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Office of Postdoctoral Affairs launches online postdoctoral appointment management system

Effective August 16, all postdoctoral appointments and reappointments will be will be managed in a secure, web-based system (REDCap), and processed and appointed through the Graduate School. Individual colleges and schools will continue to be the first step in the approval of appointments and reappointments.

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs developed this new centralized process in close consultation with the individual schools and colleges. It was pilot-tested in the School of Medicine and the School of Engineering.

“Through the development of this new appointment process, we are able to unify the guidelines for postdoctoral appointments across campus,” said Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs Clare McCabe. “We will also be able to collect and analyze important information about our postdocs to enable us to develop even more effective programs and services for this community, including expanded professional development opportunities.”

One policy that will become standardized is limiting postdoctoral positions to a maximum five-year term, including training time at other institutions. Five-year terms are in line with national guidelines on postdoctoral appointments, McCabe said.

For more information about the OPA or the postdoctoral appointment process, visit their website, or contact the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs or OPA director Clare McCabe.