Postdoctoral associates and fellows are valued members of MIT’s community, playing critical roles as trainees and partners in our academic and research enterprise.
Postdoctoral Training Program
Working under the supervision of MIT faculty members, postdoctoral scholars come to MIT to develop their scholarly competence. The postdoctoral period is an integral component of the training necessary for a future, independent research career. A broad training program should be in place, and encompass the following:
- learning techniques and experimental approaches relevant to the research project
- an annual review that includes input by both postdoctoral scholar and faculty mentor, with focus on
- productivity
- feasible career goals
- career development
- guidance in how to set up a research group including
- discussion of how to choose research questions
- practice in writing papers and research proposals
- development of supervisory skills
- development of a network of peers and contacts
- attendance, and presentation of research, at meetings and seminars
- support with regard to life events, such as childbearing
MIT has an established program for ensuring that postdocs receive mentoring and guidance throughout the postdoctoral period, in addition to numerous opportunities for career development and more informal mentoring. Explore MIT postdoctoral demographics and alumni outcomes.
Length of Stay
Postdocs join the MIT community soon after receiving the doctorate, and their length of stay varies depending on area of interest and individual circumstances. Since the postdoctoral position is not intended to be long-term, MIT limits the postdoctoral period to four years, with promotion to the rank of senior postdoctoral associate possible after three years. Extension for a fifth year or promotion to research scientist requires a dean’s or VPR approval.
Associates and Fellows
See Defining Postdoctoral Fellows and Associates for additional information on the postdoctoral position. Postdoctoral associate and postdoctoral fellow appointments are described in detail in MIT Policies and Procedures.