Post Doc Appointments
ABOUT
Post Docs includes the following titles:
- Postdoctoral Scholar (Trainee)
- Postdoctoral Fellow-NRSA (Trainee)
- Postdoctoral Fellow
- Direct Fellowship (Trainee)
- Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs advises on the process for postdoctoral fellow appointments and hiring activities are coordinated by the schools and units.
NEWS *FY27 Salary Update (Postdocs/Research Associates)
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. At this time, postdocs and research associates are not eligible for a merit increase and should not be included in merit planning. This means the University cannot unilaterally change aspects of these appointments (including pay and benefits) without prior discussion with the union.
Effective Sept. 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 Sept. 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 Sept. 1, 2026, their salaries will be adjusted to meet the new minimum level of $63,480 upon a position reappointment. [Any increase to the new minimum (upon reappointment) is a pay adjustment and should be coded in myHR with the action/reason code PAY SAJ]
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.
PROCESS
For University Research Institutes and Centers’ appointments, after all required signatures are obtained at the PI/Center director, submit the following to barbarab@northwestern.edu.
- Recommendation form
- Applicant’s current CV
- Sponsoring Entity Letter, required for Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow
- Visiting Scholar Health Insurance Application/Waiver, required for Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow
If you have any questions regarding the appointment process, you may contact Research Administrative Services
Phone 847-491-3327 / Email Barbara Beeuwsaert
POLICIES and FORMS
GUIDELINES/RESOURCES
Appointment Length
All postdoc appointments, whether a first appointment or a re-appointment, must be for 12 months. However, postdocs are free to leave early, and HR processes always remain available should a PI need to terminate a postdoc early.
The process for requesting an exception– send an email to postdocs@northwestern.edu, explaining the reason for the exception. Exceptions are only granted in situations that are in the best interest of the postdoc, not the convenience of the PI. Once the exception is approved, submit the appointment form along with the exception approval.
The one-year requirement is posted on the OPA website under Appointment Length in Categories and Benefits:
https://postdocs.northwestern.edu/for-administrators/postdoc-categories.html
Five-Year Guidance
This is a recommendation for best practices, not a policy requirement. Although it is a recommendation, we do ask departments request an exception for two reasons. First, to ensure that PIs are aware of how long their postdocs have been postdocs and that they are having conversations about career development and transition with their postdocs. Second, to protect postdocs whose PIs/departments may be taking advantage without concern for career development and progression.
The process for requesting an exception: send an email to postdocs@northwestern.edu with a short explanation. Once the exception is approved, submit the appointment form along with the exception approval.
The five-year recommendation is posted on the OPA website here: