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.
PAY UPDATE for New or Reappointed Postdoctoral Scholars
On March 1, 2024, Northwestern will introduce an annual increase to the minimum salary for new or reappointed postdocs to match the minimum postdoctoral salary set by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
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: