Hiring a postdoc

Please notify the administrative staff in your department as soon as you identify a candidate whom you plan to hire (titles and eligibility).  Depending on the candidate’s need for a background check or a visa, the hiring process may take as long as 6 months.  Contacting your department several months prior to the start date is essential.

The immigration visa

It can take up to 6 months for a postdoc to secure a visa, so the first step in hiring a postdoc is to begin the visa application process. Most postdocs come to Yale on J1 visas, but the university will sponsor H1B visas in some instances. Contact your business office for more information about visa options and to begin the application process.

Starting salary

The minimum compensation level for a new postdoctoral and postgraduate appointees is available on the compensation page.  Postdocs with prior experience should receive a higher starting salary using the salary scale on the compensation page.

Term limits

Individuals generally hold postdoctoral appointments at Yale University for no longer than four years, although extensions may be granted in exceptional cases. The total term of postdoctoral appointments may not exceed six years, including previous postdoctoral experience at other institutions.

Orientation

All postdocs are required to attend a mandatory orientation session given by the Postdoctoral Affairs staff. Sessions are offered each month, and you should urge your postdocs to attend.

Problematic Appointments

“Clinical Observers”
For individuals with non-U.S. medical degrees who wish to observe in the clinic, please contact Julie Perry, Physicians Services at 203-688-2615. If approved, these visitors will receive a hospital I.D. but NOT a Yale academic appointment or I.D.

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