PDA vs PDF definition (from FGPS)
Please note that the information may be outdated. We are in the process of updating the information
One of the first choices you will have to make as a Post-Doc is the category of Post-Doc you will fall under: Post-Doctoral Assistant (PDA) or Post-Doctoral Fellow (PDF). We remind all PDAs and PDFs that they should register with the Faculty of Graduate and Post-Doctoral Studies (Registration form). Take a moment to examine the pros and cons of each as they are quite different:
- PDAs are more like regular employees of the university with social benefits, employment insurance…
- PDFs can have the status of “trainee”. They do not have social benefits but can be considered students if they enroll in the Post-Doc Academic Program. Make sure you read this for advantages of being recognized as trainee.
A detailed comparison of the two statuses can be found here
