postdocs

Postdocs

What Is a Postdoc?

A postdoctoral associate or fellow is an individual who has earned a doctoral degree (or its equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary period of advanced academic or research training under the mentorship of a Yale faculty member.

This training is designed to:

  • Deepen research expertise

  • Foster independence

  • Build the professional skills necessary for a successful academic, industry, or public sector career

Postdoctoral appointments at Yale are typically:

  • One year in duration, with the possibility of annual reappointment

  • Capped at four years, with a potential extension to a fifth or sixth year if aligned with the postdoc’s career development goals

  • The total term of postdoctoral appointments may not exceed six years, including previous postdoctoral experience at other institutions.