Frequently Asked Questions for Postdocs
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Please sign in to the intranet to submit the information that will be listed in your posting. EEO, ADA and other standard information will be added to each open position.
Here is a link to current NRSA Levels.
Please use the Postdoc appointment form to submit your request for approval. This form will route to the appropriate individuals for review. You will receive automated emails throughout the process as well as a final approval once all review has been completed. Once you have the final approval you will send the draft offer letter to the candidate as the official offer.
Note: This letter may not be sent to a candidate until appointment approval is received from the postdoc office.
The funding source determines your Postdoc’s classification. If the Postdoc is funded on an NIH T32 grant, their status will be Postdoc Trainee. Postdoc’s funded under any other source will be appointed with the Postdoc Fellow classification.
Postdocs do not complete staff annual evaluations. Instead, you will work with your postdoc to complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP). This should be completed for all new appointees and annually for existing appointees. At the beginning of each calendar year the postdoc office will provide details on submission of IDPs.
An IDP is an Individual Development Plan. IDP’s are required for all Postdoc’s. Guidance for using an IDP can be found in the IDP Guide.
A postdoc position is a temporary and mentored training-focused appointment. Postdoc positions vary in length. After a Postdoc has been here for four years, the mentor will need to provide the IDP and an outline of the Postdoc’s progress and projected career track timelines.
- Postdoc Trainees receive increases based on NIH Notice of Award.
- Postdoc Fellows automatically move to the next NIH NRSA stipend level in the month following their work anniversary.
If a postdoc moves between classifications, this requires a new approval. Please fill out the postdoc approval form with as many details as possible. Please note that the benefits will follow the classification.
The University of Louisville does not appoint postdoctoral positions on a part-time basis. This aligns with the general expectations set forth by the National Postdoctoral Association and major funding agencies, which view postdoctoral roles as full-time, temporary appointments focused on intensive training and research.
Future Postdocs
Yes, All postdoc positions at UofL are advertised through LinkedIn.
In line with the National Post Doc Association, U of L Post docs are hired into positions that are temporary (for a limited number of years) and focus on mentoring. UofL postdocs are not eligible for H-1B visas. While the J-1 visa remains an option for eligible international applicants, it is temporary in nature (up to 5 years, depending on the J-1 category) and does not replace the H-1B pathway. The UofL International Center has additional guidance on the J-1 visa process. Visa sponsorships should be negotiated with the hiring academic unit, in consultation with the center.
Current Postdocs
Yes, Postdocs are eligible and required to attend the mandatory orientation. More information regarding onboarding can be found at the Employee Success Center website.
Since Postdoc appointments are considered non-employee appointments, leave time is not accrued on your paycheck. It is up to the Postdoc and the mentor to track vacation and sick time used throughout the year.
No, Postdoc leave time is given on an annual basis and does not carry forward to future years.
The Postdoc Office sends out emails of funding opportunities, but we encourage you to review the Office of Research and Innovation’s “Find Funding” page and sign up for the funding notification services.
Please reach out to PostDocServices at PostDocServices@louisville.edu.