Principle

Memorial University of Newfoundland considers Postdoctoral Fellows employees of the University and an integral part of the University who make a significant contribution to the research and teaching environment and mission of the University. As members of the research community, they contribute to the nation's research and enhance the stature of the University.

Postdoctoral appointments provide recent doctoral degree recipients with an opportunity to:

1) develop further the research skills acquired in their doctoral programmes under the sponsorship of established researchers,

2) learn new research techniques or embark on new research programmes with guidance from and in consultation with an experienced faculty member,

3) make significant individual contributions to their chosen field,

4) strengthen their publication records and curricula vitae, thereby building a reputation and enhancing their chances of securing a more permanent faculty or research position, and

5) gain teaching and supervisory experience where appropriate.

Purpose

To outline the responsibilities, obligations, expectations, services and procedures that relate to the appointment of Postdoctoral Fellows, Employees (PDF-E), in conjunction with the applicable collective agreements.

Scope

Postdoctoral Fellows at Memorial University who are members of the LUMUN bargaining unit.

Postdoctoral Fellows who have secured 100% of their own transferable funding from an external source and are appointed on an honorary basis are not in an employment relationship with the University. They are excluded from this policy and are governed instead by the Guidelines for Honorary Postdoctoral Fellows. The PDF-H may be paid directly by the external funding organization, or, by administering the external funding through its payroll system, the University may act as a “paymaster.”

Definitions

PDF-E — A Postdoctoral Fellow who meets all the following criteria:

• The appointee is paid, at least in part, through Memorial University funds;
• The appointee has a Ph.D. or equivalent degree;
• The appointment is temporary;
• The appointment primarily involves research;
• The appointment is viewed as preparatory for a full-time academic and/or research career;
• The appointee works under the guidance and sponsorship of a faculty or adjunct faculty member at the University;
• The appointee has the freedom, and is expected, to publish results of their research with appropriate acknowledgment of University affiliation except where this right has been limited by prior written agreement;
• The appointment is not part of a clinical training programme; and
• The appointment may involve undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring, subject to the applicable collective agreement.

Supervisor — The person to whom the Postdoctoral Fellow-Employee reports directly in the performance of their employment duties.

Policy

In recognition of the Principles above, Memorial University appoints scholars with the title of Postdoctoral Fellow Employee (PDF-E) and provides services to meet their needs. PDF-Es must comply with University policies and procedures and acknowledge their affiliation with the University in their publications and in their participation in scholarly meetings and endeavors.

Normally, appointments occur within three to five years of the PDF-E being awarded the doctoral degree or within ten years of being awarded the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. These periods may be extended if the PDF-E has already completed PDF-E positions and/or by circumstances requiring an interruption in research career, e.g. by parental responsibilities.

If an appointee has not been awarded a Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) at the date of the offer, the appointment is conditional on proof of successful completion of all Ph.D. requirements by the start date of the PDF-E appointment. Proof of a degree shall be submitted no later than 6 months after the start date of the PDF-Es appointment.

PDF-Es can receive funding from grants or contracts held by faculty or from departmental resources. All PDF-Es, regardless of how paid, are appointed by the applicable Dean or Associate Vice-President (Academic).

Teaching
It is recognized that some PDF-Es wish to obtain teaching experience. It is also recognized that PDF-Es are an intellectual resource in the University and that both undergraduate and graduate programmes benefit from their participation. PDF-Es may be involved in undergraduate and graduate lecturing, laboratory instruction, tutorials, and assistance with the supervision of graduate and undergraduate students, subject to applicable collective agreements.

Any assignment of teaching duties will conform to the requirements of applicable collective agreements.

Recruitment, Selection and Appointment

Recruitment, Selection and Appointment of PDF-Es will occur in accordance with the MUN-LUMUN Collective Agreement on behalf of Postdoctoral Fellows.

Funding must be secured for the entire duration of the contract before offering an appointment to, or extending a contract for, a PDF-E.

An official letter of appointment, issued by the appropriate Dean, shall be offered prior to the commencement of work.

PDF-Es must be located in Canada to work for and be paid by the University.

The Supervisor is responsible for orientation to the worksite and introduction to appropriate University unit personnel and policies. The Supervisor should also provide information about performance expectations, standards for work hours, safety procedures, and ethical/scholarly integrity issues, mindful of University policy, procedures and guidelines as they exist.

The School of Graduate Studies offers orientation and professional development opportunities that are available to PDF-Es.

Duration of Appointment

The appointment of a PDF-E is normally for a term of up to three years.

Research Collaboration
A PDF-E will be associated with one or more faculty colleagues for the purpose of research collaboration. The supervisor may be responsible for the direct financial resources required in support of research activities, as well as primary mentoring of research and professional activities. Resources and responsibilities vary by department. The University provides basic services in support of research and collegial interaction.

Immigration
Employing International PDF-Es will occur in accordance with the  Employing and Hosting Foreign Nationals policy, and in particular, the Procedure for Hiring Foreign Postdoctoral Fellows.

Any appointment is subject to the PDF-E's compliance with the immigration laws of Canada and is conditional on any approvals, authorizations and /or permits in respect of a PDF’s employment that may be required under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Regulations made under that Act.

It is the responsibility of the Postdoctoral Fellow to secure and maintain work authorization in order to legally begin and retain a position.

Sources of Funds

PDF-Es may be funded by external agencies, by University endowment or operating funds, by payments from grants or contracts held by faculty, or by a combination of sources. In cases where PDF-Es are funded through external research grants or contracts, the terms and conditions of the funding remain in full force and effect during the active dates of the funding. If there are questions regarding any conditions of external research funding, PDF-Es are advised to contact Research Initiatives and Services. (RIS).

Achievement
Completion of a research project, presentation of its findings at university seminars and conferences, development of a patentable or licensable product, and preparation of this work for peer-reviewed publication are typical standards of achievement. It is expected that PDF-Es will be appropriately recognized for their contributions in publications and patents. It is the responsibility of the supervisor to develop a clear understanding of rights and obligations under the University's policies and practices with the PDF-E at the start of employment.

Renewal

Supervisors shall give notice, to a PDF-E of the intention to renew or not to renew an appointment., in accordance with the MUN-LUMUN Collective Agreement on behalf of Postdoctoral Fellows.

A letter of appointment renewal shall be offered prior to the continuation of work.

Related Documents

Employing and Hosting Foreign Nationals policy
Guidelines for Honorary Postdoctoral Fellows
Postdoctoral Fellows Appointment Template
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulation

Procedures:

There are no procedures associated with this policy.