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Table 76. Postdoc status of U.S. residing doctoral scientists and engineers, by years since doctorate and broad field of doctorate: 2015

Years since doctorate and status of postdoctoral appointment All employed Science Engineering Health
Total Biological, agricultural and environmental life sciences Computer and information sciences Mathematics and statistics Physical sciences Psychology Social sciences
Number SE Number SE Number SE Number SE Number SE Number SE Number SE Number SE Number SE Number SE
Doctorate recipient 787,250 1,900 597,050 1,975 195,050 1,075 24,600 325 35,950 550 131,550 950 114,200 750 95,650 950 151,900 925 38,350 475
Postdoctoral appointment in 2015 26,750 650 22,650 575 15,200 450 400 100 650 125 4,750 225 1,050 150 650 125 3,150 275 900 125
≤ 5 123,300 525 89,200 600 31,950 500 6,100 225 5,750 275 17,400 325 13,250 350 14,750 350 26,300 475 7,800 250
Postdoctoral appointment in 2015 20,050 475 16,950 450 11,100 325 250 75 450 100 3,850 200 850 125 450 100 2,500 225 650 125
6–10 years 137,650 775 97,500 800 35,200 625 6,000 300 6,150 325 19,200 475 16,200 450 14,800 400 31,300 575 8,850 350
Postdoctoral appointment in 2015 4,500 350 3,850 350 2,950 275 100 75 S S 500 100 100 50 S S 550 125 150 75
11–15 years 112,050 1,025 84,700 1,000 29,200 675 3,500 200 4,350 300 17,350 500 15,800 500 14,500 475 20,850 625 6,500 300
Postdoctoral appointment in 2015 950 175 850 175 600 150 D D D D 150 75 D D D D 50 50 D D
>15 years 414,300 1,675 325,700 1,725 98,750 975 9,050 275 19,650 550 77,650 975 68,950 900 51,600 875 73,400 900 15,200 500
Postdoctoral appointment in 2015 1,200 200 1,050 200 600 125 D D D D 250 100 100 50 S S 100 50 D D
Codes used in data tables: * = suppressed when population estimate < 25. D = suppressed to avoid disclosure of confidential information. S = suppressed for reliability; coefficient of variation exceeds publication standards.
SE = standard error.
NOTES: Numbers are rounded to the nearest 50. Standard errors are rounded up to the nearest 25. Detail may not add to total because of rounding. A postdoc is a temporary position awarded in academe, industry, nonprofit organizations, or government primarily for gaining additional education and training in research. Postdoc status is reported for principal job as of survey reference date (1 February 2015). Years since doctorate were calculated as academic years since doctorate attainment. Residence location is based on reported living location on 1 February 2015.
SOURCE: National Science Foundation, National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Doctorate Recipients, 2015.