predoc

Predoc, short for predoctoral researcher, is a term used in academia to describe an individual who is working toward a doctoral degree but has not yet earned it. The exact meaning and status of a predoc vary by country and institution, but generally it refers to someone who is enrolled in graduate study or hold a predoctoral research appointment funded to perform research in preparation for PhD candidacy.

Predocs typically engage in original research under supervision, contribute to project planning, conduct experiments or data analysis, and prepare scholarly outputs such as manuscripts or conference papers. They may also be required to complete doctoral coursework, pass qualifying exams, and develop a thesis proposal. In many settings, predocs participate in seminars, teaching activities, or mentoring of junior researchers as part of their professional development.

Funding and duration for predoc positions vary. They are commonly supported by university fellowships, research grants, or departmental funds. The appointment length can range from one to several years, depending on program structure, funding availability, and progress toward candidacy. Some predoc roles are formal steps within a PhD program, while others are transitional research appointments for individuals awaiting formal admission to candidacy or PhD enrollment.

Relation to other positions: a predoc is distinct from a postdoc in being pre-doctorate in status. Postdocs are typically researchers who have already earned a PhD and work on advanced, often independent, projects. The term predoc is not universally used and its precise definition can differ across institutions and national systems.