Waterloo is home to over 350 postdocs across all six of our faculties; Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs is here to:
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Support the University of Waterloo postdoc community
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Advocate for, secure, and promote postdoc resources and benefits
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Establish guidelines for postdoctoral appointments
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Offer guidance to faculty and staff who hire postdocs
What is a postdoctoral scholar?
A postdoctoral scholar (postdoc) is an individual who holds a doctoral degree and is seeking further training in an area of research to support their career objective of becoming an independent researcher either inside or outside of academia. Postdoctoral scholars are valuable members of the University of Waterloo community and make important contributions to research and the community.
Did you know?
Postdoctoral scholars may also be referred to as postdocs, postdoctoral researchers, postdoctoral fellows, or PDFs, but are a separate job category from research associates or research assistants. At the University of Waterloo there are three distinct categories of postdoctoral scholars: postdoctoral scholar employees (type A), postdoctoral scholar employees (type B), and postdoctoral scholar associates.
Stay informed. Get connected.
News
Refined postdoctoral scholar guidelines – effective August 1, 2024
Effective August 1, 2024, the University of Waterloo has updated its postdoctoral guidelines to provide more clarity, better support, and a structured framework for postdoctoral appointments. The guidelines include key changes to improve clarity, fairness, and alignment with current standards.
Increased support for Provost postdoctoral scholars
Launched in 2022, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) is proud to support the oversight of the Provost’s Program for Black and Indigenous Scholars and the Provost’s Program for Interdisciplinary Scholars.
Meet the Postdoc Engagement Liaisons
Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs is excited to announce the launch of the Postdoc Engagement Liaison initiative.
Events
NPAW AI and Literature Reviews Lunch and Learn
The literature review can be a challenging and time-consuming component of a research project. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) can’t write your literature review for you, but this workshop will explore and introduce GenAI tools you may use as supports in the literature review process.
NPAW Yoga
This event will feature an hour of relaxation and balance as we go through a guided yoga session hosted by Athletics and Recreation.
NPAW Happy Hour
This event is a great opportunity to meet other postdocs from across the university and enjoy some tasty food and beverages.
Waterloo Postdoc Profiles
Sonia Jaberi's postdoc experience
Part of transitioning to Sonia Jaberi's postdoc role has included developing independence. Sonia shares that moving from a grad student to postdoc role typically involves both greater independence and greater responsibility, while also learning new projects and working in new places. Sonia has great advice and encourages new postdocs to "stay curious, persevere through challenges, and make the most of this exciting phase in your research journey!"