Doctoral College UK Professional Research Fellow Framework (PRFF) 2025, Continuing Professional Development (Training) and becoming an effective professional research practitioner and Research Fellow.

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Research Fellow (RF-DCUK) is the appropriate grade to professionally recognise individuals from a wide variety of different contexts whose higher education (HE) qualifications enables them to evidence elements of the PDRF 2024 features to meet the requirements of the framework. 

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Research Fellow is awarded to recognise an individual’s effectiveness of research practice demonstrated through evidence of meeting the following five items: 

1. Publish a Post-Doctoral Journal Article. 

2. Mentor Associate Fellows.

3. Supervise Doctoral Students.​

4. Deliver Research Training Programmes.

5. Apply for Research Grants.

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Post Doctoral Research

The postdoc year(s) can be an opportunity to develop independence, hone technical skills, focus research interests and develop leadership and project management skills.

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Postdoctoral Research is normally associated with the role of Postdoctoral Fellow and provides excellent opportunities to develop skills and gain experience for future employment. Postdoctoral research,  helps individuals advance their education after obtaining their doctorates. Understanding postdoctoral fellowships can help you decide if pursuing a postdoc is suitable for your career growth.

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Postdoctoral research positions focus on training individuals who have earned their doctorate. Postdoctoral fellows perform duties, such as researching, teaching, organising conferences, planning seminars, hosting academic workshops, and following personal educational ambitions. Individuals planning to work in academia, government, or industry can take advantage of postdoctoral training as an opportunity to hone technical skills, develop independence, and focus on research interests. During postdoc research, individuals receive access to world-class facilities and expert mentors to assist them in performing research studies that generate high-quality publications. Postdoctoral fellowships are professional positions with taxable salaries, but they aren't careers. A postdoc research fellow is typically under a short-term contract that rarely lasts longer than six years. A postdoc is a trainee working towards a future full-time career. A postdoctoral fellowship typically lasts two to three years, but it depends on the type of research project, organisation, institution, funding, and principal investigator. The principal investigator directs the research project both intellectually and logistically.

 

There are four types of post doc research:

• Academic: The primary aim of a postdoctoral position in academia is to develop research and academic experience. Postdoctoral fellows have more freedom in choosing the direction of their research than students in doctoral programmes.

• Industry: An industry postdoc may include working in pharmaceuticals, taking part in scientific entrepreneurship, or studying at a biotech company. Many industry postdocs prioritise teamwork while valuing independent thinking and development.

• Government: Through government postdocs, individuals with doctoral degrees can work with research groups or leaders in government laboratories and research institutions across the country. It's an opportunity to work on projects of critical importance to government-based facilities alongside multidisciplinary teams of experts.

• Non-profit: Postdoctoral fellowships can take place at a non-profit organisation, rather than at an academic institution. Non-profit postdoctoral positions can cover a range of topics, including food and nutrition, sports management, and biomedical research.

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Why are postdoctoral research fellowships important?

A postdoctoral research fellowship is important because it extends and deepens the postdoc's scientific and technical abilities in the doctoral field or in a different field. Postdoctoral positions give researchers a unique opportunity to show their originality, creativity, and productivity, which can be essential to their success in future research careers. Research is the focus of most postdoctoral positions, but there are also opportunities in specialised areas, such as technology and policy, which allow individuals to expand their expertise and develop an interest in new areas of study.​​