The Journey of Becoming: An Integrative Qualitative Analysis of Postdoctoral Fellows’ Lived Experiences in South African Universities

This conceptual study explored the multifaceted experiences of postdoctoral fellows in South African universities, focusing on the personal, professional, and institutional dimensions that shape their academic paths. Despite the growing importance of postdoctoral training in strengthening the higher education research landscape, the body of knowledge indicates that many postdoctoral fellows encounter challenges that hinder their professional development. This study sought to explore the lived experiences of postdoctoral fellows in South African universities and to understand how they make meaning of their roles, identities, and aspirations within the dynamic and often transitional space of academia. The review was conducted using a comprehensive selection of scientific databases, including Scopus, Google Scholar, ERIC, and JSTOR. Integrative qualitative analysis was adopted as the research design to review 10 studies published between 2014 and 2024 on diverse issues regarding postdoctoral fellows lived experiences and fellowship programs in South African universities. Drawing on invitational education theory as the guiding theoretical framework, the study conceptualized postdoctoral development as a process of a transformative journey that is influenced by supportive, relational, and contextually grounded academic environments. Through a conceptualization of existing literature, this paper reports on how institutional practices, mentorship, and scholarly engagement either support or constrain the growth of postdoctoral researchers. The findings highlight the need for more intentional inviting structures that nurture academic identity, career progression, and inclusive scholarly communities. The study contributes to the discourse on academic development by positioning the postdoctoral journey as complex, deeply personal, and shaped by a constellation of institutional, relational, and systemic factors.