Postdoc in Africa Should you do a post-doctoral fellowship - Blog feature image

Postdoc in Africa: Should you do a post-doctoral fellowship?

Postdoc in Africa: Should you do a post-doctoral fellowship? A million-dollar question for scholars in Africa, is it not? Let’s discuss.

A recent article in Nature highlighted some challenges facing postdocs in Africa. In this article, we give some background information on what a postdoc is, and whether you should consider doing one after your PhD. 

What is a postdoc?

A postdoctoral fellow, often referred to as a postdoc, is a person who conducts professional research after completing their doctoral studies, typically a PhD.

This is a temporary position that allows a PhD graduate to continue their training as a researcher and gain skills and experience that will prepare them for their academic career.

How do postdocs work?

Postdocs primarily work under the supervision of a mentor as part of a larger research group.

They conduct research, either on a pre-specified project or one of their own design, and publish that research.

At the same time, a postdoc is meant to prepare young researchers to become principal investigators or junior faculty members, so they also take on senior responsibilities like mentoring, grant writing, and teaching.

So (almost always) doing a postdoc is meant to prepare you for a life in academia. 

What is the length of a postdoc position?

The length of a postdoc position can vary depending on several factors such as the university, country of research, principal investigator, or funding.

However, most positions are two to three years and some can be extended. It is common to do more than one postdoc before applying for faculty positions. Postdoc positions can be funded in several ways.

Some postdocs are salaried employees of a university, institution, or company. Other times they are paid a stipend from a grant, fellowship, or scholarship. 

Should you do a post-doctoral fellowship?

Deciding to do a postdoc depends on your career goals and personal circumstances.

If you aspire to an academic career, a postdoc can provide valuable research experience, publications, and networking opportunities. It can also enhance your skills in areas like project management, grant writing, and teaching. 

Consider the challenges

However, it’s important to consider the challenges.

While some postdocs offer more attractive pay than lecturing positions in some countries, they are often temporary positions, and the short contract term can be discouraging.

They also rarely provide benefits such as medical insurance, which is crucial in some countries. The competition for such jobs can also be very high since the projects that fund them can be few and far between.

Alternatives like industry or NGO roles may offer more stability and higher pay.

Government could also be a more attractive employer even if low paying, because of other benefits such as medical insurance, lower interest rates on loans, and more. Ultimately, the decision should align with your long-term career aspirations and personal life goals and circumstances. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, a postdoc is a crucial step in the academic career path, providing an opportunity for PhD graduates to refine their research and teaching skills while undertaking practical research work.

The decision of whether to do one is deeply personal and should be informed by your interest in joining the academic field, funding availability, your personal financial situation, and other relevant factors. 

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