A postdoctoral position is one taken after the completion of a doctoral degree. It is a temporary research position that is most popular in the science fields. There are two types of postdocs within the science field: academic and industrial. Most scientists who choose to take a postdoctoral position take the academic route, but a postdoctoral position within a private company is also a viable option.
Companies also usually act favorably toward individuals who have industrial postdoctoral positions under their belts. The experience can make you a good candidate for an open position and higher salary than someone without it.
On the downside, an industrial postdoc can be a bit difficult to find, definitely more so than a position within an educational institution. But the good news is that it is generally considered more permanent than an academic postdoc. The salary situation is also preferable. Industrial postdocs are considered more of employees than academic postdocs. This may be because they are usually assimilated into the company when their postdoc appointment is completed. And because of this, they receive good salaries and benefits.
Another notable difference is the work environment. Academic postdocs tend to be able to follow their own schedule based on their research and publication priorities. Industrial postdocs, however, do not have the same freedom. They are required to follow a schedule set for them based on the needs and goals of the company in which they work.
It is also argued that industrial postdocs get better exposure than their counterparts in academia. This is because the equipment that the industrial postdocs use is more modern in comparison with those used in learning institutions. They therefore acquire more advanced real-world experience.
The industrial postdoc also has the opportunity to work as a team as opposed to working as an individual. The diversity that characterizes the industrial postdoc position is what puts the industrial postdoc in a better position in terms of experience than the academic postdoc. In addition, the industrial postdoc is more certain in terms of employment than their academia counterparts.
Conclusion
The industrial postdoc position is a relatively new category of postdoctoral position. Postdoctoral fellowships started in universities, but it seems as though companies and organizations have realized the value of training and mentoring workers who will turn into the future leaders of the industry. Industrial postdocs focus on research in a practical dimension and give scientists and researchers valuable hands-on experience.
