# postdoctoral

/ˌpoʊstˈdɑkˌtɝəɫ/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/postdoctoral
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

relating to research or study that someone does after they have finished their PhD. It describes a specific stage in a person's university career.

For teachers: relating to research or academic work conducted after the completion of doctoral studies. Typically used attributively to modify nouns like 'research', 'fellowship', or 'position'.

## Examples

- She is looking for a postdoctoral position in biology.
- After finishing his PhD in history, he applied for several postdoctoral fellowships to continue his research on ancient trade routes.
- The university offers a competitive postdoctoral program designed to bridge the gap between doctoral graduation and a permanent faculty appointment through intensive independent research.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often shortened to 'postdoc' in informal academic speech.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.