What is a Post-Doc?

Note: This page is a close variant of one from HERE. I've essentially stolen it because I'm afraid the link might go bad someday and I hate trying to keep up with bad links.

What is a Post-Doc?

Definitions/Descriptions of "PostDoc":

National Research Council, 1981
"a temporary appointment the primary purpose of which is to provide for continued education or experience in research usually, though not necessarily, under the supervision of a senior mentor. Included are appointments in government and industrial laboratories which resemble in their character and objectives postdoctoral appointments in universities. Excluded are appointments in residency training programs in the health professions"

Stephen Sample, President of USC, 1993
"a postdoc is a student who has completed a Ph.D. and who is doing full time research under the general oversight of a senior professor for a year or two prior to taking a permanent position in academe, industry or government."

National Research Council, 1994
"The postdoctoral appointment is a temporary appointment in academia, industry, government or nonprofit research organizations primarily for the purpose of allowing individuals to obtain additional education and training in research"

William Zurneta, author, 1985
"a postdoc is someone who has recently received a Ph.D. and who views the postdoc appointment as prerequisite training or experience for a post in academia, government or industry"

Criteria for a Postdoctoral Appointment:
John Vaughn, Association of American Universities

The appointee was recently awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent.
The appointment is temporary.
The appointment involves substantially full-time research.
The appointment is viewed as preparatory for a full-time academic and/or research career.
The appointment is not part of a clinical training program.
The appointee works under the supervision of a senior scholar or a department in a research university or similar research institution (e.g., national laboratory, NIH, etc.).
The appointee has the freedom, and is expected to publish the results of his or her research during the appointment.