Graduate College Handbook

Chapter 10.  Postdoctoral Appointments

Postdoctoral research associates, residents, and interns are important members of the ISU community. Presently, about 250 postdoctoral associates and 10-20 residents/interns work on the campus. Most postdoctoral associates are involved in research, but a few have other responsibilities such as teaching or outreach. Medical or veterinary residents and interns must hold the appropriate doctoral degree (e.g. MD, DVM, DO) or the equivalent, and are involved with clinical activities, but may also do some formal teaching. Residents and interns are permitted to pursue a graduate degree while on appointment.

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, and vacation is accrued at the same rate of those who are on Professional and Scientific appointment (P-Base).

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. 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 Classification Officer (515-294-1277).

Term of Appointment

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.

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