Published February 13, 2024, via Research News
Dear Colleagues,
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs are pleased to announce a revised Washington University Postdoctoral Education Policy. The policy is effective immediately with a four-month roll-out period and full implementation taking place on Monday, July 1, 2024. We extend a sincere thank you to all of those involved in the revision and approval process, including Deans and the Provost.
The revised Washington University Postdoctoral Education Policy contains updated terminology, clarifications, and expanded policy terms. Key revisions and updates include:
- Alignment of appointment classification titles with current practice (Postdoctoral Research Associate and Postdoctoral Research Scholar)
- Centralization of postdoc oversight and policy implementation in the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs under purview of the Vice Chancellor for Research
- Recommendation that all postdoctoral appointees be allowed at least 10% of their effort to participate in career and professional development
Over the next four months, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs release a series of supporting documents and templates to facilitate the policy roll-out, including a qualifying postdoctoral experience calculator, offer letter templates, and extension request forms.
We appreciate your cooperation and support as we uphold our commitment to providing Washington University postdoctoral appointees with excellent training and career and professional development opportunities. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Dr. Paola Cepeda, Director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.
Mark E. Lowe, MD, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Research
Associate Dean for Research, School of Medicine
Harvey R. Colten Professor of Pediatric Science