Definition
A postdoctoral scholar is one who has received his terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D./M.D.) and is pursuing further training. The postdoctoral scholar position is a short term training position, geared towards career, typically in academics, private industries, law firms or government. The initial appointment is for one year, with possible reappointments for two additional one-year terms. A postdoctoral scholar for the first three years of appointment is designated as a postdoctoral research associate. A postdoctoral scholar under the F or T-type training grants is designated as a postdoctoral research fellow. The extension of the postdoctoral scholar appointment beyond three years requires the approval of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs prior to the effective date of the reappointment. A written justification from the mentor for the extension is required. The appointment of postdoctoral research associate can remain the same or change to a senior research associate. (full description of positions.) The purpose of the time-bound appointment is to protect the postdoctoral scholar from an indefinite length of stay in a training position and ensure transition into his/her career in a particular area of choice.
A postdoctoral scholar is expected to participate in full-time advanced research training under the supervision and direction of a faculty mentor in his/her research program, supported by a Fellowship/Traineeship or equivalent support. The training involves participation in all relevant research and academic activities related to preparation for a scientific career. These include reading and researching literature, manuscript preparation of research findings, attendance and presentations at seminars and meetings, attendance at training related activities (e.g., workshops for grant writing/scientific presentation), and a possible training in teaching related activities by mutual agreement between the postdoctoral scholars and mentors. Therefore the main objectives of the training is to acquire expertise and experience needed by postdoctoral scholars to advance their careers by contributing to program of their mentors, interactions with others and participating in research- and academic-related activities. A good communication and sharing of similar expectations between mentor and the scholars cannot be overemphasized for meeting these objectives.
