Questions Related to Appointment as a Postdoctoral Scholar
Are postdoctoral positions considered faculty appointments?
- Postdoctoral scholars are classified as faculty.
Can a postdoctoral scholar be appointed for less than one year?
- The initial appointment for a postdoctoral scholar can be for a minimum of 9 months; although most appointments are for 12 months.
What is the correct protocol for appointing a postdoctoral scholar?
- Departments should go through normal HR channels for postdoctoral positions. The https://facultycareers.fiu.edu/ online system should be used. Each school or department should follow its existing procedure. However, minimum annual salary, length of appointment, and full-time status requirements must be met. There are no advertising or search requirements for postdoctoral scholar positions.
Questions Related to International Postdocs
If I am interested in applying for a postdoctoral position at FIU but I am not a US citizen or permanent resident, would I need to be sponsored to obtain permanent residency?
- US regulations that govern employment-based petitions for permanent residency require that the position be a “permanent” position. Since postdoctoral positions are not permanent, they would not qualify for permanent residency sponsorship. Therefore, the University recommends the J-1 Research Scholar category, which allows 5 years of participation and the TN NAFTA visa, which is typically issued for 3 years with no maximum on renewals. For more information visit the FIU Global Affairs webpage at https://globalaffairs.fiu.edu/isss/
I have applied for a postdoc position at FIU and need a certified translation for my documents. Are there any services available through the University?
- Florida International University considers evaluation reports from any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Below are suggested vendors. This information is provided only as a possible source and you can choose outside of this list:
Josef Silny & Associates
Phone: 305-273-1616
Fax: 305-273-1338
SpanTran
Phone: 713-266-8805
Fax: 713-789-6022
Questions Related to Reappointment Letters and Evaluations
Must I do reappointment letters for postdoctoral scholars in my department?
- Written terms of appointment (offer letters) must be renewed at the end of each appointment period.
Do PIs and postdoctoral scholars have to participate in yearly evaluations?
- As part of an ongoing performance management system supporting the success of the University’s employees and affiliates, it is expected that postdoctoral scholars undergo a review of their performance on an annual basis. A written evaluation should be prepared and delivered to each postdoctoral scholar by the responsible administrator. Copies should also be sent to the Office of Postdoctoral Scholar Services and Academic Affairs. Criteria for such reviews will vary according to the nature of the position and the unit in which it is located. Criteria should be communicated to the postdoctoral scholar at the time of initial hire and at the start of each succeeding year. Training and professional development workshops attended must be documented within the annual review. Sample Annual Review forms are available at http://www.faseb.org/portals/2/pdfs/opa/idp.pdf and http://www.faseb.org/portals/2/pdfs/opa/SampleAnnualReview.pdf
Can postdoctoral scholars file grievances?
- Florida International University encourages open communication between employees/affiliates and management to address concerns. Therefore, the University is committed to resolving concerns through informal resolution whenever possible. However, if this should prove to be impossible, postdoctoral scholars can contact the Employee & Labor Relations Department at (305) 348-4186 for further assistance.
Questions Related to Grants and Funding
Can a postdoctoral scholar be listed as the Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on a proposal?
- Per FIU Policy 2320.035, only FIU faculty in tenure or non-tenure-accruing track positions or personnel in an exempt position (subject to Office of Research and Economic Development approval) may submit a proposal as a Principal Investigator on behalf of Florida International University. However, postdoctoral scholars may be allowed to be Principal Investigators under particular circumstances which shall be determined by the Office of Research and Economic Development in accordance with sponsor regulations.
- Postdoctoral scholars may serve as a Co-Investigator if an eligible FIU employee serves as principal investigator on the proposal.
- Refer to https://policies.fiu.edu/files/362.pdf for additional information.