Establishment Definitions
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Understanding the variety of definitions
Establishments may have two general types of “postdoc” definitions that serve different purposes:
- Functional (descriptive) definitions highlight the requirement, purpose, and scope
- Policy-based (prescriptive)definitions aim to focus on future outcomes and the quality of the postdoc experience
Key elements of a “postdoc” definition
GSS RBS respondents were asked to identify overlap between the GSS definition of a postdoc and the definition favored by their own departments, programs, or centers.
The most important attributes were that a postdoc appoint is:
- ‘PhD or PhD-equivalent degree'
- ‘Supervision by a senior scholar’
- Intended for ‘training in research’
Distinguishing postdocs from other research staff
The quick-turnaround list assessment of establishments illuminated some descriptors that may distinguish postdocs from other researchers. Them important criteria are that postdoc appointments are:
- ‘Primarily for training in research’
- ‘For a defined period of time’
- ‘Temporary’
Addressing other complications
Discussions of institutional postdoc definitions should also include postdoc policies, although many institutions have neither.
PDP also discovered that for some institutions there is:
- One individual with knowledge of postdoc policies and definintions
- One individual charged with providing the actual data
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