Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
Faculty Mentors and Supervisors
Expectations of Mentors
Typical expectations for mentors include facilitate the onboarding process for the new Postdoctoral Fellow (e.g., acclimating them to the research environment, team, department and University); schedule and meet regularly with the Postdoc to discuss research progress, career goals, and direction; provide feedback on the Individual Development Plan; encourage independence in research and scholarship; offer career and professional development advice; conduct annual performance evalution; and promote wellness and mental health (e.g., encourage posts to take allotted annual leave and needed sick leave).
Supervisor Resources
Individual Development Plan
It is expected that the faculty Mentor will work with the Postdoc to create an Individual Development Plan (IDP) for the Postdoc withing the first three months of appointment. An IDP is a useful resource that helps postdoctoral scholars clarify their career objectives and outline steps to reach them. See sample templates here.
Annual Appraisal and Development Program
According to University policy (2-0112), for every Postdoctoral Fellow with an appointment of .75 FTE or greater, a review of activities and accomplishments for the preceding calendar year will be conducted by the mentor or unit administrator every spring for the academic year. A written report of activities and accomplishments shall be submitted by the Postdoctoral Fellow. Supervisors are encouraged to use the Annual Faculty Appraisal and Development Program Form.
Additionally, every year, the Postdoctoral Fellow and supervisor should revisit and revise the postdoc’s Individual Development Plan.
Record Keeping
The Mentor and the Department (or unit/center) are responsible for maintaining a departmental file for each Postdoc which, at a minimum, should contain copies of the Postdoc's appointment letter, along with any documented changes to the terms of appointment or renewals, Individual Development Plan, annual evaluations, and records of the amount and type of leave taken, as well as renewal letters, changes to terms of appointment, or requests for extension of maximum term of appointment, if any.
Expectations of Postdoctoral Fellows
Postdoc appointments are contingent upon the Postdoc’s satisfactory work performance, research (or other work) progress, the existence of available funding, and programmatic need.
In additional to satisfactory performance of assigned duties, typical expectations for postdocs include adherence to ethical and professional standard of practice; open and timely discussion with one’s assigned mentor/supervisor regarding their research/work including the creation of an Individual Development Plan; collegial and professional conducts towards mentor/supervisor, coworkers, staff and other individuals with whom the postdoc interacts; completion of required research training courses, such as the Responsible Conduct of Research; and compliance with all appliable laws, regulations, University policies, standards and procedures.