Skip Section Navigation

This section outlines expectations for mentoring relationships, performance evaluation, and professional conduct during your postdoctoral appointment.

Mentorship Expectations

Postdoctoral scholars work under the guidance of a faculty mentor who provides research direction, professional development support, and regular feedback.

Mentors are expected to:

  • Provide guidance on research goals and project development
  • Support career planning and professional growth
  • · Meet regularly to review progress and expectations

Postdoctoral scholars are encouraged to maintain open communication and actively engage in their training and development.

Individual Development Plan (IDP)

Postdoctoral scholars are encouraged to develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) to define research goals, skill development, and career objectives.

The IDP serves as a tool to:

  • Align expectations between scholar and mentor
  • Track progress over time
  • Support long-term career planning

Performance Evaluation

Postdoctoral scholars may undergo periodic or annual performance evaluations, depending on departmental practices.

Evaluations typically include:

  • Research progress and productivity
  • Contributions to publications and projects
  • Professional development activities

Career Progression

Postdoctoral appointments are temporary and designed as a training phase. Advancement to more independent roles, such as research faculty positions, depends on experience, performance, and institutional needs.

Professional Conduct & Support

Postdoctoral scholars are encouraged to address concerns through open communication with their mentor, department leadership, or appropriate administrative offices.

Ombuds Contact

Confidential resource available to discuss concerns, conflicts, or workplace issues in a neutral and informal setting.

Academic & Professional Expectations

Postdoctoral scholars are expected to:

  • Conduct research responsibly and ethically
  • Contribute to a collaborative research environment
  • Maintain professionalism in all academic and workplace interactions