The Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies will be closed from December 16 to 20. In-person services will be available only by appointment. We will continue to be available online. To book an appointment please refer to our Contact Us directory.
Document submissions: please use the drop-box located outside our office.
Postdoctoral Scholars
The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies formally acknowledges the key role played by postdocs in achieving the goal of increasing the quality and excellence of research and scholarship at the University of Guelph.
What is a Postdoctoral Scholar?
The University defines a Postdoctoral Scholar as someone who has recently completed their doctoral degree (within 5 years), working under the supervision of a faculty mentor, will have an appointment that is focused on research and scholarship as preparation for a full-time academic or research career, being encouraged and expected to publish the results of their independent research. Initial contracts can be up to 4 years (with the option to renew to a maximum of 6 years).
What You Can Expect:
- Associated with a Faculty Mentor
- Defined Goals and Expectations
- Sufficient safe lab/office space, and access to research facilities and/or necessary resources/equipment
- Recognition for your contributions at a world class institution
- Mentoring of research training and in preparation for career opportunities
- Participation in Research Group and Departmental academic activities (ie. Seminars, Scientific meetings, Career Opportunities)
- Effective and Supportive mentoring, involving frequent, clear and open communication with the intention of informal and continual coaching
- Access to University Services
Our Expectations of You:
- Be collegial and cooperative in your work with your faculty mentor and co-workers
- Assume responsibility of your research and career development
- Fulfill the duties in your offer of appointment
- Familiarization of all University policies and the governing research conduct
Orientation:
We recognize that Postdoctoral Scholars may begin their contract at different times of the calendar year. Orientation will be arranged on a yearly basis, but you can access the previous presentation using the link below, once you have access to a University of Guelph email address (on or before your start date). In these presentations, the Union will provide an overview of their role. You are entitled to one (1) hour of paid time for the purpose of the Union orientation. Your academic department and administrative units will provide workplace-specific orientation and training, arranged by your Faculty Supervisor.