Kesmonds International University (KIU)

(PHD, DBA, DTh. DEd. DSc.)

postdoctoral researcher or postdoc is a person professionally conducting research after the completion of their doctoral studies (typically a PhD, DSc, DBA, DEd., DTh.). The ultimate goal of a postdoctoral research position is to pursue additional research, training, or teaching in order to have better skills to pursue a career in academia, research, or any other field. Postdocs often, but not always, have a temporary academic appointment, sometimes in preparation for an academic faculty position. They continue their studies or carry out research and further increase expertise in a specialist subject, including integrating a team and acquiring novel skills and research methods. Postdoctoral research is often considered essential while advancing the scholarly mission of the host institution; it is expected to produce relevant publications in peer-reviewed academic journals or conferences. In some countries, postdoctoral research may lead to further formal qualifications or certification, while in other countries, it does not.

Postdoctoral research may be funded through an appointment with a salary or an appointment with a stipend or sponsorship award. Appointments for such a research position may be called postdoctoral research fellowpostdoctoral research associate, or postdoctoral research assistant. Postdoctoral researchers typically work under the supervision of a principal investigator. In many English-speaking countries, postdoctoral researchers are colloquially referred to as "postdocs".

What is a KIU Postdoc?

In many fields, a postdoc is the de facto next step on the academic career path after earning a PhD, DBA, DSc. DEd., DTh. (hence the name.) A postdoc is a temporary position that allows a PhD to continue their training as a researcher and gain skills and experience that will prepare them for their academic career. Most postdoc positions are at a university or in industry, but there some postdocs positions at nonprofits and in government. While the vast majority of postdocs work in STEM fields, these types of positions are becoming more common in social sciences and the humanities.  

What Does a KIU Postdoc Do?

A KIU postdoc is primarily a researcher who works under the supervision of a mentor as part of a larger research group. As such, they conduct research, either on a pre-specified project or one of their own design and publish that research. At the same time, a postdoc is meant to prepare young researchers to become principal investigators or junior faculty members, so they also take on senior responsibilities like mentoring, grant writing, and teaching.

How Long Are KIU Postdoc Positions?

At KIU, Postdoc positions go for duration of 3 to 5 years depending on the entry qualifications and years of experience. Generally postdoc admissions are for Ph.D., DBA, DSc. DTh. Holders plus 5 years of experience in a specific field. It is common to do more than one postdoc before applying for faculty positions. Some countries do limit the total number of years a person can work as a postdoc. For example, in Canada and Sweden, it is only possible to be a postdoc for five years total, while there is no limit on postdoc years in the US.

How Are Postdocs Funded?

Postdoc positions can be funded in several ways. Some postdocs are salaried employees of a university, institution, or company. Other times they are paid a stipend from a grant, fellowship, or scholarship. In some countries, the name of the position indicates the funding source. In the UK for example, a postdoctoral assistant works on a project developed for and funded by a grant awarded, while a postdoctoral fellow is awarded their own fellowship giving them a larger say in the scope of their project. Your KIU onsite and Distance Research program will be a custom-made program, designed just for you by you and your advisor. This flexibility to meet your needs is seldom found in other distance research programs.

The goal of the postdoctoral program is to create opportunities to share the innovative research with the world through publishing your research. You will explore ways to publish your findings to contribute to your community. Postdoctoral study at Kesmonds International University creates a unique opportunity for you, the Scholar, to develop innovative research in one of our three schools; Business and Economics, Social and Human Studies or Science and Engineering that is geared towards the 2030 UNESCO goals for sustainable development. The goal of the postdoctoral program is not only to train and research but also to make significant contributions to your life as well as the university’s educational and research missions.

Pre-requisites

  • Provide a copy of your doctoral degree or foreign equivalent
  • Has a research topic to be developed throughout the program or to accept topics that KIU defines
  • Has a funding source for the investigation whether self-financed or investor

Grants/Fellowships

KIU provides a Postdoctoral grant for scholars put towards the program if the research proposal (contingent on approval of research). In addition, you may search for fellowships and funding in our platform that connects students with our large international alumni network on KIU LinkedIn.

Symposium

Our yearly symposium allows our postdoctoral scholars to share the innovative research they are developing as well as network with our KIU Community. The goals of our symposium are:

  • Communicate your research
  • Explore the diversity of our postdoctoral research

• Connect with other postdoctoral scholars

Admission Requirements

  1. Attestation of service showing proof of a working experience in the required or related field aspiring for.
  2. 5 published article references (DIO) (contact the university academic office if you do not have one and request an alternative option admissions@kesmonds-edu.ac
  3. Signed motivation letter, written by the applicant stating your reasons for choosing the program and attesting your commitment to study with KIU America and willingness to respect KIU policies.
  4. Scanned copy of undergraduate transcripts and attestation or certificate attesting you have completed at least 180 credits from an internationally accredited institution which is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation www.chea.org or an educational institution approved by an equivalent authority.
  5. Scanned copy of graduate transcripts and attestation or certificate attesting you have completed at least 120 credits at the master’s level from an internationally accredited institution which is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by Council for Higher Education Accreditation www.chea.org or an educational institution approved by an equivalent authority.
  6. Scanned copy of doctorate (PhD, DBA, D.Ed. DTh. D.Sc.) transcripts and attestation or certificate attesting you have completed at least 72 credits from an internationally accredited institution which is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation www.chea.org or an educational institution approved by an equivalent authority.
  7. Written Postdoc Research Proposal
  8. Scanned copy of international passport or National ID card
  9. Copy of CV (uploaded in PDF or doc format).
  10. Applicants must acquire two letters of recommendation which should be emailed to admissions@kesmonds-edu.ac. Recommendations should be written by people who have supervised you in an academic, employment, or community service setting.
  11. Scanned passport photograph (4×4) on a white background.
  12. Application fees of $500 are to be paid directly to the university’s account.
  13. Duration three to five years.
  14. Tuition $6000 per year.

NB: Applications should be sent to admissions@kesmonds-edu.ac, for scholarships email scholarships@kesmonds-edu.ac

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