Search and Selection Guide
Postdoctoral Research
Associates
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Postdoctoral
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Postdoctoral Research
Associates (postdocs) are professional employees, covered by the terms
and conditions of the professional employees bargaining unit (UMPSA).
However, postdoc appointments are also fixed length and have an
educational component. As such, University policy requires that a
University of Maine faculty member be identified as a mentor and that
specific guidelines (see below) are followed.
Postdocs may be appointed through a national search process or through a
search waiver. The method chosen determines the maximum length of the
appointment. Postdocs appointed without a search may remain in the
position for a maximum of two years. Those appointed as a result of a
national search may stay in the position for three years. At the end of
the postdoc appointment, these individuals may apply for research or
teaching positions on campus through a competitive process, unless they
are named in a grant. In that case, they may be appointed to soft money
positions with new job titles.
Whether or not a search is conducted, all postdoc appointments require a
Request to Fill and a Postdoctoral Research Associate Appointment Form.
If a search waiver is requested, the Personnel Action Form and the vita
of the individual being appointed should accompany these documents,
which are forwarded to the Office of Equal Opportunity after the
Dean/Director signs off. NOTE: Human Resources (1-1581) should be
consulted before negotiating salary to make sure that the tentative
offer is appropriate and equitable. The Office of International Programs
should be contacted if departments wish to appoint an individual in a
non-immigrant visa category.
If a search is conducted for a postdoc, the normal search procedures for
professional employees are followed. When the paperwork is sent to the
Office of Equal Opportunity at the end of the search, however, a
Postdoctoral Research Appointment Form should be included with the other
forms required at the end of all faculty and professional searches.
GUIDELINES FOR POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATES AND FACULTY MENTORSThe
purpose of the postdoc appointment is to further prepare an individual
who was recently awarded a doctorate to undertake the responsibilities
of a career in research. These guidelines are intended to ensure that
postdocs have meaningful guidance and support during this phase of
career preparation.
Responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Research Associate
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Plan and conduct assigned
and/or original research projects autonomously while working
collaboratively with UM faculty, staff, postdocs, and students.
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Maintain accurate records
of research findings and the analysis of results.
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Prepare manuscripts for
publication in collaboration with UM faculty, staff, postdocs, and
students.
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Present research findings
at professional meetings.
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Mentor graduate and
undergraduate students as appropriate.
Responsibilities of the
Faculty Mentor
-
Define and direct research
projects in areas that will broaden the experience and expertise of the
postdoctoral research associate in preparation for a career in research.
-
Monitor progress of the
postdoctoral research associate through regular (at least weekly)
one-on-one meetings.
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Encourage and aid the
postdoctoral research associate in publishing and presenting research
results to the international community of experts in the field.
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Instruct the postdoctoral
research associate in research funding and proposal writing strategies.
-
Write recommendation
letters and aid in job searches during the final stages of the
postdoctoral research appointment.
For more information on
Faculty and Professional searches:
On First Class: Campus Connection->University Organizations->
Equal Opportunity->Search Materials
Office of Equal
Opportunity, University of Maine, May, 2002
