Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Professional Programs

Postdoctoral Scholar Definition

May 30, 2006

The University of Utah uses a definition of Postdoctoral Scholars derived from a synthesis of Best Practices and Postdoctoral Scholar definitions adopted by scientific professional organizations and funding agencies:

Possess a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited domestic or foreign institution;
Are appointed to a temporary training position, typically 5 years or less, including time spent at other institutions;
Pursue a program of research and advanced training under the direction of a faculty mentor;
Are supported through an institutional account either internally-funded or externally-funded (9206 Postdoctoral Research Associate or 9205 Postdoctoral Fellow) or non-institutional, external source of funding paid directly to the Postdoctoral Scholar (complete POI form via HR)
Work in a typically full-time position of research and scholarly training as preparation for a research career in academia, industry, or government

Visiting Postdoctoral Scholars (Postdocs who are either self-funded or visiting from another institution) must follow University regulations for appointment as found in Policy 6-405: Visiting Graduate Student or Visiting Postdoctoral Scholar. Appointment/Registry forms may be found in the "Visiting Scholars" section of the Graduate School website.

Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Professional Programs

Postdoctoral Scholar Definition

More information on Postdoctoral Scholar definitions may be found on the following websites: