Postdoc Life
Scholars
What is a Biological Sciences Division (BSD) Postdoctoral Scholar?
BSD Postdoctoral Scholars (PDSs) are Divisional appointments with staff benefits intended for postdoctoral training and are generally supported by restricted funds . PDS appointments are generally for a 12-month term. Each PDS will have a primary faculty sponsor who will be responsible for developing a mentoring program for the trainee with clearly established expectations and goals.
Download the Biological Sciences Division (BSD) Postdoctoral Training Guidelines (revised 3/31/05 ).
Eligibility
- PDSs should have received a doctoral degree within five years of commencement of a PDS ’s term (the time attributed to house staff or clinical fellowships is not considered, and, in extraordinary circumstances, the time in postdoctoral training in a different area of scientific specialty is not considered)
- PDSs may be citizens/permanent residents of the United States or foreign nationals who hold an F-1, J-1 or H-1B BCIS visa classification. PDSs must have a current faculty member at the University of Chicago as the sponsor
- PDSs are eligible for reappointment if, the PDS remains in the faculty sponsor’s laboratory for a second (or subsequent) year; is in good standing, having documented progress towards training goals; and if the faculty sponsor’s funding continues to support the appointment.
- PDSs may not generally hold this status (or any combination of relevant postdoctoral experience) for longer than five years.
Training
PDFs will receive a training commitment from the faculty sponsor and will be periodically reviewed for purposes of evaluation and setting goals for the training experience. Faculty Sponsors shall prepare a Mentoring Plan, which generally satisfies the “Guide For Mentoring Postdoctoral Trainees” which is available from the BSD Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs .
Compensation
Compensation for PDSs will be generally consistent with the NIH/NRSA levels in accordance with the BSD Compensation Guidelines for Postdoctoral Trainees Compensation . Salary will be paid monthly.
Benefits
PDSs are eligible for University staff benefits.
Useful Benefits Links
- Human Resources
- Human Resourses Contacts
- Benefits Plans
- Contribution rates
- Medical Plans
- Dental Plans
- Long-term Disability Insurance
- Group Life Insurance
- Retirement Income Plan for Employees - for Postdoc Scholars appointed after January 1, 2004
- Contributory Retirement Plan - for Postdoc Scholars appointed prior to January 1, 2004
- HR Business travel and accident
Leave Policy
PDS’s are entitled to four weeks of compensated leave during each 12-month term appointment, and up to 15 days of compensated sick leave per 12-month term. Use of leave time must be coordinated with the faculty sponsor and must be taken during the term of appointment. There shall be no accruals of either vacation leave or sick leave beyond the term of appointment.
Administrative appointment
To initiate appointment, the Faculty Sponsor shall submit the following documentation to the Office of Academic Affairs:
- Department endorsement of the appointment as a training experience
- Description of the training/mentoring commitment and terms for evaluation
- Compliance Screening certification
- Citizenship form and appropriate visa documentation
- Health Insurance enrollment form or proof of health insurance coverage
- Current curriculum vitae
- Completed “5-point” memorandum, for MD/PhD candidates addressing the restrictions on patient care .
Decisional rights
Appointment of a PDS requires the recommendation of the Department and/or Faculty Sponsor depending on Departmental policy, and approval by the Dean.