad, since this can grant greater prestige when entering the university labor market.

What is a post-doc?

Postdocs fall into two different types based on the way the work is done. The calls are usually clear as to which category the candidate belongs to.

One of these types is to reach an already formed work team, generally led by a head of research. In this case, the study topics are already defined and the candidate is expected to contribute her experience and collaborate on the project topics according to her abilities.

The other type is to bring a work plan proposed by the candidate. In this case, the candidate does not join a specific laboratory or team, but joins the department with their own research project, related to the topics covered in the department, and collaborates with their colleagues.

It is important to mention that these categories often have common elements and that some postdocs may have part of both in their daily lives. Additionally, post-docs may have teaching responsibilities in addition to research.

Conclusion

In summary, a postdoctoral program is a stage of training and development for researchers who have recently graduated as PhDs, whose objective is to delve into a specialized topic and produce scientific publications. It can be financed through a contract with a salary or sponsor and can last several years. Postdoctoral researchers can work in industry or in an academic career, and in the latter case, they can join an already formed work team or propose their own research project.

In Spain, there are different funding systems for postdoctoral research, which can come from national and autonomous funds and offer a salary for two years, provided they are carried out outside the institution where the doctorate was obtained.