Prospective Postdocs

Postdoctoral scholars are individuals who typically come to UTHSC to further their training in a chosen discipline after recently obtaining their terminal degree (e.g., PhD, MD, DVM). This training is for a limited term, expected to last no more than five years with any given UTHSC mentor. A scholar may not exceed eight years training in total. Training is conducted in an apprenticeship mode where the scholar works under the supervision of an investigator who is qualified to fulfill the responsibilities of a mentor.

Postdoctoral Scholar training in a given mentor’s lab is expected to be completed within five years. The maximum duration for postdoctoral scholarship training is a total of eight years. Plans to extend for a short time beyond five years should be discussed with the Postdoc Office and may be approved on a case-by-case basis. The Postdoc Office will send letters to the mentor and postdoctoral scholar to remind them of the deadline prior to the completion of the scholarship.

It is the mentor’s responsibility to support and, when possible, assist in the postdoctoral scholar’s transition to the next stage of his/her career. When the mentor concludes that the training is nearing its conclusion, he/she should meet with the postdoctoral scholar to discuss a transition plan. Following this meeting, the mentor should provide the postdoctoral scholar with written confirmation of the agreed-upon completion date, and written plans for transition of lab duties. The mentor should confirm that research records, laboratory reagents, etc. are in a condition that will allow continuation of the project and ensure compliance. It is expected that this notice will be provided to the postdoctoral scholar at least three months prior to the anticipated transition date, unless precluded by extenuating circumstances such as changes in the availability of funding.

Copies of completion letters and/or of the mentor’s plans for termination must be provided to the Postdoc Office and UTHSC Human Resources. Upon leaving UTHSC, postdoctoral scholars are required to return all departmental issued items including, but not limited to, laptops.