Finding opportunities to conduct post-doc research is a task on the minds of most newly minted PhDs. Since full-time jobs for PhDs are hard to come by, post-doc research fills the gap for many graduates until they secure a more permanent position. However, it is sometimes tough to know where to look for such positions, or how to go about the search.

What Kinds of Post-docs Are Available?
Post-docs involve a variety of tasks, depending on the discipline involved. Science or social science post-docs often include primarily research essays for me work: post-docs in these fields serve as assistants in the laboratory or clinic of an established researcher. In contrast, post-doc jobs in other fields generally involve teaching classes to undergraduates. The best post-docs are those funded by fellowships, which often include some time released from service to conduct your own research.