Definition
A temporary research position after earning a PhD, supposedly providing additional training but often serving as exploited labor before the real job market. It's academia's extended adolescence, where you're too qualified to be a student but not qualified enough for a permanent position.
Example Usage
After completing her PhD, she took a two-year post-doc position earning barely more than a graduate stipend while publishing frantically.
Origin
Shortened from 'postdoctoral researcher,' positions became common in the sciences after World War II.
Fun Fact
The average length of post-doctoral positions has increased from 2-3 years to 4-5 years or more, with some researchers doing multiple post-docs before landing permanent positions.
Related Terms
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