In today’s evolving academic landscape, scholars who complete their PhDs often find themselves faced with two prominent early-career options: pursuing a postdoctoral research position (postdoc) or accepting a role as a contract (or adjunct) faculty member. While both roles allow scholars to remain within the academic ecosystem and contribute meaningfully to their institutions, they differ significantly in purpose, expectations, responsibilities, and long-term career implications.
This blog post provides a detailed comparison between postdoctoral positions and contract faculty roles to help early-career academics make informed choices based on their goals, interests, and aspirations.
1. Purpose and Primary Focus
Postdoctoral Researcher:
Purpose: To deepen research expertise, gain independence, and build a strong academic portfolio (publications, grants, collaborations).
Focus: Primarily research-oriented, though may include limited teaching, supervision, or mentoring.
Postdocs are seen as a transitional phase between PhD and a permanent research or faculty position.
Contract Faculty:
Purpose: To meet institutional teaching needs, often on a temporary or semester-wise basis.
Focus: Primarily teaching-focused, with heavy course loads and little to no research expectations or funding.
Positions are often renewed annually or by semester and are driven by immediate teaching demand rather than long-term research output.
2. Job Responsibilities
Postdoc:
Conducts advanced research under a principal investigator (PI) or independently.
Writes and publishes scholarly articles.
Applies for research grants or fellowships.
May supervise graduate students and present findings at conferences.
Occasionally teaches a course or guest lectures, but this is not always required.
Contract Faculty:
Teaches multiple courses each semester, often across different subjects or departments.
Prepares lectures, conducts evaluations, manages student performance.
Engages in limited to no research, as institutional support and time for research are minimal.
May advise students or participate in administrative tasks but lacks formal power or long-term influence within departments.
3. Employment Status and Benefits
Postdoc:
Typically hired on a fixed-term research contract (1–3 years), often with renewal based on funding.
May be funded through a grant, fellowship, or institutional program.
Benefits (healthcare, retirement) vary widely by institution and country.
Seen as a “trainee” role in many systems, meaning less job security and fewer employee rights.
Contract Faculty:
Employed on semester-wise or annual contracts.
Often receives a fixed teaching stipend per course or term.
Limited or no access to health benefits, research funds, or sabbaticals.
Considered contingent faculty, with little institutional leverage and minimal chances of promotion.
4. Career Advancement and Future Prospects
Postdoc:
Designed as a stepping stone to a tenure-track or permanent research position.
Successful postdocs can transition to assistant professor roles, research scientists, or independent investigators.
Opportunities to build a strong CV through publications, grants, and collaborative projects.
Competitive, with pressure to achieve high research output in a short time.
Contract Faculty:
Advancement options are limited.
Rarely leads to tenure-track positions unless institutional hiring policies change or the candidate has an exceptional teaching and research record.
More suitable for those who want to focus on teaching or are using the position as a temporary option while seeking permanent roles.
Can serve as a long-term career for some, but often lacks stability or upward mobility.
5. Skill Development and Academic Profile
Postdoc:
Gains high-level research experience, advanced technical skills, and exposure to interdisciplinary work.
Develops grant writing, project management, and academic publishing expertise.
Builds a profile attractive to research institutions and funding agencies.
Contract Faculty:
Gains extensive teaching experience, including curriculum design, classroom management, and student assessment.
May improve public speaking, time management, and student mentorship skills.
Less emphasis on research means slower growth in publishing or funding record, which could hinder research-based academic job applications.
6. Institutional Role and Recognition
Postdoc:
Valued as part of the research infrastructure of the institution.
Contributes to scientific output, lab productivity, and innovation.
Often works behind the scenes and may lack visibility or formal status in departmental decision-making.
Contract Faculty:
Plays a crucial role in teaching and curriculum delivery.
Students may view them as primary educators, but institutions may offer little recognition, respect, or support.
Often excluded from faculty meetings, tenure discussions, or strategic planning.
7. Geographic and Disciplinary Variations
In STEM fields, postdoc positions are more common and often necessary before applying for tenure-track jobs.
In humanities and social sciences, contract faculty roles are more prevalent due to fewer postdoc opportunities and lower research funding.
Different countries also treat these roles differently. For example, in Europe, postdocs are often better compensated and more integrated into academic systems than in some parts of Asia or North America.
Which Path Should You Choose?
The decision between a postdoc and a contract faculty position depends on your long-term career goals:
Conclusion: Two Paths, Different Journeys
Both postdoc and contract faculty roles are vital to the functioning of academic institutions. Each offers unique experiences, benefits, and challenges. While postdoctoral positions favor research-intensive growth and are ideal for those aiming for research careers, contract faculty roles provide stability in teaching and can serve as meaningful academic experiences, particularly for those passionate about pedagogy.
Understanding the differences between the two can help early-career scholars make strategic decisions about where to invest their time, energy, and passion. Regardless of the path chosen, each role offers opportunities to contribute to academia and shape the future of knowledge.
