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Titles & Eligibility

Appointee Types 

  • Postdoctoral Associates and Fellows

    These are individuals who hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) degree and seek advanced research training under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Postdoctoral Associates are employees of the University, funded through research grants, contracts, or other University sources, while receiving training. Postdoctoral Fellows, on the other hand, are trainees who are not considered University employees. They may receive funding from training grants or external fellowships. 

  • Postgraduate Fellows and Associates 

    These are individuals who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree and come to Yale to further their education and training. Same as to postdoctoral roles, the designation of postgraduate titles (Associate vs. Fellow) is determined by the source of funding. 

  • Laboratory Associates

    These are doctoral recipients with a minimum of two years of post-degree experience. They are employed by organizations outside of Yale and are funded by their employers to conduct research or engage in scholarly activities at Yale in collaboration with a Yale faculty member. 

  • Visiting Fellows

    These are doctoral recipients or accomplished professionals whose presence at Yale for a limited duration benefits both the individual and the University. They are employed by organizations outside of Yale and receive funding from their employers while conducting their work at Yale. (This rank is used only on Central Campus.) 

“Unpaid Postdocs” and “Research Volunteers” - There are no unpaid postdocs at Yale, nor are people allowed to volunteer to do research. 

Please note that the following non-faculty appointment types are managed by offices outside the Office for Postdoctoral Affairs.

  1. Minors in the Lab
Please visit here to appoint a minor (students between the ages of 16 and 18). Minors are appointed through the Office of the Provost or the Dean’s Office in the professional schools.
  1.  Visiting undergraduates (VSRs)
To appoint a non-Yale undergraduate, please visit here. Undergraduates are appointed as Visiting Students in Research (VSR) through the Office of the Provost or the Dean’s Office in the professional schools.
  1. Visiting graduate students (VARs)
To appoint a non-Yale graduate student, please visit here. Graduate students are appointed as Visiting Assistants in Research (VAR) through the Graduate School.