> “an individual who has received a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary and defined period of performing independent research.”

Would be just as accurate.

Btw

  > “an individual who has received an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary and defined period of mentored advanced training to enhance the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue his or her chosen career path.”

Would be an accurate description of a PhD student too.

The official definition could also be accurate if describing an Assistant Professor (professor before tenure is granted)

So this is why I'm pushing back on the definition. Calling it a "training position" is just an excuse to have cheap labor and be exploitative.