51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Postdoctoral Affairs FAQ

(updated Aug. 3, 2025)

The following FAQs are provided to address commonly asked questions. Select the question to see the answer.

Is there a postdoc association at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø?

All 51³Ô¹ÏÍø postdocs are automatically included as members of the Postdoc Association upon their hire. Serving as liaisons to university administration, facilitating events and fostering community, there is a postdoc-led Postdoc Association Board with representatives from every campus. Details may be found on the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Postdoctoral Association website.

How many postdocs are at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and are they all recognized with the same title?

As of July 2025, there are 66 postdocs at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. New postdocs are hired as postdoctoral fellows. After meeting eligibility requirements, postdoctoral fellows may be promoted to senior research fellows. Please refer to the policy for details.

Are there teaching opportunities for postdocs at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø? (online classes or in person)?

With supervisory support and required credentialing in place, a research postdoc who expresses an interest in gaining teaching experience may find a variety of options available. For example, a postdoc may respond to department teaching needs, serve as guest lecturer, co-teach or serve as instructor of record.

How many fellowships can a postdoc apply to when he or she has already received one?

If applying simultaneously, this is typically driven by the rules of the sponsor who often do not allow additional applications. If consecutive, you can apply to as many fellowships as you like (unless otherwise noted).

What is the process for international postdocs?

All visa-related questions should be directed to the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Center for Global Engagement team.

What are the benefits in the contract for 51³Ô¹ÏÍø postdocs?

See the current postdoc policy located on the Postdoctoral Affairs website. Additional information may be found on the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø HR Benefits website.

If there is a cap on leave? What will be the options for parental leave?

An individual could utilize their sick and vacation leave for time off. If the absence meets the criteria for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), this allows eligible employees to take job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage. Under FMLA, time off may be paid or unpaid. All leave questions should be directed to the HR Benefits team.

Are postdocs eligible for bonuses?

Postdocs are not eligible for bonuses. Postdocs are usually funded by grants, which in most cases do not allow for bonus pay.

Are there plans to provide small grant opportunities for postdocs? (For travel or courses)?

At present, there are no funds available from the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs for travel grants. A postdoc should discuss travel requests with their supervisor.

Are there any opportunities for postdocs to obtain help with grant writing?

The Office of Research Development, located in the Division of Research, can offer guidance on how to find funding and assist with grant writing, proofreading and editing.

Can postdocs take courses at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø?

After six months, all full-time employees are eligible to apply for the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Employee Educational Scholarship Program to take six credits per semester. More information can be found on the Department of Human Resources website.

How long can postdocs stay in their position?

The 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Postdoctoral Fellow Policy states that postdoc positions are typically up to three years but can be extended up to six years. It is important to know that a postdoc position is considered a temporary/training position — not a career in itself. Staying in the position does not do service to the postdoc scholar. Staying too long can send unfavorable signals to future employers.