Postdoctoral scholars are a unique and important part of the University of Waterloo community. As highly trained researchers, they occupy a distinct position between graduate studies and independent research careers.
Although postdoctoral scholars (postdocs) represent approximately 7.5% of University employees, they account for less than 1% of the overall campus population, meaning many faculty and staff may be less familiar with them. This page is designed to help faculty and staff better understand who postdocs are, the contributions they make to the University, and the resources and support available to them.
What is a postdoc?
Postdocs are employees or associates who have already completed a doctoral degree.
- Postdocs do not pay student fees and do not have access to services that are restricted to students.
- Postdocs have access to professional development resources through various units on campus, including the Writing and Communication Centre, Integrated Teaching Support Unit (formerly known as the Centre for Teaching Excellence), Centre for Career Development, and Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.
Quick tip: A full list of professional development resources available to postdocs can be viewed on the postdoc professional development web page.
Postdocs do not fall under the "staff" or "faculty" categorizations at the University.
- If a University of Waterloo resource or activity is offered to all employees, postdocs are welcome to engage and utilize that resource. However, they cannot engage in activities that are specifically for staff (e.g., staff association) or faculty (e.g., faculty association).
Quick tip: If an event, service or resource is open to all employees, avoid limiting your language to staff and faculty – add a specific mention of postdoctoral scholars, or simply say the offering is open to all employees.
What do postdocs do?
Postdocs are engaged in research.
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Postdoc positions are primarily research-based roles and can be found in all six faculties.
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Postdocs advance research with worldwide impact, create new ideas, and shape the future of our community and our world.
Quick tip: Remember to celebrate the contributions our postdocs make each September during Postdoc Appreciation Week! This is a perfect time to connect with postdocs in your area and acknowledge the impact of their work.
Postdocs are developing their professional skills.
- The postdoc role is meant to be transitional, supporting those who have recently completed their PhD to move to an independent research career, within or outside academia. Waterloo postdocs achieve career success in industry, government, non-profit, and entrepreneurial pathways, as well as in academic research or teaching roles.
- To support their transition, postdocs engage in a variety of activities that support their professional development, including mentoring undergraduate or graduate students, teaching as sessional lecturers (as a separate employment contract), building their professional networks, and disseminating their research.
Quick tip: Avoid assuming a postdoc's career goals. Postdocs have diverse professional aspirations, both within and beyond academia.
Questions?
Any questions about postdocs can be directed to Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs’ postdoc team at postdocs@uwaterloo.ca.