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Table 75. U.S. residing doctoral scientists and engineers employed as postdocs, by field of doctorate: 2017

Field of study Number SE
Total in postdoc 25,000 700
Science 20,650 650
Biological, agricultural, and environmental life sciences 13,650 500
Agricultural and food sciences 450 50
Biochemistry and biophysics 1,850 200
Cell, cellular biology, and molecular biology 1,950 225
Microbiological sciences and immunology 1,750 150
Natural resources and conservation 200 50
Zoology 200 50
Other biological sciences 7,200 325
Computer and information sciences 150 75
Mathematics and statistics 600 125
Physical sciences, geosciences, atmospheric, and ocean sciences 4,550 275
Astronomy and astrophysics 400 100
Chemistry, except biochemistry 2,050 200
Geosciences, atmospheric, and ocean sciences 750 75
Physics 1,250 150
Psychology 1,000 125
Social sciences 700 100
Economics 100 50
Political science and government S S
Sociology, demography, and population studies 100 50
Other social sciences 500 75
Engineering 3,500 275
Aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical engineering 100 50
Chemical engineering 700 125
Civil engineering 350 75
Electrical and computer engineering 450 125
Mechanical engineering 350 100
Metallurgical and materials engineering 500 125
Other engineering 1,050 150
Health 850 150
Codes used in data tables: * = suppressed when population estimate < 25. D = suppressed to avoid disclosure of confidential information. na = not applicable. 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 2017). Residence location is based on reported living location on 1 February 2017.
SOURCE: National Science Foundation, National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Doctorate Recipients: 2017.