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What is a Postdoc?
What is a Postdoc?
A Postdoctoral Research Fellow is a trainee pursuing advanced studies beyond the doctoral level (Ph.D., M.D., etc.) in preparation for an independent career. Postdoctoral Research Fellows are appointed for a limited period of time and may participate on research projects and/or may be supported by external awards or fellowships. In all cases, their appointment is for the purpose of advanced studies and training under the mentorship of a faculty member.
Postdocs are referred to by a variety of names, including:
Research Fellow
Postdoc Fellow
Postdoctoral Scholar
Scholar Trainee
Employee Trainee
Rackham maintains open information about postdocs across U-M. See the page below for yearly postdoc data:
U-M Policies
U-M Policies
Postdoctoral Research Fellow administration at Michigan Medicine is governed by the following policies:
University Standard Practice Guide: 201.19 policy on Postdoctoral Research Fellows
Medical School Postdoctoral Research Fellows Policy: found on PolicyStat (level-2 log in required)
For international postdocs, our colleagues in Immigration Compliance can answer question about required regulations
As postdocs are employees, they are governed by U-M HR processes around hiring, termination, etc.
Additional guidelines & policies to be aware of:
Postdoc Compact: Expectations for faculty and trainees, outlined by the AAMC (adapted by UMMS)
Rackham sends a copy of this document to each PI after the postdoc attends orientation. We encourage postdocs & PIs to discuss the expectations outlined to begin their working relationship with aligned expectations and goals.
Dispute Resolution Policies and Regulations
UMMS Dispute Resolution Officer is Mary O’Riordan, oriordan@umich.edu
Michigan Medicine Postdoc Policies
Michigan Medicine Postdoc Policies
Research Fellow Salaries
All Research Fellows at the University of Michigan Medical School must have a combination of funding from the University of Michigan and outside institutions or fellowships equivalent to their years of postdoctoral training at U-M based on the most recent NIH scale; Personal funds cannot be used to meet this salary level.
For more information on the current year's salary, visit the Postdoc Pay & Benefits page.
Benefits
All Research Fellows at the University of Michigan are benefits eligible. They may not waive their UM research fellow benefits unless covered by comparable insurance. For those sponsored by the University of Michigan on non-immigrant visas, the insurance offered by the International Center is not considered comparable to UM benefits.
Time in Rank
Per the Standard Practice Guide, postdoctoral Research Fellowships are limited to five years in duration.
If a department would like to extend a postdoctoral research fellow appointment beyond five years, the department must apply for an exception from the Office of Postdoctoral Studies at least six months in advance of the 5-year deadline. Exceptions to the standard limit will only be granted in extraordinary circumstances.
Support from Michigan Medicine HR & Your HR Business Partner
Support from Michigan Medicine HR & Your HR Business Partner
Many folks are available to answer questions you have about postdoc policies!
Your HR Business Partner: For more information about the HR Business Partner role, and to identify who the liaison is for your department, check here.
The Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies: postdocoffice@med.umich.edu
Michigan Medicine Human Resources, Postdoc point person: Kevin Newman, kmnewman@med.umich.edu
Responsibilities of Department Administrators
Responsibilities of Department Administrators
Each department structure looks different, thus your responsibilities may include some, but not all of the following:
Initiate appointments on behalf of faculty members, monitor upcoming renewals, monitor minimum funding requirements, and process other related actions—all in adherence and by implementation of Michigan Medicine policies and procedures as they pertain to postdoctoral scholars, payroll, grants and contracts and other applicable guidelines.
Serve as a point of contact for postdocs for pre-arrival communication, arrival meeting, onboarding, as well as being a resource to the postdoc on an ongoing basis.
Ensure that postdocs in the administrator’s purview:
Have current appointments (end date has not passed without extension).
Are funded at the appropriate level based on years of experience.
Advise faculty in advance in case of non-renewable appointments, and all matters related to postdoc policy.
Maintain Time Keeping Records: Per the Postdoc SPG, appointing units must maintain records related to attendance and usage of vacation, sick leave, paid extended leave, paid maternity (childbirth) leave allocations. No attendance or absence records are maintained for Research Fellows by the Payroll Office or other central units.
Attend Quarterly Postdoctoral Administrator meetings to stay current on policy, procedural, programmatic and other administrative issues. To join the listserv, email postdoc-affairs@umich.edu
Maintain awareness of postdoc resources & opportunities to share with your department postdocs. Information about resources may be shared through by the department, Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies, or UMPDA.
We're available to support you as you get started, or connect you with fellow expert administrators familiar with postdoc appointments.
Please let us know what questions you have!
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