Post Docs

Resources for Faculty of Engineering Post Doctoral Fellows

A postdoctoral position is unique as it facilitates the smooth transition from being a student in the highest academic degree program to an independent scholar.

A postdoctoral fellow in the University of Waterloo engages, in collaboration with a professor, in research activities, for a definite term that will further their professional and scholarly development.

We understand that post doctorates are in a unique situation as they transition from student to scholar in terms of resources and support available to them. Below are resources available to post doctorates from the university and off campus.

man in front of students

Faculty of Engineering Post Docs

Below are some important links for/about post docs in the Faculty of Engineering:
 

In addition to the information above, below is a list of various general resources for postdocs:

General Information and Resources

Information for Postdocs
  • International Postdocs - requirements that need to be met to be a post doc as a foreigner/non-Canadian residence holder. Includes information for spouses and children.
  • Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs Office (GSPA) - provides support to students, postdoctoral fellows, staff and faculty who are engaged in graduate work and research at the University of Waterloo.
  • Postdoc Tax Resources - The Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) has organized a tax seminar and clinic to provide tax information and resources for postdocs. Check out the opportunities below to learn more about how we can support you. 
  • Postdoc Benefits - All postdoctoral benefits at the University of Waterloo are definite-term appointments, and may be eligible for benefits dependant on the funding source and length of contract. Postdoctoral fellows who are employed and paid through the University of Waterloo payroll (including tri-agency funded postdocs) are eligible for extended health care benefits provided that their initial contracts are of at least one year, and that they work at least 33% of full-time equivalency (FTE)

Funding, Research, and Ethics

Funding

  • Find Postdoctoral Funding - offers postdoctoral fellows information about some key fellowship opportunities and potential sources of funding.
  • Apply for Funding - All funding applications must be submitted to the Office of Research prior to sponsor submission for a review of eligibility and compliance with sponsor and institutional policies, procedures, and certifications.
  • Research Grants - available research grants for projects in specific industries.

Research

  • Office of Research - the university's central point connecting scientists on campus or those associated with Waterloo to opportunities for funding and services, including commercialization.
  • Engineering Research Office (ERO) - grant guidelines, proposal development, and central office for inquiries for research in the Faculty of Engineering.
  • Research Partnerships - information on negotiating research agreements through the University of Waterloo Office of Research to protect researchers and and the University from risks inherent in binding legal agreements.

Ethics

Professional Development Resources

University Resources

  • IST Professional Development - offers postdocs access to the IT Professional Development (ITPD) program, which includes courses in technical and computing skills to University employees. Training is delivered through instructor-led workshops, all of which are currently offered online. Workshops range from basic to advanced skills and include courses for applications, website management, project management, and more. 
  • Center for Career Development - supports all students, alumni and employees with career advisors. They can help with career planning, career management strategies, graduate and professional school preparation, work search methods and setting meaningful career goals.
  • Improve your English - opportunities to improve and perfect your English with non-credit programs at the English Language Institute (postdocs must pay course fees).

Non-University Resources

  • LinkedIn Learning - online, self-paced courses on LinkedIn that offer a variety of topics to choose from.

  • Mitacs Training - offers a series of training courses on topics relevant to postdocs. Each course bundle involves a self-paced asynchronous component, and a synchronous virtual session. Completion of both components will earn you an official certificate of completion from Mitacs for that course. Topics for these training courses include networking skills, career planning, communication skills, and more.

  • Find Canada-wide faculty positions 

Teaching Resources
  •  Fundamentals of University Teaching - provides hands-on professional development opportunities and introduces participants to evidence-based strategies and ideas to implement in their teaching.

On-campus Resources

  • Grad Circle Drop Ins - a safe and confidential space to share your experience and concerns related to being a graduate student (hosted by Campus Wellness).
  • Counselling Services - Offers same-day appointments for emergencies and can be found in the Needles Hall addition on the 2nd Floor
  • Health Services - Offers walk-in appointments for urgent concerns and can be found in Health Services building
  • AccessAbility Services (AAS) - assists with providing additional academic accommodations to students who experience functional limitations (such as mental health impacts) all the way to temporary or permanent disabilities – and anywhere in-between. 
  • Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Anti-Racism (EDI-R) - provides anti-oppressive, trauma-informed resources and support for all members of the University of Waterloo community, including postdocs.
  • Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) - supports all members of the University of Waterloo community, including postdocs, who have experienced or been impacted by sexual violence (survivors, victims, friends, bystanders, those who have received disclosures, and so on). The harm does not have to have happened on campus or during your time at university for you to receive support.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Resources
  • Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Anti-Racism - works with students, faculty and staff across campus to advance anti-racism and equity through evidence-based policies, practices and programs.
  • Office of Indigenous Relations - central hub for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students, faculty, and staff, along with allies within the University of Waterloo community. Their work is rooted in the goals of indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation.
  • GLOW Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity - university-based 2SLGBTQ+ group in Canada. Run entirely by dedicated student volunteers, Glow promotes a healthy attitude towards all sexual orientations and gender identities on the University of Waterloo campus by providing a wide variety of peer support, social events, advocacy work, and resources.
  • Racial Advocacy for Inclusivity, Solidarity, and Equity (RAISE) - student-led WUSA service to address racism and xenophobia on the University of Waterloo campus.
  • Women's Centre - provides a female-positive and supportive environment on campus for all women and trans* folks. Volunteers are trained to provide peer support with an intersectional lens and can help connect you with resources about sexual health, healthy relationships, mental health, and more.