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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, identify opportunities for skill development, and plan for their long-term career objectives.
The IDP serves as a tool to:
  • Support reflection and goal setting
  • Align expectations between postdoctoral scholars and mentors
  • Identify training and professional development opportunities
  • Track progress over time
  • Support long-term career planning
UNT’s IDP follows a Shared Discussion model. The postdoc’s self-assessment may remain private, while career goals and development objectives are shared with the faculty mentor to guide discussion and collaborative planning.
 
Before the IDP meeting, postdocs should complete the Postdoctoral IDP, while faculty mentors should complete the Mentor Reflection & Meeting Preparation Form and review the shared portions of the postdoc’s plan. During the meeting, both use their reflections to establish shared goals, expectations, and support strategies for the coming year.
Both forms are available for download below.

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