Difference between a post doc and a doc?

[kurt.math]

Hi Everyone,

Could someone explain the difference between a post doc and a doc? Is doing a post doc neccesary? Is it something that's appealing?

 

[mgb_phys]

A post doc is a temporary short term (1-3years) contract research post.

You do a couple of post docs to gain experience and publications before getting a tenure track position which leads (hopefully) to a permanent job.

 

[kurt.math]

A post doc is a temporary short term (1-3years) contract research post.

You do a couple of post docs to gain experience and publications before getting a tenure track position which leads (hopefully) to a permanent job.

So is this after you get your doc?

 

[mgb_phys]

Yes.
Although there is no actual requirement to get a doc, I know a couple of professors that never got one but it's increasingly rare.