Postdoc Categories
Postdocs make important contributions to GW’s research mission.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) define a postdoc as an individual who has received a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary and defined period of mentored advanced training to enhance the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue their chosen career path.
At GW, postdoctoral associates and postdoctoral scholars (collectively referred to as postdocs) design, organize and conduct specialized and advanced experiments using established scientific protocols, troubleshoot and design new protocols, summarize findings and publish results in research journals, under the general supervision of a faculty member.
In some cases, postdocs assume responsibility for general scientific operations in the lab, and/or provide supervision and guidance to laboratory staff, students and other researchers.
Postdoc Associate vs. Postdoc Scholar
The primary difference between the postdoctoral associate and postdoctoral scholar is the nature of financial support for the position.
Postdoctoral Associates:
- hold a PhD or equivalent degree;
- develop skills by participating in scholarly projects that are actively mentored by a member of the university faculty;
- receive financial support in the form of a salary that is typically funded by grants, contracts or departmental funds secured by a faculty mentor; and
- have a limited term of up to five years at GW.
Postdoctoral Scholars:
- hold a PhD or equivalent degree;
- develop skills by engaging in a mentored training relationship with a member of the university faculty;
- receive financial support in the form of a fellowship or stipend, paid by GW on behalf of an external sponsor and where the external sponsor does not allow for employment by GW; and
- have a limited term of up to five years at GW.
If you are uncertain of your current or prospective postdoc classification, i.e. postdoctoral associate versus postdoctoral scholar, you may email [email protected] to confirm.