Why Post-Doctoral Research is Needed After PhD - Q&A
Why There Is a Need to Do Post-Doctoral Research Even After PhD?
Q1: What is Post-Doctoral (Postdoc) research?
Post-Doctoral research is advanced research work carried out after completing a PhD. It is not another degree, but a professional research position where a scholar works on funded projects under senior scientists to gain deeper expertise.
Q2: If a person already has a PhD, why is Postdoc required?
A PhD proves that a person can perform independent research. A Postdoc helps the researcher to gain specialized skills, learn advanced techniques, improve publication quality, and work on large funded projects. PhD teaches research fundamentals, while Postdoc develops research mastery.
Q3: Is PhD not sufficient to become a professor or scientist?
Academically, PhD is sufficient. However, in practice, competition is very high. Universities and research institutes prefer candidates with strong publication records, international exposure, funded project experience, and proven research productivity, which Postdoc provides.
Q4: How does Postdoc help in getting academic jobs?
Post-Doctoral experience helps in securing Assistant Professor positions, Scientist posts in organizations such as ISRO, DRDO, CSIR, and ICMR, foreign university faculty roles, and research grants. It strengthens both the resume and the research profile of the candidate.
Q5: Is Post-Doctoral research compulsory after PhD?
Post-Doctoral research is not compulsory. However, it is strongly recommended for those who aim for academic careers, research scientist roles, high-level R&D positions, or international research exposure. It is generally not required for industry-oriented jobs.
Q6: Why do foreign universities insist on Postdoc experience?
Foreign universities expect faculty members to demonstrate research independence, high-impact publications, experience in handling large research groups, and the ability to attract research funding. Postdoc experience proves these capabilities.
Q7: Is Postdoc a job or a degree?
Postdoc is a paid research job, not a degree. The researcher receives a monthly fellowship or salary and gains experience in project execution, collaboration, publishing, and mentoring students.
Q8: What is the main purpose of Post-Doctoral research?
The main purpose of Post-Doctoral research is to convert a PhD holder into a professional scientist by strengthening research independence, enhancing technical depth, building international research networks, and preparing for leadership roles in academia and research institutions.
Conclusion
PhD makes a person a researcher, while Post-Doctoral research makes a person a professional scientist. Postdoc is needed because research competition is high, universities demand strong research profiles, funding agencies prefer experienced investigators, and advanced specialization is required in modern science and engineering.