Research Appointments

The Office for Research advises and approves research staff appointments and hiring activities are coordinated by the schools and units.

The Office of the Provost advises on the process for research faculty appointments and hiring activities are coordinated by the schools and units.

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs advises on the process for postdoctoral fellow appointments and hiring activities are coordinated by the schools and units.

Important Notices

As a result of an election last August, Northwestern and the newly formed postdoctoral scholar and research associate union have now begun the process of engaging in collective bargaining over pay, benefits and other working conditions. During this interim period between the union election and the ratification of a collective bargaining agreement, Northwestern must maintain the status quo with respect to the “wages, hours and terms and conditions of employment” for postdoctoral scholars and research associates. This means the University cannot unilaterally change aspects of these appointments (including pay and benefits) without prior discussion with the union.

At this time, postdocs and research associates are not eligible for a merit increase and should not be included in merit planning. However, all other research staff appointment titles (senior research associates, clinical research associates, senior clinical research associates, post-baccalaureate research fellow, research specialist) are eligible for merit increases effective September 1, 2026.

Effective September 1, 2026, The University set the minimum salary for postdoctoral scholars upon hire to match the minimum postdoctoral salary set by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This means that effective September. 1, 2026, newly hired postdoctoral scholars must receive a minimum annual salary of $63,480. For postdoctoral scholars who are paid below the minimum level as of September. 1, 2026, their salaries will be adjusted to meet the new minimum level of $63,480 upon a position reappointment. These same salary requirements will also apply to newly hired or reappointed research associates on or after September. 1, 2026.

This information was shared with faculty in a separate email that is published on the Postdoctoral Unionization website. If you have questions, we encourage you to contact your Union representative.