National Postdoctoral Association

The Postdoctoral Office Toolkit has been developed with generous support from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. Access to the toolkit is a member benefit of the NPA. We welcome comments and feedback on the toolkit, including information on model programs and services for possible inclusion in toolkit updates. Contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to learn more.

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• Hiring Staff Members
• Financing a Postdoc Office
• Inter-Office Collaborations at Your Institution
• Postdoc Data and Surveys
  • Developing a Postdoc Database
  • Strategies for Conducting a Postdoc Survey
  • Postdoc Surveys and the IRB
  • Conducting Exit Interviews/Surveys
• Forming a Partnership with your Postdoc Association
• Creating a Postdoc Advisory Committee with Faculty and Postdoc Representation
• Developing a Definition of a Postdoctoral Scholar
• Developing Postdoctoral Policies
• Creating a Standardized Appointment Process
• Providing Benefits to Postdocs
• Establishing Unified Benefits for Postdocs: A Case Study
• Educating Colleagues on Policies and Procedures
• Creating an Orientation Package
• Developing a Postdoctoral Scholars Handbook
• Addressing Diversity and Minority Issues
• Evaluating Postdocs
• Providing Career Development Resources
• Providing Complementary Skills Development Programs

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