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.
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.
彼は今、ポスドクとして大学で研究しています。
He is currently doing research at a university as a postdoc.
Formal term meaning 'doctoral researcher'. Commonly used in official documents and job titles.
博士研究員の募集があります。
There is a job opening for a postdoctoral fellow.
Full katakana rendering of 'postdoctor'. Less common than ポスドク but still understood.
ポストドクターとしての経験を積みたいです。
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.
彼女は学振PDとして採用されました。
She was hired as a JSPS postdoctoral fellow.
Full official title for a JSPS research fellow. Used in formal documents.
日本学術振興会特別研究員に応募する。
Apply for a JSPS postdoctoral fellowship.
When listing the position on a CV or in a formal introduction.
The standard formal term. Often used in official university titles.
職歴：○○大学博士研究員
Work history: Postdoctoral Fellow at XX University
A hybrid term combining 'postdoc' and 'researcher'. Less formal but still used.
ポスドク研究員として勤務。
Employed as a postdoctoral research fellow.
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.
ポスドクの山田さん
Dr. Yamada, the postdoc
博士研究員の山田太郎
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.