Postdocs can be a bit of a cloudy maze – many are not sure what they do, or how they compare to a professor or other roles in the academic world. So, what is a postdoc really?
A postdoc is usually an entry-level, temporary academic position for PhD graduates. Postdocs usually conduct advanced research, write research papers and apply for grants, as well as to network and enhance qualifications.
In this post, we explore what is a postdoc, what they actually do, and how much they get paid. We also look into how you can become one.
What Is A Postdoc In Academia?
A postdoc, or postdoctoral researcher, is a temporary academic position for PhD graduates to conduct
- advanced research,
- publish findings,
- expand expertise, and
- enhance qualifications for faculty or industry roles.
You’ll typically find postdoctoral fellows juggling experiments, manuscripts, and funding proposals. Postdocs are almost, at all times, PhD holders, although some exceptions do exist.
Under the supervision of a principal investigator, postdocs work hard to prove they can lead independent projects someday. Think of it as “academic boot camp.”
Most postdocs are temporary—often two to four years—and come with some sort of stipend, either as an allowance or salary.
The postdoc experience isn’t just lab work—it’s professional survival training. You’ll need to master grant writing, run research groups, and publish enough to stay competitive in the tenure-track race.
Some postdocs pursue faculty positions, climbing the academic ladder to finally become a tenured, full professor. Others pivot to non-academic careers, using their mentored research experience to land roles in industry, technology transfer, or consulting.
What Does Someone In Postdoc Position Do?
A a postdoc, you generally perform a wide variety of work.
These tasks usually help to advance research for your institution, while building your reputation in your field.
Design and Run Experiments
Whether you’re in life sciences or social science research, your postdoc position means diving into experiments.
You’ll spend hours in the lab—or field—collecting data, running tests, and troubleshooting. One failed protocol can set you back weeks, but that one breakthrough? Career gold.
Write… a Lot
Postdoctoral research means constant writing. Grant proposals, academic papers, and fellowship applications dominate your to-do list.
Getting funding for your institution often require near-perfect submissions. Your postdoc experience could make or break your career path, so every draft counts.
Mentor Graduate Students
Your principal investigator (PI) may ask you to guide a few Ph.D. candidates.
You’ll train them on lab techniques, read their drafts or help them process and understand their data. You may even need to help them to use AI to organize their research work, be it to:
Some postdocs love it. Others feel like unpaid teaching assistants.
Hunt for Grants and Fellowships
Securing your next research position often depends on external funding agencies. This means mastering the art of writing convincing proposals.
Grant funders doesn’t hand out money easily, so your grant-writing skills need to be sharp. Postdocs who excel here often have the upper hand in applying for faculty positions.
Publish or Perish
A postdoc isn’t just about discovery—it’s about publishing your findings before someone else does.
The more peer-reviewed papers you have, the stronger your case for a tenure-track faculty spot.
Some postdocs crank out papers like it’s their side hustle. This is something you want to do yourself, aside from getting used editing your article to what the journal reviewers want.
Network at Conferences
Academia thrives on connections. Postdocs present at conferences to showcase their research, and impress potential collaborators.
Ace your presentation, and you might just catch the attention of mentors who might recommend them for future academic positions.
If you’re lucky, you’ll leave with a few new contacts, proposals—and free coffee.
Plan Your Next Move
A postdoc is generally a short-term research position, but the academic career path is long and uncertain.
You’ll need to balance finishing your postdoctoral training while applying for the next big opportunity. In most cases, this means to secure a role as an assistant professor.
To those that have had enough with the academic world, they shift into industry to escape the never-ending job search.
How Much Do Postdoctoral Researchers Make?
Postdocs do get paid a salary. Salaries for postdocsin the U.S. typically start around $50,000 to $60,000 per year. That’s after:
- earning a doctoral degree,
- surviving grueling Ph.D. years, and
- landing a competitive postdoctoral position.
So why does postdoc pay seem stuck at entry-level?
A big reason is funding. Postdoc salaries are often tied to grants from agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) or the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Many fellowships follow a strict stipend cap, which doesn’t always keep up with the cost of living.
If you’re part of a research group working on a tight budget, salary negotiations aren’t really an option.
Another factor is how academia views postdoctoral training. Postdocs are seen as researchers who are “still learning,” even though they’ve been steeped in academic research for years.
Your principal investigator (PI) may remind you that your low pay comes with “valuable experience”—an easy line to toss out when they’re tenured with job security.
The postdoc experience also varies by field. Postdocs in life sciences or social sciences often face lower pay compared to their counterparts in engineering or tech-related research.
Some private institutions or labs with industry ties offer higher salaries, but landing those positions requires impeccable credentials and connections.
Then there’s the reality that many postdocs pursue academic careers in hopes of securing tenure-track faculty positions. The postdoc years become an expensive gamble.
You spend time building publications and professional skills, only to find limited permanent positions.
Some postdocs even pivot to non-academic careers, lured by higher pay as research associates or industry scientists.
Postdoctoral researchers deserve more than “experience” and a handshake. But as long as academia relies on short-term research positions, low pay will remain a frustrating part of the postdoc path.
How Do You Become A Postdoc?
The process to become a postdoc can be difficult, but if you are set to enter the academic world, the journey will be worth it.
1. Earn Your Doctoral Degree – Before anything else, you need a Ph.D. Whether it’s in life sciences, engineering, or social sciences, this degree proves you’re ready for postdoctoral research. Apply for a PhD position, work hard, and graduate.
2. Find a Research Focus – Decide what excites you. A postdoc isn’t just an extension of your doctoral work—it’s an opportunity to focus your research interests or explore something slightly different. Your area of expertise should align with your career goals.
3. Search for Postdoc Positions – Look for open postdoctoral positions that match your skills. University websites, the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA), and research conferences can lead to great leads.
4. Reach Out to Principal Investigators (PIs) – If there’s a research group you admire, email the PI directly. Be concise but specific about why you want to join their team. Mention your skills and how they fit the lab’s focus.
5. Prepare a Strong Application – Postdoctoral applications often need a tailored CV, cover letter, and reference letters. You’ll also submit a research statement. Funding agencies love clear, detailed proposals, so show off your grant-writing chops.
6. Interview and Secure Funding – Some universities offer stipends through institutional fellowships, but many postdocs must secure their own funding. Be prepared to discuss your ability to manage resources during the interview.
7. Accept the Offer and Start Postdoctoral Training – Once you receive an offer, you’ll finalize your contract and dive into postdoctoral studies and work. Good luck!
Postdoctoral Position – The Start Of Your Academic Career
There you go, what is a postdoc, answered. Postdoctoral researchers play a crucial role in advancing scientific discovery while refining their professional skills.
Whether pursuing a tenure-track position or transitioning into industry, the postdoc experience offers valuable training and career development.
Though challenging, it’s a important, and required step for you, if you are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and research.
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FAQ
What is a postdoc?
A postdoc is a temporary academic position for PhD graduates to conduct research and build expertise.
How long do postdoc positions typically last?
Postdoc positions usually last two to four years.
What key task helps postdocs secure future roles?
Writing grant proposals and publishing research papers are key tasks.
Why do postdocs receive low salaries?
Postdoc salaries are often tied to limited grant funding.
What do postdocs need before applying for a postdoc position?
They need a PhD and a clear research focus aligned with career goals.
