what does phd research fellow mean

How to Become a Research Fellow

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Research Fellow

What does a research fellow do.

A Research Fellow develops the strategy and vision to position a project from inception through completion; creates teams and collaborations that understand the project's direction. Communicates direction through words or actions to inspire team members to reach goals. Being a Research Fellow also responsible for planning and budgeting. Requires a PhD in their field of specialty. Additionally, Research Fellow typically reports to a top management. The Research Fellow manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. To be a Research Fellow typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.

A research fellow is an academic research position at a university or a similar research institution, usually for academic staff or faculty members.

A research fellow may act either as an independent investigator or under the supervision of a principal investigator.

In contrast to a research assistant, the position of research fellow normally requires a doctoral degree, or equivalent work experience for instance in industry and research centers.

Some research fellows undertake postdoctoral research or have some moderate teaching responsibilities.

Research fellow positions vary in different countries and academic institutions.

Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Research Fellow

Best tips for those who want to become a research fellow.

Here are some tips to become a Research Fellow.

Create and study the efficacy of project-oriented, experiential, and research-based, curriculum, that broadens our ideas of what ECS is and does.

Moving ECS from traditional applications to socially and environmentally responsible focus.

Research Involving Existing Facilities and Resources.

The best professional sources for reporting what’s happening on the ground are not always journalists.

There’s a huge value in having language skills.

Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Research Fellow

Best colleges and universities for research fellow.

• Butler University
• Carroll College
• High Point University
• Princeton University
• Providence College
• Rollins College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Research Fellow

Is being a research fellow worth it.

Research × Research Research Candidate Discovery Preclinical Development Clinical Development Regulatory Review and Ongoing Monitoring Our People, Our Culture – The MRL Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program Our R&D Process What We're Working On Pipeline Clinical Trials Invent with Us Discover Where Our Research Happens.

Our People, Our Culture – The MRL Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program.

Careers × Careers Careers Search Jobs Our Divisions – Research & Development – Manufacturing & Supply – Human Health – Animal Health – Global Support Functions Diversity & Inclusion Compensation & Benefits Veterans Opportunities Student Opportunities How We Hire MSD Careers Talent Community Events.

Merck Research Laboratories (MRL) Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program aims to be a best-in-industry experience for postdoctoral researchers, providing an academic focus in a commercial environment.

With the resources, reach, and expertise of a large pharmaceutical environment at your fingertips, MRL postdocs are positioned to excel in an institution committed to breakthrough innovation in research and discovery.

Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Research Fellow

What skills do you need to be a research fellow.

This role is not a beginner's role, as such, there are many skills required.  It is vital to the role to command: Budget Administration, Project Management, Research Design, Scientific Research, Strategic Planning.  Management isn't easy, if it were, everyone would have the competenticies to execute the role with success.

Post award considerations Additional information Working with industry Fellowship assessment process Choosing the right fellowship Fellowship FAQs What to expect as an MRC fellow Skills needed to win support Career profiles Additional career support Research staff development Researcher co-investigator (RCoI) Flexible working policies.

Spending & accountability Facts & figures Pay and spend data All published transparency data Annual report Delivery plan Office for Strategic Coordination of Health Research.

Skills & careers How MRC supports research careers Explore career and funding options Studentships Fellowships Skills needed to win support Career profiles Additional career support.

Overall assessment of potential for success in research environment.

Examples include faculty-directed research, internships, service learning and capstone courses and projects, all of which challenge students to integrate various stands of knowledge and apply that knowledge to broader, real-world or real disciplinary situations.

Step 6: View average salary for Research Fellow

How much does a research fellow make.

The average salary range for a Research Fellow is from $161,714 to $208,944. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Average salary for Research Fellow jobs

• Senior Research Fellow
• Actuarial Fellow

Step 7: Find relevant Research Fellow jobs, and apply.

Looking for research fellow jobs.

Here are some Research Fellow jobs in the United States.

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Research Fellow

About Graduate Research Fellowship Program

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) at accredited US institutions .  Refer to the NSF GRFP program page  for guidelines, announcements, and other programmatic information.

Sign in to GRFP module

The GRFP module and supporting systems allow for:

• Applicants  to apply to the GRFP through an online application available in the application module. Applicants can complete, review, and check the status of their application through this module. The annual application period opens in late July each year and closes in mid-October .
• Reference Writers  to submit letters of reference for GRFP Applicants through the Reference Letter Submission (RLS) module in Research.gov. All reference letters must be submitted to NSF by the deadline in October.
• Reviewers  to evaluate assigned applications online based on NSF’s merit review criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Review panels are conducted virtually each year in January.
• Graduate Research Fellows  to manage their Fellowship Status and report the progress of their graduate studies via an annual activity report submitted online in the Fellows module. Fellowship Offers are announced annually in late March/early April.  New Fellows must accept their award and declare their Fellowship Status by the deadline published in the Fellowship Offer letter. Current Fellows are notified by email of the deadline to submit their Annual Activity Report and declare their Fellowship Status.
• GRFP Officials  to manage the activities of Fellows at their institution. Officials approve change requests in Fellowship Status and field of study as well as Fellowship institution transfers through the GRFP Officials module. GRFP Officials are required to submit Completion and Program Expense Reports for  current Fellows  at their institutions each Fall. Officials certify progress and submit Grants Roster Reports for  all Fellows  at their institutions each Spring.

More   information

• GRFP Frequently Asked Questions
• Reference the  GRFP  site for detailed information about program eligibility and application requirements. This site also has information for Reviews and links to the Reviewer Registration site .
• Reference  Account Resources  for help registering, logging in and managing your profile in Research.gov. All GRFP Applicants, Fellows, Reference Writers, Reviewers, and Officials must register and sign in to Research.gov to access their respective functions.
• If these resources have not addressed your needs, please reference the GRFP Contact page .

What is a postdoctoral researcher/fellow?

A postdoctoral researcher/fellow is someone conducting research after the completion of their doctoral studies, typically a  Doctor of Philosophy  (PhD). Generally, the research is conducted as part of a temporary position or appointment within the University and is usually in preparation for an academic position. The postdoctoral position can be paid and may or may not be open to international students. ECU postdoctoral positions are advertised on our Employment web page.

International

Research Candidature

Ethics And Approvals

I - Application Process

I - Funding Studies

I - Manage My Offer

I - Study At ECU

I - Supporting Documentation

I - University Life

Manage Candidature

Research Grants And Funding

I - Additional Documents

I - Apply For Research

I - English Language Competency

I - Overseas Qualifications To English

Research Milestones

Research Proposal

Supervision

Published: 2 Nov 2023

2 Nov 2023 • Knowledge

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Responsibilities of Postdoctoral Fellows and Faculty Supervisors

(revised 04/14/2021)

The Harvard Chan School of Public Health recognizes that postdoctoral research fellows are trainees working in an apprenticeship mode in preparation for a career as scientific professionals.  The mentoring provided to the postdoctoral fellow by the faculty mentor is critical to the fellow’s career development and advancement.

In addition, postdoctoral fellows are generally expected to function responsibly and autonomously within the school’s complex and decentralized environment.  Independent thinking and action are in fact requisite to successful careers in research.

Responsibilities of postdoctoral fellows include the following:

• Assume primary responsibility for the development of his or her research and career.
• Play an active role in seeking career and research advice, both from the faculty supervisor and from other faculty members as appropriate.
• Perform the research required by the faculty supervisor to a high standard and in accordance with all institutional and federal regulations.
• Participate in the postdoc career development and annual review process .
• Work in a collegial and cooperative manner with the faculty supervisor and other co-workers.

Responsibilities of Harvard Chan School faculty supervisors include the following:

• Ensure that mutually understood expectations and goals are in place at the outset of the postdoctoral training period.  This may be best accomplished during the review of the postdoc’s initial career development plan .
• Meet regularly (for example, once a month) to establish and foster a career development plan and to assess important aspects of the postdoctoral fellow’s progress.  In addition, complete the postdoc annual progress review as part of the postdoc career development and annual review process .
• Strike a reasonable balance between the postdoctoral fellow’s responsibility to participate in research directed by the faculty supervisor and opportunities to develop scholarship reflecting the postdoctoral fellow’s own interests.
• Respect the postdoctoral fellow’s individuality, working style, and career goals and be aware that the rate of progress of postdoctoral fellows will vary.
• Maintain an atmosphere in which the postdoctoral fellow feels free to approach him/her for advice or discussion of differences.
• Encourage each postdoctoral fellow to seek advice and collaborative opportunities from other faculty members, or even to identify a second mentor, since the training experience can only benefit from a variety of perspectives.
• Promote ethical standards for conducting research, including compliance with all institutional and federal regulations.
• Accord full recognition of the postdoctoral fellow’s contributions to scholarship, including appropriate authorship of published work.  (The School’s authorship guidelines provide guidance in this area.)
• Establish clear plans for how projects will be divided when fellows complete their training.
• Support the postdoctoral fellow’s use of the full benefits of his/her employment at Harvard Chan School, including vacation time.

Postdoctoral fellows and faculty supervisors may meet with Jennifer Ivers, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, to resolve problems on an informal basis.  Harvard Chan School also provides a formal process for the resolution of issues that may arise between a postdoctoral fellow and his/her supervisor (see grievance policy ).

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What is a Research Fellowship?

Research is a long game, and once a question is answered it often leads to more questions that need exploration.

Those who have been awarded their PhD – or are nearing its completion – and have a strong desire to investigate their research subject further may want to apply for a fellowship.

In this blog, we explain what a research fellowship is and introduce you to our two most recent research fellowship recipients, proudly supported by The Common Good and our generous community of supporters.

Research fellowships are a sustainable way to fund significant research as they offer multi-year opportunities for dedicated and experienced researchers to conduct their own research project over a specified period.

These researchers have usually been awarded their Doctor of Philosophy or are close to completing it.  Research fellows are required to have articles peer-reviewed and published.

The specific details of a research fellowship vary depending on the funding body; however, through The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, research fellowships are typically three years in length with an investment of around $300,000.

These fellowships are designed to support full-time researchers at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) campus or those in a significant partnership with TPCH. Fellowships also offer mentoring and career development opportunities to the applicant.

Why charities play a crucial role in funding Research Fellowships?

Many significant medical breakthroughs require years of dedicated effort. With reliable funding, researchers can commit to long-term studies without the constant fear of project discontinuation due to financial constraints.

When researchers don’t have to constantly worry about financial constraints, they can dedicate more time to designing experiments, collecting data, and analysing results.

The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation’s funding for research fellowships contributes to the acceleration of research outcomes by reducing distractions for researchers, and supporting sustained, long-term research efforts. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of making meaningful and timely advancements in the field.

Meet our recent research fellowship recipients

Ms melanie spratt, cardiac scientist and phd candidate.

Ms Melanie Spratt is a Cardiac Scientist and PhD candidate with the Cardio-Vascular Molecular and Therapeutics Translational Research Group.

Her fellowship will focus on the rapid identification of new heart failure medicines using stem cells.

“I am beyond grateful for the support of The Common Good. I am passionate about developing new medicines for patients with heart disease, and this gives me the opportunity to take my research to the next level. Through this research fellowship, I am hopeful we will be able to identify life-saving medicines faster than ever before,” said Ms Spratt.  

Dr Kelly Chee, Senior Research Scientist, UQ Thoracic Research Centre  

Dr Chee’s fellowship will involve investigating new strategies to detect treatable lung cancer with better test accuracy and sensitivity.

The research will aim to improve the detection of lung cancer through low-risk medical procedures, such as bronchoscopy and low-risk blood tests, to better detect lung cancer progression before it reaches an incurable stage.

“This research fellowship will allow us to find new and improved ways to detect lung cancer more effectively, and to better identify patients who may be eligible for targeted therapies that will, in turn, increase the chance of surviving lung cancer.” Dr Chee said.

Applying for a Research Fellowship Through The Common Good

The Common Good, an initiative of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, has awarded 15 research fellowships since 2017.

Applications for research fellowships typically open in July every year.

To learn more about the requirements and process, contact Research Manager Dr Megan Grace or check out the Research Hub on our website.

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• v.88(1); 2019 Jan

Clinical Research Fellow

Charlotte addy.

1 Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast

Judy Bradley

Lorcan mcgarvey, j stuart elborn.

Imperial College and Royal Brompton Hospital, London

Damian Downey

Introduction.

Clinicians with expertise in clinical research are essential to delivering high quality care, developing innovation and inspiring future researchers. 1 Clinical research skills are an essential part of postgraduate training, with all trainees required to complete an “academic checklist” during speciality training. 2 Specific academic training pathways are available, 3 but for those wanting to develop an interest in research without committing to a formal academic pathway, a period “out of programme” (OOP) as a Clinical Research Fellow can be undertaken. 4 Trainees can chose to do this at any stage in their career but this most commonly occurs during speciality training. 5 , 6

WHAT IS A CLINICAL RESEARCH FELLOW?

A Clinical Research Fellow is a doctor employed in a research role 4 often leading to a higher degree e.g. MD/PhD. Research is usually carried out over 2-3 years. 4 Shorter term posts designed to assist in delivering larger studies are also available. 6 The diversity of roles undertaken by Clinical Research Fellows is vast with a variable balance between original research and delivering other studies. 6 Roles can encompass any part of clinical research from addressing basic science questions in the laboratory to clinical trials.

Conducting research requires new skills to complement those developed in clinical training. 5 , 6 There are a growing number of structured “training fellowships” which include specific training in research skills, alongside conducting original research. 6 These are supported by national funding bodies such as the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) 6 , Wellcome Trust 7 or Cancer Research UK 8 and by local Clinical Research Networks including the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network (NICRN). 9

Clinical Trial Fellowships

Specific training, legislative and governance requirements are required for any researcher or “Trialist” conducting clinical trials. 10 Clinical Trial Networks provide leadership, funding, education and support for trials and the teams delivering them. In the UK the largest group supporting fellowships in clinical trials is the NIHR, with competition for NIHR funding and fellowships consistently high. 6 As the need for researchers with specific “Trialist” skills increases structured fellowships in clinical trials are also increasing. 6 - 9

The first NICRN 9 Fellowship “The James Fellowship in Clinical Trials” started in 2015. This was specifically designed to provide training and experience in delivering clinical trials combined with completion of the fellow’s own trial as part of a PhD programme at Queen’s University Belfast. This fellow participated in numerous trials, successfully delivered an original research study, published articles and presented work at international conferences. The success of this fellowship has allowed other NICRN fellowships to be created using a similar model.

Routes into fellowships

Routes into Clinical Research Fellow posts vary depending on the fellowship, associated higher degree and funding source. Posts are advertised in medical journals, online and increasingly on social media. Fellowships provided by large research bodies including the NIHR 6 , Wellcome Trust 7 and Health and Social Care (HSC) Research and Development 11 have a competitive application and interview process. Applications require a project proposal supported by a senior researcher. 6 - 8 Making contact early is essential as this process may take over a year. Evidence of commitment to research including an intercalated degree, conference presentations and publications increase the chances of a successful application.

Whilst this sounds daunting the most important thing to remember is that nothing makes researchers happier than discussing their work. Senior researchers welcome interest from juniors who want to consider undertaking research and are happy to provide guidance on where to start. Many research projects have started off with a simple conversation.

BENEFITS OF BEING A CLINICAL RESEARCH FELLOW

The best aspects of being a Clinical Research Fellow are the varied opportunities on offer and the chance to develop research skills which can be taken into a future academic or clinical career. Fellowships offer the opportunity to develop research skills in a structured manner within a supportive environment. 6 Fellowships are flexible allowing better work/life balance and flexibility around outside commitments. These posts allow you to work within enthusiastic multi-disciplinary research teams and to learn from both your supervisors and the wider research team. Such posts offer the opportunity to develop your own research program and network of contacts by attending local, national and international meetings and conferences. 6 - 9 , 11 The investment of research bodies into fellowships provides additional support to encourage presentation and publication of your own research. 6 - 9 , 11

However, undertaking a Clinical Research Fellow can be challenging. Once a post is identified time “Out Of Programme for Research” (OOPR) must be planned well in advance. 4 With planned changes to postgraduate training this may become easier in the future. 5 , 6 Clinical Research Fellow posts are often fully funded with a salary but checking whether this covers University fees, study budgets and other potential expenses is vital. Fellows usually have no on call commitments, which inevitably impacts on the salary paid.

Once in post, balancing competing commitments between your own research, training and clinical commitments requires organisation and efficient time management. Logistical challenges can be encountered in ensuring appropriate access to IT systems in both the university and Trust; as well as appropriate contracts and indemnity cover for all work you may be required to do.

WHAT CAN I DO AFTER A FELLOWSHIP?

After finishing a Clinical Research Fellow post trainees can return to clinical training 1 , 3 or if inspired to pursue a research career consider an academic training pathway. 1 , 5 , 6 Reviews of postgraduate and academic training highlighted the need for increased flexibility 3 , 5 , 6 leading to academic pathways becoming available at all stages of training. 4 , 5 , 6 An Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) or lectureship (ACL) combining clinical training with an ongoing research role can be applied for during core/speciality training. 4 , 5 , 6 Later in your career skills developed as a Clinical Research Fellow may allow negotiation of research time within a Consultant job plan or open up the possibility of a clinical academic post with time split between the NHS and a University. 6 National research bodies including the NIHR 6 and Academy of Medical Sciences 12 are increasingly supporting structured fellowships for post-doctoral researchers wanting to pursue an academic career. The drive to promote flexibility within academic training is likely to further increase the academic career options available. 5 , 6

HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE?

There is a wealth of information on Clinical Research Fellow posts available on the NIHR website 6 and information on OOPR can be found the Royal College websites. 4 , 13 It is easiest to start by talking to other local trainees who have undertaken a Clinical Research Fellow post or look out for research showcase events aimed at trainees in your local area. In NI there is an annual Trainees research day with representatives from across the spectrum of clinical research supported by the Ulster Medical Society. Meet the expert events, conferences and guest lectures are also all useful places to make contact with research teams.

Acknowledgements

The “James Fellowship in Clinical Trials” is kindly supported by the NI Clinical Research Network and a philanthropic donation from the James Family to support research into Respiratory Disease within Northern Ireland.

UMJ is an open access publication of the Ulster Medical Society ( http://www.ums.ac.uk ).

Funding for biomedical research and innovation

Phd studentships and doctoral fellowships.

A PhD is a postgraduate research degree, usually lasting three or four years, if undertaken full time. It involves independently conducting original and significant research in a specific field and is normally assessed by a written thesis and oral examination.

Funding options available

Alzheimer’s Research UK: PhD scholarships Funding to undertake a PhD involving biomedical research in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Applications are made by the prospective supervisor. Funding: Stipend plus tuition fees and research/travel costs Duration: 36 months

Alzheimer’s Society: PhD studentships Funding to undertake a PhD involving biomedical research in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Applications are made by the prospective supervisor. Funding: Up to £85,000 (£91,000 for London) Duration: Three years

British Heart Foundation: Non-clinical PhD studentships Funding to undertake a PhD in cardiovascular science. Applications are made by the prospective supervisor. Funding: Stipend, tuition fees, consumables Duration: Three years

British Heart Foundation: Four-year PhD programme Funding for research organisations to provide a PhD studentship programme in cardiovascular research. Career stage: Prospective students should apply to individual research institutions Funding: Student stipend, tuition fees, research consumables Duration: Four years

MRC: Studentships Find out more about how MRC funds and supports PhD students at universities and MRC units, institutes and centres.

National Centre for the Replacement Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research: PhD studentships Funding to undertake a PhD studentship relevant to any area of medical, biological or veterinary research which supports the development and application of the 3Rs. Funding: Cash-limited award of £30,000 pa (£90,000 total over three years) Duration: 36 months

National Institute for Health Research: Doctoral fellowships Funding to undertake a PhD in an area of NIHR research. Funding: Fully funded including current salary Duration: 36 months with p/t options

Last updated: 6 July 2022

This is the website for UKRI: our seven research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Let us know if you have feedback or would like to help improve our online products and services .

PhD student vs PhD researcher – Are they the same thing?

There is often some confusion amongst PhD students and members of the public about what a PhD student versus PhD research really is. This is mainly because there is no standard definition for what either of these terms really means.

Having spent 15 years in academia I can tell you that there is generally a rule that can be followed.

There is some overlap between the roles of a PhD student and a PhD researcher, but they are not exactly the same thing. A PhD student is a student pursuing a doctoral degree, while a PhD researcher can be anyone who is conducting research at the doctoral level, including PhD students, postdocs, and faculty members. However, in practice, the terms PhD student and PhD researcher are often used interchangeably.

The confusion comes from the fact that a PhD research is the broadest term that can describe:

• PhD students
• postdoctoral researchers
• PhD qualified research assistance
• in any other PhD qualified researcher

PhD student is a much narrower descriptor and can be described as a PhD researcher.

Not all PhD researchers PhD students, but all PhD students on PhD researchers.

What is a PhD student researcher?

Although there is no strict definition for what a PhD student researcher is, here is what I believe most academics will understand it to be.

A PhD student researcher is a PhD student who is pursuing a PhD qualification through research, typically at a university. They have a masters degree and are pursuing higher education. 

The primary role of a PhD student researcher is to conduct independent research that leads to the advancement of knowledge and understanding within their subject area.

The research will be conducted will be under the guidance of a PhD supervisor.

This may involve:

• studying existing literature,
• developing new theories,
•  conducting experiments or surveys,
• analyzing data, and
• writing papers for publication.

A PhD student researcher is expected to be an independent thinker who can work collaboratively with other researchers and use evidence-based approaches to problem-solving.

A successful PhD student researcher must be able to think critically, creatively, and analytically about problems and have excellent communication skills.

These skills will be built up with the support of your PhD supervisor throughout the course of your degree.

However, is it right for PhD should students to call themselves academic researchers?

Can PhD students call themselves academic researchers?

In my experience, people who call themselves academic researchers typically already hold a PhD.

If you feel comfortable calling yourself an academic researcher while you are pursuing PhD – by all means you should be able to do it.

Just be aware that some people will find this description of your current academic situation in accurate.

But this is not a hard and fast rule and I think that once you have a peer-reviewed publication under your belt it is reasonable to call yourself an academic researcher.

After all, your research has been reviewed and assessed by your peers and deemed good enough to appear in the peer-reviewed literature.

That is probably one of the most important signals which shows that you are capable of independent academic research and therefore you are an academic researcher.

What is the difference between PhD student and PhD researcher?

A PhD student and a PhD researcher are ALMOST the same things.

To some, they are the same.

For most people in academia, however, there would be a slight but important difference between PhD students and PhD researchers.

A PhD student is typically a person who is undertaking their doctoral studies and is actively working towards completing their degree. They may be taking courses, writing papers, or conducting research in order to fulfil the requirements of their program.

On the other hand, a PhD researcher can also be someone who has already completed their degree and is now engaging in further research activities in order to advance knowledge in a specific field or topic.

While both roles involve engaging in research activities, a PhD researcher often has more autonomy over what they are researching as well as the resources available to them for conducting said research.

A person with a PhD and called a PhD researcher often engages in more high-level analysis than what would be required of a PhD student.

You may also call these types of researchers ‘associates’.

Can you call a PhD student a researcher?

Yes, you can call a PhD student a researcher.

The goal of a PhD student during their thesis is to contribute to the knowledge base in the particular field that they are studying.

As such, they are actively engaging in research and should be considered researchers.

They can also do a range of other activities including:

• academic writing
• mentoring (senior PhD students)
• grant writing
• attending conference and symposia and much more.

However, conducting and reporting on research is the most important activity if they are to graduate with a PhD via the submission of a thesis or peer-reviewed papers.

PhD students often collaborate with other researchers and mentor junior faculty members and graduate students in their department or organization.

It is completely appropriate to refer to PhD students as researchers due to their activities advancing knowledge in their chosen field.

Wrapping up

This article has been through everything you need to know that PhD students are usually researchers.

All PhD students are PhD research is not all PhD research is our PhD students.

PhD students are free to call themselves academic researchers if they feel comfortable however some people find that this is a little bit misleading because academic researchers tend to have already completed their PhD.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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• Defining Postdoc Fellows and Associates

Postdocs are appointed with the title postdoctoral fellow or postdoctoral associate depending on the type and source of funding. MIT Policies and Procedures provides detailed descriptions and requirements for  postdoctoral associate  and  postdoctoral fellow  appointments.

Postdoctoral Associate

The MIT title of postdoctoral associate applies to those who are paid a salary by MIT. Their salary is usually charged to a grant or contract secured by their faculty mentor, and the postdoc's research must be related to the aims of the grant or contract. 

Because these funding sources can be charged for employee benefit rates, postdoctoral associates are eligible for all  MIT employee benefits  as described by MIT's Benefits Office.

Postdoctoral Fellow

The MIT title of postdoctoral fellow applies to scholars who receive financial support in the form of a fellowship or stipend, usually from an outside agency, either directly or distributed through MIT on behalf of the sponsor. Typically, fellows are responsible for applying for a fellowship award. Fellowships allow postdocs to determine their research activities. 

Because of their funding source and appointment type, postdoctoral fellows are not considered employees of MIT, which impacts  eligibility for various benefits  and programs.

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What They Do

What does a Research Fellow do?

A research fellow is an academic researcher who conducts research and analysis of comprehensive literature, data, and results and provides literature reviews. He/She supervises research assistants and recruits study participants to interview them for a particular study. To become a research fellow, a candidate should have a doctorate in a relevant discipline and publish peer-reviewed papers. Also, a research fellow can be an independent investigator or be supervised by a principal investigator.

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Research fellow responsibilities

As a research fellow, key responsibilities include designing and implementing independent research studies, managing data analysis and dissemination, and collaborating with other researchers. According to Dr. Phillis Sheppard , E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Chair and Professor of Religion, Psychology, and Culture and Womanist Thought at Vanderbilt University, "Position yourself. Write and publish directly and clearly in your field of study and adjacent areas." Additionally, they suggest that research fellows "create a plan with vision for the career you think you want." Therefore, a research fellow's role is not only to conduct research but also to actively contribute to the field and plan for their future career development.

Here are examples of responsibilities from real research fellow resumes:

• Collaborate with software engineers to automate identification of 15N- and 13C- labele LC-MS features.
• Process and manage GIS databases to contribute towards research in human transportation behavior.
• Manage investigator initiate and cooperative group correlative studies to identify biomarkers to ascertain tumor burden and clinical outcomes in lymphoma.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data through statistical software SAS and SPSS.
• Conduct sampling, PCR, data analysis and oral presentations of the work
• Implement python and C++ codes for numerical computation of transport properties in models and materials.
• Perform molecular biology experiments, DNA and RNA purification and biochemical assays.
• Use windows and Linux platforms.
• Analyze 3-D flight kinematics using MATLAB.
• Used python scripting language to optimize workflow.
• Prepare and submit funding proposals to DARPA and NSF.
• Utilize CRISPR technology to introduce MED12 mutations to human primary myometrial cells.
• Purify the carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes and analyze the f soluble carbohydrates by HPLC, TLC.
• Secure approval for animal work (IACUC) and use of control materials (IRB).
• Compare quantitative PCR and digital droplet PCR; find that relative expression levels with both techniques are comparable.

Research fellow skills and personality traits

We calculated that 10 % of Research Fellows are proficient in Patients , Research Projects , and Data Analysis .

We break down the percentage of Research Fellows that have these skills listed on their resume here:

Developed psychological screening process for breast clinic patients to identify patients in distress and provide subsequent consultation and ongoing treatment.

Supported time-sensitive scholarly research by authoring research projects, conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing manuscripts.

Developed automated data analysis routines, based on anti-correlative measurement strategies to differentiate instrument systematic error from physical mirror surface attributes.

Managed laboratory cell culture operations, including training lab personnel, writing protocols, and performing necessary troubleshooting and maintenance tasks.

Coordinated interdisciplinary research between the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the College of Science and Technology.

Utilized CRISPR technology to generate MED12 exon 2 deletion mutations in colon cancer cells.

Most research fellows use their skills in "patients," "research projects," and "data analysis" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential research fellow responsibilities here:

Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a research fellow to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "medical scientists must be able to explain their research in nontechnical ways." Research fellows often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "created templates for research procedures, purchase orders, data collection, and communication. "

Observation skills. Another essential skill to perform research fellow duties is observation skills. Research fellows responsibilities require that "medical scientists conduct experiments that require monitoring samples and other health-related data." Research fellows also use observation skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "translated clinical observations into developmental research and new approaches for novel immunotherapy vaccines and cancer therapeutics. "

All research fellow skills

The three companies that hire the most research fellows are:

• Emory Healthcare 133 research fellows jobs
• Emory University 106 research fellows jobs
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 73 research fellows jobs

Choose from 10+ customizable research fellow resume templates

Compare different research fellows

Research fellow vs. postdoctoral associate.

A postdoctoral associate is responsible for researching to support scientific claims and theories by collecting evidence and information to answer scientific questions. Postdoctoral associates must have excellent communication skills , both oral and written, to interact with people and document investigation findings. They also utilize laboratory tools and equipment for scientific researches, conduct field investigations, and interview participants. A postdoctoral associate designs comprehensive research models to discuss results with the panel and the team efficiently and accurately.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, research fellow responsibilities require skills like "rna," "public health," "past work," and "animal models." Meanwhile a typical postdoctoral associate has skills in areas such as "tip," "biomedical," "mit," and "rna-seq." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Research fellow vs. Staff scientist

The primary role of a Staff Scientist is to develop and manage scientific research projects with minimal supervision. They are also responsible for the technical and budgetary aspects of scientific research projects.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that research fellow responsibilities requires skills like "patients," "immunology," "cell biology," and "python." But a staff scientist might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "molecular biology," "project management," "product development," and "pcr."

Research fellow vs. Scientist

A scientist is responsible for researching and analyzing the nature and complexities of the physical world to identify discoveries that would improve people's lives and ignite scientific knowledge for society. Scientists' duties differ in their different areas of expertise, but all of them must have a broad comprehension of scientific disciplines and methods to support their experiments and investigations. They collect the sample for their research, record findings, create research proposals, and release publications. A scientist must know how to utilize laboratory equipment to support the study and drive results efficiently and accurately.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a research fellow is likely to be skilled in "immunology," "cell biology," "python," and "nih," while a typical scientist is skilled in "molecular biology," "java," "product development," and "laboratory equipment."

Research fellow vs. Postdoctoral research associate

A postdoctoral research associate is responsible for assisting the educational institution's research department, writing research reports, analyzing research methods, and collecting information and related studies to support the research claims. Postdoctoral research associates must have excellent communication skills , both oral and written, reporting research updates to the research head, performing adjustments as needed, and gaining more expertise on the subject by brainstorming and discussing strategic procedures for the study. They may also conduct field investigation or coordinate with other institutions for additional reference, depending on the research's scope and limitation.

Types of research fellow

• Graduate Research Student
• Research Technician
• Research Scientist

Updated April 25, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

What Similar Roles Do

• What an Assistant Research Scientist Does
• What a Fellow Does
• What a Graduate Research Student Does
• What an PHD Researcher Does
• What a Postdoctoral Associate Does
• What a Postdoctoral Research Associate Does
• What a Research And Development Scientist Does
• What a Research Associate Does
• What a Research Chemist Does
• What a Research Internship Does
• What a Research Laboratory Technician Does
• What a Research Project Coordinator Does
• What a Research Scientist Does
• What a Research Specialist Does
• What a Research Technician Does

Research Fellow Related Careers

• Assistant Research Scientist
• PHD Researcher
• Postdoctoral Associate
• Postdoctoral Research Associate
• Research And Development Scientist
• Research Associate
• Research Chemist
• Research Internship
• Research Laboratory Technician
• Research Project Coordinator
• Research Specialist

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