What Do Postdoctoral Fellows Do?
Wondering what the job is really like for postdoctoral fellows?
You've come to the right place.
Keep reading to find detailed information about what postdoctoral fellows do, including the type of work they are tasked with on a daily basis, industries in which they work, and the specific skills needed for a successful career.
Postdoctoral Fellows Overview & Description
Let's get started with the basics about postdoctoral fellows by taking a look at a simple description and popular job titles.
Postdoctoral Fellows study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.
Popular Job Titles For Postdoctoral Fellows
Sample of Reported Job Titles
- Sociologists
- Artificial Intelligence Managers
- Postdoctoral Fellows
- Vice Presidents/Economists
Read on for insight into the industries where the highest concentration of jobs for postdoctoral fellows can be found.
Best Industries for Postdoctoral Fellows
Postdoctoral Fellows Jobs By Industry
- Scientific Research and Development Services: 29.5%
- State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals: 24.1%
- Education and Hospitals (State Government): 22.6%
- Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals: 4.5%
- Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services: 4.4%
- Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: 3.4%
- Other: 11.5%
When it comes to jobs in the United States, the largest single category of postdoctoral fellows can be found working in the Scientific Research and Development Services sector. In 2023, about 29.5% of all jobs for postdoctoral fellows were found there.
Other top industries by percentage include State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals (24.1%), Education and Hospitals (State Government) (22.6%), Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals (4.5%), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (4.4%) and Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (3.4%).
Top Online College For Working Adults
Franklin University is a top choice for adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 affordable bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.
Degree Options for Postdoctoral Fellows
Identify opportunities to improve the quality of life for people with a customizable major intended to help you achieve your career goals.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
What Do Postdoctoral Fellows Do on a Daily Basis?
So you have a high-level understanding of what postdoctoral fellows do and the types of industries in which they work - but what do they really do each day?
A great way to understand the type of work postdoctoral fellows do is to examine actual job postings and focus on the specific skills that employers are seeking. That will help paint a clearer picture of the tasks that postdoctoral fellows tackle each day.
Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for postdoctoral fellows, as well as common skills - interpersonal qualities and attributes - that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Postdoctoral Fellows
Based on 29 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Postdoctoral Fellows
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 28 | 97% |
| Artificial Intelligence | 8 | 28% |
| Machine Learning | 8 | 28% |
| Demography | 7 | 24% |
| Focus Group | 7 | 24% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Postdoctoral Fellows
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Research | 14 | 48% |
| Communication | 12 | 41% |
| Writing | 11 | 38% |
| Innovation | 8 | 28% |
| Operations | 8 | 28% |
Based on 29 job postings related to postdoctoral fellows, sociology was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 97% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for artificial intelligence, machine learning, demography, focus group and public policies were also highly sought.
As for common skills, research was the most desired skill found in job postings for postdoctoral fellows, followed by communication, writing, innovation, operations and english language.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 28 | 97% |
| Artificial Intelligence | 8 | 28% |
| Machine Learning | 8 | 28% |
| Demography | 7 | 24% |
| Focus Group | 7 | 24% |
| Public Policies | 7 | 24% |
| Survey Methodologies | 7 | 24% |
| Economics | 4 | 14% |
| Social Work | 4 | 14% |
| Multidisciplinary Research | 3 | 10% |
| Research Funding | 3 | 10% |
| Agriculture | 2 | 7% |
| Anthropology | 2 | 7% |
| Biology | 2 | 7% |
| Business Development | 2 | 7% |
| Chronic Diseases | 2 | 7% |
| Communicable Diseases | 2 | 7% |
| Data Collection | 2 | 7% |
| Data Visualization | 2 | 7% |
| Disease Management | 2 | 7% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Research | 14 | 48% |
| Communication | 12 | 41% |
| Writing | 11 | 38% |
| Innovation | 8 | 28% |
| Operations | 8 | 28% |
| English Language | 7 | 24% |
| Management | 6 | 21% |
| Report Writing | 5 | 17% |
| Coordinating | 4 | 14% |
| Ethical Standards And Conduct | 3 | 10% |
| Influencing Skills | 3 | 10% |
| Leadership | 3 | 10% |
| Mentorship | 3 | 10% |
| Microsoft Excel | 3 | 10% |
| Microsoft Office | 3 | 10% |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | 3 | 10% |
| Presentations | 3 | 10% |
| Active Listening | 2 | 7% |
| Analytical Skills | 2 | 7% |
| Critical Thinking | 2 | 7% |
Most In-Demand Jobs for Postdoctoral Fellows
Top 5 Posted Job Titles
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Sociologists | 43 | 87.8% |
| Artificial Intelligence Managers | 3 | 6.1% |
| Postdoctoral Fellows | 2 | 4.1% |
| Vice Presidents/Economists | 1 | 2% |
According to job postings that were published between September 2022 and August 2023, the top job sought by employers was sociologists, with 25 unique job postings. Artificial intelligence managers were second, with 1 postings, followed by postdoctoral fellows and vice presidents/economists.
Expand the section below to see unique job postings for all occupations related to postdoctoral fellows.
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Sociologists | 43 | 87.8% |
| Artificial Intelligence Managers | 3 | 6.1% |
| Postdoctoral Fellows | 2 | 4.1% |
| Vice Presidents/Economists | 1 | 2% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information for postdoctoral fellows? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for postdoctoral fellows.
How much do postdoctoral fellows make?
Postdoctoral Fellows: How do you become one?
All Occupations
The Best Adult Colleges and Careers Guide has compiled data for dozens of in-demand jobs. Explore our full catalog of occupation data by visiting the link below.