How do I hire a post-doctoral fellow?
Post-doc appointment process
The following information is for faculty members and department staff appointing a post-doctoral fellow (PDF). Although PDF supervisors are responsible for the appointment process, they may receive assistance from their unit or department staff, who should be kept updated on all PDF appointments.
Before appointing a PDF, please read the Post-Doctoral Fellows Policy and Procedures policy—updated in December 2023.
The policy:
- defines the eligibility requirements for a PDF appointment at the university
- distinguishes between an Internal and Award Recipient PDF
- establishes the responsibilities of the faculty member as the supervisor of a PDF
- establishes the responsibilities of the PDF
- outlines the support provided by the university
PDFs must have completed a PhD prior to commencing their appointment, and the total term length for a PDFs appointment can not normally extend beyond six years part the date of their PhD (see the policy for exceptions). It is the responsibility of the faculty member to obtain documented proof of the PDF having completed their PhD, and that the PhD was completed within the five-year period immediately prior to the start of the appointment.
For Internal PDFs paid from funds held by the faculty member, before extending an offer, the faculty member must ensure that there is sufficient funding to pay the salary, the mandatory