PhD vacancy vs postdoc vs research job — what is the difference?
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PhD vacancy vs postdoc vs research job

Job titles on institute boards can blur career stages. Use this comparison to pick the right catalog — and avoid applying to roles that require a PhD you do not yet have, or a studentship when you need a staff contract.

PhD vacancy

A PhD vacancy is usually a funded doctoral project: you enrol (or are employed) as a doctoral candidate, work under a supervisor, and the goal is a thesis. Look for words like PhD student, doctoral fellow, or early-stage researcher — and a link to an official call.

Postdoctoral fellowship

Postdoc roles assume you already hold a PhD (or will by the start date). Contracts are often 1–3 years, with a host laboratory and a research plan rather than a new degree. Funding may be a fellowship stipend or an employment salary.

Research job (scientific staff)

Research jobs cover scientific officers, lab managers, research technicians, data scientists, and permanent or temporary researcher grades. They may support PhD programmes without being studentships themselves. We list agriculture-relevant roles under Jobs for Researchers.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a PhD to apply for a postdoc?

Almost always yes — postdoctoral fellowships assume a completed (or soon-to-be completed) doctorate. If you are still a Master’s graduate, start with Open PhD Positions instead.

Is a “researcher” job the same as a PhD studentship?

Not necessarily. Staff researcher roles are employment contracts without doctoral enrolment. PhD vacancies combine research work with a thesis goal and doctoral registration.

Which catalog should I open first?

Match your career stage: no doctorate yet → Open PhD; doctorate done, temporary research → Postdocs; staff or technician track → Jobs for Researchers.

Next step

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