Postdoctoral Advisors

Postdoctoral Policies

Appointment

Postdoctoral research associates are D-base employees who are employed at least half-time to perform work that furthers their education. (Most faculty are employed on A-base (12 months) or B-base (academic year) appointments. Graduate assistants are employed on C-base appointments. C-base and D-base appointments are overseen by the Graduate College and the Dean of the Graduate College.) For this reason, their conditions of employment is intermediate between that of graduate assistants and faculty or Professional and Scientific employees. Hiring into D-base positions does not require a specific search.

Presently, most postdoctoral associates at ISU work for a two to three year period. All postdoctoral associates must be employed for a minimum of half time. Their appointments, however, are term appointments and must be renewed annually. Occasionally there is justification for a postdoctoral associate remaining "in training" for longer terms. The Graduate College allows a maximum of five years in this category of employment. Extension of the employment status for over five years is extremely rare and is allowed only for the most extraordinary circumstances.

Benefits

Any accrued vacation must be used during the term of the postdoctoral appointment or the balance will be forfeited at the end of the appointment. A letter of intent is required for all postdoctoral appointments. This form is available from all department offices, the Graduate College (Pearson Hall, 515-294-4531), and from the Graduate College web site at http://www.grad-college.iastate.edu/forms/forms.html.

Salary

The salary level at which a postdoctoral associate is employed should recognize the fact that the individual has earned a doctoral degree. The Graduate College sets a minimum and maximum stipend level. For 2012-2013, the salary range for full-time postdoctoral research associates is $40,000 to $80,000. A program that wishes to pay less than the current minimum or more than the current maximum stipend must receive permission from the Dean of the Graduate College. Salary increases will follow the same guidelines as those for graduate assistantships. For information about the stipend amounts, benefits, or other information about postodoctoral associates, please contact the Graduate College Business Manager (515-294-7811 or aguddall@iastate.edu).