Translation guide
A researcher who has completed a PhD and is engaged in advanced academic work, typically on a temporary contract. In Japanese, this role is expressed with specific academic titles and terms.
postdoctoral fellow
Casual; use 博士研究員 for formal contexts.
The most common and neutral way to refer to a postdoctoral fellow in academic contexts.
Abbreviation of 'postdoc', widely used in Japanese academic circles. Casual but acceptable in many settings.
He is currently doing research at a university as a postdoc.
Formal term meaning 'doctoral researcher'. Commonly used in official documents and job titles.
There is a job opening for a postdoctoral fellow.
Full katakana rendering of 'postdoctor'. Less common than ポスドク but still understood.
I want to gain experience as a postdoctoral fellow.
When referring to a postdoctoral fellow who holds a specific fellowship, such as from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
Abbreviation for JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow. '学振' stands for 日本学術振興会 (JSPS). Very common in Japanese academia.
She was hired as a JSPS postdoctoral fellow.
Full official title for a JSPS research fellow. Used in formal documents.
When listing the position on a CV or in a formal introduction.
ポスドク is the everyday term used among researchers and students. 博士研究員 is the official title used in contracts, CVs, and formal announcements. In spoken academic Japanese, ポスドク is perfectly acceptable even in semi-formal settings.
Dr. Yamada, the postdoc
Taro Yamada, Postdoctoral Fellow
In Japanese academic settings, it is common to refer to a postdoc by their name with an appropriate title (e.g., 先生, さん) rather than constantly using their job title. Context usually makes the role clear.
Apply for a JSPS postdoctoral fellowship.
Employed as a postdoctoral research fellow.