FAQs

1. Eligibility & Appointment Process

Q: Who is eligible for a postdoctoral appointment at Yale?
A: Individuals must hold a Ph.D., M.D., J.D., D.V.M., D.N.Sc., or equivalent degree. If the diploma has not been conferred, a letter from the Registrar or Dean of the degree-granting institution, in English, must confirm that all degree requirements are met and provide the date of conferral.

Q: What documents are required for a new appointment?
A: Required documents include:

Updated CV and publication list
Proof of Degree
At least two letters of recommendation (for departmental records)
Appointment letter with required details (term, title, support, obligations, etc.)

Q: Who approves postdoctoral appointments?
A: Appointments must be approved by the department chair or dean and the Office for Postdoctoral Affairs.

2. Appointment Terms

Q: What is the maximum duration of a postdoctoral appointment?
A: Typically up to 4 years at Yale, with a maximum of 6 years including prior postdoctoral experience elsewhere. To request a 5th or 6th year, please email your request with a justification from the faculty mentor to postdoc.affairs@yale.edu.

Q: What is the required notice for resignation or termination?
A: Appointees should give one month’s notice. Terminations by the mentor require 90 days’ notice unless due to misconduct.

3. Categories of Postdocs

Q: What is the difference between Postdoctoral Fellows and Associates?
A:

Associates: Funded by Yale-administered grants; considered Yale employees.
Fellows: Funded externally or by training grants; not Yale employees.

4. Benefits & Time Off

Q: What benefits are available to postdocs?
A:

Health and dental coverage
23 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) annually
Bereavement leave (up to 3 days)
Career services
Tuition and course auditing benefits
Access to Yale facilities and parking

Q: How is PTO managed?
A: PTO is not tracked in Workday and must be scheduled with the mentor. It does not carry over or get paid out.

5. Training & Responsibilities

Q: What are the mentor’s responsibilities?
A: Provide formal mentorship, conduct annual evaluations, and support the appointee’s career development.

Q: What are the appointee’s responsibilities?
A: Conduct research ethically, comply with regulations and policies, and document research appropriately.

Q: Can postdocs teach or work outside Yale?
A: Yes, with mentor approval and in compliance with University and funding policies. Teaching may require a separate lecturer appointment.

6. Administrative Oversight

Q: What is the role of the department in managing postdocs?
A: Departments must designate a faculty liaison, provide administrative support, and ensure compliance with policies.

Q: What does the Office for Postdoctoral Affairs handle?
A:

Appointment approvals and processing
Visa coordination
Policy administration (leaves, benefits, grievances)
Orientation and professional development for postdocs

7. Complaints and Grievances

Q: Where can postdocs file complaints?
A: Refer to the Complaint Procedure and Support Resources on the Office for Postdoctoral Affairs website and the Faculty Standards of Conduct.

1. Eligibility & Appointment

Q1: Who is eligible for a postgraduate appointment?
A: Individuals with a bachelor’s, master’s, or equivalent degree and no more than two years of relevant post-degree research experience. They must not hold a terminal degree (e.g., PhD, MD).

Q2: Can currently enrolled students at other institutions be appointed?
A: Only if there is a formal agreement between Yale and the student’s home institution. Otherwise, they should apply through the appropriate visiting student programs.

Q3: What documentation is required for an appointment?
A: The application must include:

Appointment dates and title (Associate or Fellow)
CV
Compensation amount and source
Educational objectives and training plan
Updated training plan for reappointments

2. Appointment Process & Terms

Q4: How long can a postgraduate appointment last?
A: Typically one year, renewable for a second year. A third year may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Q5: Can appointments be part-time?
A: Yes, but only in limited cases with prior approval.

Q6: What is the process for resignation or termination?
A:

Resignation: One month’s notice is expected.
Termination: Requires three months’ notice for funding loss; performance-related terminations must follow a warning process.

3. Benefits & Time Off

Q7: What benefits are available to appointees?
A: Health and dental insurance, paid time off (12 business days/year), sick leave (9 days/year), and access to Yale facilities.

Q8: Can appointees audit Yale courses?
A: Yes, with mentor and instructor approval. Courses must align with training objectives.

Q9: How is PTO tracked?
A: Departments are responsible for tracking PTO and leave requests.

4. Training & Expectations

Q10: What are the mentor’s responsibilities?
A: Provide training per the plan, support educational activities, ensure compliance with research and safety standards, and document research appropriately.

Q11: What are the appointee’s responsibilities?
A: Fulfill training objectives, participate in aligned activities, and comply with all relevant policies and regulations.

Q12: Can appointees work outside Yale?
A: Only with prior consultation with the Office for Postdoctoral Affairs and mentor approval. Must not interfere with training.

5. Administrative Roles

Q13: What are departmental administrators responsible for?
A:

Advising faculty on policy
Ensuring complete applications
Submitting appointment and renewal paperwork
Tracking time off and submitting leave requests

Q14: When should OISS be consulted?
A: For international appointees—before appointments, for leave requests, and in case of resignation or termination.

Q15: What support does the Office for Postdoctoral Affairs provide?
A: Appointment processing, policy guidance, benefits and leave administration, compliance support, and programming for postgrads.