India is now among the top countries globally in terms of PhD output and research publications.
Based on the National S&T Survey 2018 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), there has been increased focus on conducting research across universities, scientific institutions, and industry R&D sectors.
Official data as per AISHE 2019-20 data also show that there are over two lakh Ph.D. enrolments in India in the recent years.
While exploring career opportunities in research and academia, you may come across terms such as PhD and Postdoc.
This can be confusing for you, and you may end up asking: Are PhD and Postdoc the same? Does a Postdoc mean a PhD?
To give you a brief idea, a postdoc, or postdoctoral position, is not a degree. It is a research position pursued after completing a PhD.
A postdoctoral researcher is a scholar who has completed a doctoral degree and conducts advanced research to deepen expertise in their field.
This blog discusses the difference between PhD and Postdoc to help you make an informed career decision.
Understanding the Basics: Postdoc vs PhD
A PhD is the highest academic qualification offered in the majority of disciplines. It aims to develop advanced research skills, critical thinking and subject expertise through original research.
A PhD is often essential for academic positions, such as teaching at universities, as well as for research work in research institutions, government institutions and private industries.
A postdoctoral researcher, or postdoc, is a transitional stage in a professional or academic career for individuals who have already completed their PhD.
Unlike a PhD, which is a degree program, a postdoc is a temporary research position. It helps scholars to pursue faculty positions, tenure-track positions, or other permanent research positions in academia. These people may also seek research-oriented careers in industry, government and non-profit organizations with the help of their advanced skillset and specialized experience.
Key Difference Between PhD and Postdoc
The key difference between Postdoc and PhD lies in their duration, independence, publication, career stage, and supervision. It is also important to note that the funding and financial aspects of pursuing a PhD vs Postdoc differ as well.
The table below illustrates the key difference between Postdoc vs PhD:
| Aspect |
PhD |
Postdoc |
| Duration |
Typically lasts 3–7 years, depending on the field, country, and research progress. |
Usually lasts 2–5 years, depending on the project, funding, and research goals. |
| Main Focus |
Builds foundational research skills through coursework, exams, and dissertation work. |
Focuses on advanced and independent research within a specialised field while contributing to publications, research projects, and academic collaborations. |
| Responsibilities |
Completing coursework, conducting research, writing a dissertation, and often assisting in teaching. |
Conducting independent research, publishing findings, applying for grants, and mentoring students. |
| Level of Independence |
Works under close supervision with research aligned to the supervisor’s broader goals. |
Works more independently while collaborating with faculty members or principal investigators. |
| Funding |
Usually supported through stipends, scholarships, tuition waivers, and assistantships. |
Generally funded through research grants, fellowships, or institutional funding, with a fixed salary or stipend. |
| Supervision Role |
Receives continuous guidance and feedback from supervisors. |
Often mentors PhD, Master’s, or undergraduate students and may help manage research teams. |
| Publication Expectations |
Publications are encouraged but may vary depending on the institution and discipline |
Strong emphasis on publishing research papers, building citation impact, and strengthening academic visibility |
| Work-Life Balance |
Research deadlines and thesis work may create demanding schedules |
Publication pressure, grant expectations, and research output can lead to intensive workloads |
| Career Stage |
Early stage of an academic or research career focused on developing expertise. |
Transitional stage aimed at strengthening research credentials for long-term academic or industry roles. |
| Career Outcome |
Prepares individuals for research, teaching, and specialized professional roles such as
- Associate Professors
- Research Assistants
- Research Scientists
- Policymakers in public sectors or NGOs
|
Helps researchers build a strong academic and research profile for roles such as:
- Faculty members
- Principal investigators
- Senior research scientists
- R&D specialists
|
| Salary |
- Associate Professor: INR 4 to 8 LPA
- Professor: INR 7.8 to 20 LPA
- Research Assistant: INR 3.5 to 5 LPA
- Research Scientist: INR 6 to 12 LPA
|
- Postdoctoral Fellow: INR 5 to 12 LPA
- Senior Research Scientist: INR 8.5 to 9.3 LPA
- Principal Investigator: INR 9.6 to 13.7 LPA
- R&D Specialist/Consultant: INR 7 to 10.4 LPA
|
PhD vs Postdoc: Pros and Cons
PhD and Postdoc both have a long-term impact on the career, financial stability, and general well-being of an individual.
If you are considering a career in these fields, it is important that you weigh the pros and cons, align your interests, and take advice from your mentors before taking the final call.
The difference between Postdoc and PhD with respect to its advantages and disadvantages is as follows:
| Aspect |
PhD |
Postdoc |
| Advantages |
- Develops specialised subject expertise and advanced research skills
- Builds strong analytical, academic writing, and problem-solving abilities
- Creates career opportunities in academia, government research, consulting, and industry R&D
- Enables contribution to original research and innovation within a chosen field
- Strengthens qualifications for senior research and technical roles
|
- Provides greater research independence and opportunities to lead projects
- Strengthens research credibility through publications, conferences, and collaborative projects
- Improves prospects for faculty positions, funded research roles, and specialised scientific careers
- Offers exposure to international research environments, advanced laboratories, and interdisciplinary work
- Helps researchers build professional recognition within academic and research communities
|
| Disadvantages |
- Requires several years of intensive research, coursework, and academic commitment
- Publication expectations, research deadlines, and thesis requirements can create sustained academic pressure
- Funding support and stipends may vary across institutions and research areas
- Delays entry into full-time industry roles and higher salary progression
- Academic and research careers after graduation can be competitive in certain disciplines
|
- Often involves short-term contracts with limited long-term job stability
- Academic career progression may depend heavily on publications, grants, and research output
- Securing permanent faculty or tenure-track positions can remain highly competitive
- Researchers may need to relocate frequently for fellowships, projects, or academic opportunities
- Continued dependence on research funding and project availability may create career uncertain
|
Final Thoughts
A PhD and postdoctoral research represent two important milestones in the research field.
The decision to pursue a postdoc often depends on long-term career goals. If you are interested in a career in academia, advanced scientific research, or specialised research leadership roles, postdoctoral experience can provide valuable exposure.
On the other hand, if you are interested in pursuing industry roles, corporate research, consulting, or applied careers, you can choose PhD.
It is important to understand all the aspects of funding, independence, career outcome and responsibilities before making a decision.
Ultimately, it is important to choose what best fits your long-term career goals.
If you are interested in exploring a career in advanced research fields, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) offers PhD programs as well as Postdoctoral program, in association with the Centre for Research in Functional Materials (CRFM).
Explore the programs. Apply Now!
FAQs
Q1: Does postdoc mean PhD?
A1: No. A postdoc is not the same as a PhD. A PhD is a doctoral degree focused on advanced study and original research, while a postdoc is a research position pursued after completing a PhD.
Q2: What is the difference between PhD and Postdoctoral?
A2: A PhD is an academic degree that trains individuals in research and subject expertise, whereas a postdoctoral position focuses on advanced research, publications, and professional development after earning a PhD.
Q3: Is Postdoc higher than PhD?
A3: A postdoc is not a higher degree than a PhD. It is a temporary research position undertaken after completing a PhD to gain further expertise and research experience.
