Postdoctoral researchers
Collaborative and industrial postdoctoral researchers are experienced researchers providing academic focus in a large pharmaceutical environment
Postdoctoral researchers
A postdoctoral position (sometimes referred to as a ‘postdoc’) is an opportunity for those who have completed a PhD and wish to continue researching within an academic institution. Postdoctoral researchers play a significant role within the pharmaceutical sector as they are highly skilled professionals who can use their skills to translate knowledge and theories into therapies and medicines.
Postdocs in the UK
Figure 1. Top 10 academic institutions from the 2024 survey for postdoctoral research. Responses from 13 companies including nil returns.
Postdoctoral research takes place at research institutions which may include hospitals or universities. Our 2024 survey showed the University of Cambridge as the institute delivering the largest number of positions, 41 out of a total of 179 postdocs based within the UK. Second and third position are Imperial College London and University of Oxford, respectively.
Postdocs around the world
Global collaboration massively benefits postdoctoral research such as through the sharing of ideas and facilities. Outside of the UK the most positions were hosted in the USA, followed by Germany. In terms of continents, the most postdoctoral positions were reported for Europe (222 positions).
We captured 'Postdocs' being funded in 27 different countries.
Figure 2. Global map highlighting the location of postdoctoral positions across different countries.
Figure 2. Duration of postdoctoral research in years. 2022 data are compiled from 14 survey respondents including nil returns.
Duration
1 in 2 postdocs are funded for 3-4 years
The duration of postdoctoral positions can vary. Results from our 2024 survey show that 53% of postdocs are funded for 3-4 years. 16% are funded for >5 years, highlighting the demand for long-term pharmaceutical research.
Interested in a joint postdoctoral position?
Find joint postdoctoral positions with the pharmaceutical industry.
Last modified: 18 December 2024
Last reviewed: 18 December 2024