A postdoctorate is academic study or research for those who have completed a doctorate. The title postdoctoral scholar refers to all doctoral-level researchers engaged in advanced education and training that is of limited duration (typically five years or fewer) and designed to prepare them for academic and/or research careers. This title applies regardless of whether the postdoctoral trainee is a salaried employee of the university or a stipend-supported fellow receiving funding directly from a granting agency or through a Mizzou account.