Postdoctoral Scholars (Postdocs)
What is a postdoc?
A postdoctoral scholar (postdoc) is an individual who holds a doctoral degree and is engaged in advanced training and education, and conducts research under the guidance of a faculty member at UCLA. A postdoctoral scholar position prepares you for a career in academia, industry, government or the non-profit sector. Each year, UCLA hosts approximately 1,400 postdocs from across the world who play a critical role in furthering the University’s educational and research mission.
Appointment Criteria
- Hold an appointment at 100% effort.
- The initial appointment of a Postdoctoral Scholar at the University shall be for a minimum of one year
- Paid appointments with benefits coverage.
- Must have postgraduate degree.
Titles & Classification
- Postdoctoral Scholar – Employee (3252): An appointment is made in the title “Postdoctoral Scholar – Employee” when a. the agency funding the salary requires or permits the appointee to be an employee of the University, or b. whenever General Funds, Opportunity Funds or other University discretionary funds are used to support the position.
- Postdoctoral Scholar – Fellow (3253): An appointment is made in the title “Postdoctoral Scholar – Fellow” when the Postdoctoral Scholar has been awarded a fellowship or traineeship for postdoctoral study by an extramural agency and the fellowship or traineeship is paid through a University account.
- Postdoctoral Scholar – Paid Direct (3254): An appointment is made in the title “Postdoctoral Scholar – Paid Direct” when the Postdoctoral Scholar has been awarded a fellowship or traineeship for postdoctoral study by an extramural agency and the agency pays the fellowship or traineeship directly to the Postdoctoral Scholar, rather than through the University. Such appointments shall have a “without-salary” status.
- Postdoctoral Scholar – Employee NEX (3255): An appointment is made in the title “Postdoctoral Scholar – Employee NEX” when a. the agency funding the salary requires or permits the appointee to be an employee of the University, or b, whenever General Funds, Opportunity Funds, or other University discretionary funds are used to support the position and c. based on the percentage appointment of the Postdoctoral Scholar, the prorated salary per week does not meet the FLSA salary level test. (FLSA FAQ)
- Interim Postdoctoral Scholar – Employee (3256): An appointment is made in the title “Interim Postdoctoral Scholar – Employee” when UCLA graduate students who recently obtained their PhD degree or equivalent need a short-term appointment to complete an existing project from their graduate educational programs before moving on to other employment. While Postdocs may be appointed more than once to TC 3256, no one shall be appointed in TC 3256 for more than a cumulative total of 12 months in one or multiple appointments.
For more information about policy surrounding postdoctoral scholar appointments, please use the links below:
Health & Welfare
As a condition of appointment, all Postdoctoral Scholars must have adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of their appointment. Postdoctoral Scholars are eligible for UC Postdoctoral Scholar Benefits Plan (PSBP). UC PSBP includes:
- Medical: Health Net HMO or PPO
- Dental: Health Net DHMO or Principal Point of Service
- Vision: Health Net PPO
- Life, AD&D and Short-Term Disability: The Standard Insurance
- Voluntary Long-Term Disability: The Standard Insurance
UC PSBP also provides services such as wellness programs, MedEx travel assist program, child and home care providers, MDLive, mental health benefits, and more.
All Postdoctoral Scholars initially appointed at 100% time for at least three months or 50%-99% time for at least 12 months are eligible for UC PSBP. Postdoctoral Scholars have 31 days from start of appointment to enroll in UC PSBP via UCPath Portal. Failure to enroll within this time frame could result in a significant delay in access to coverage or the inability to enroll until the next Open Enrollment period.
Detailed information regarding the UC Postdoctoral Scholar Benefits Plan (PSBP) is available on the Gallagher Benefits Services (formerly Garnett-Powers & Associates) website.
For further assistance, contact Gallagher Benefits Services at (800) 254-1758 or UCPath Center at (855) 982-7284.
Postdoctoral Scholars with existing health insurance coverage may elect to opt-out of UC PSBP. Proof of health insurance must be submitted with initial appointment packet to Graduate Division. Copy of an active health insurance card or copy of statement of coverage are accepted as proof of health insurance.
Postdoctoral Scholars who choose to opt out of the UC PSBP will still be provided with the Life Insurance & AD&D, short-term disability, and workers’ compensation components of the plan. The premiums for these mandatory benefits will be charged automatically to the sponsoring department.
Effective January 1, 2012, Postdoctoral Scholars who choose to enroll in the HMO or PPO medical, dental, and vision plans will have their insurance premiums covered in full by the sponsoring department except for the costs of the Postdoctoral Scholars’ required monthly premium contributions.
Postdoctoral Scholars who choose to opt out of the UC PSBP will still be provided with the Life Insurance & AD&D, short-term disability, and workers’ compensation components of the plan. The premiums for these mandatory benefits will be charged automatically to the sponsoring department.
Please consult your ATO representative for cost information.
Benefits
Effective the first day of appointment, all PDS are given 24 days Personal Time Off per 12-month appointment duration. PTO must be used within the 12-month appointment duration. Any unused PTO will expire.
Effective the first day of appointment, all PDS are given 12 Sick Days per 12-month appointment. Any unused sick time may carry forward to subsequent eligible University Appointments.
Please note for both PTO and Sick. PTO must be requested and approved in advanced Supervisor cannot unreasonably deny time off. At the discretion of the department, PDS upon request must provide satisfactory documentation of personal or family illness.
Paper timesheets are required to be submitted on the 10th of every month regardless of any time or no time taken. Click link below for timesheet.
3252, 3255, and 3256 must contribute 7.5% of gross salary to the University of California Defined Contribution Plan (DCP).
- Non-resident aliens for tax purposes who are in the U.S. on an F-1 or J-1 visa are exempt from contributing to DCP.
- Eligible PDS may enroll in the Voluntary UC Retirement Savings Program (i.e., 401(a), 403(b), 457(b)). • 3253 and 3254 are ineligible for UC-sponsored retirement plans unless a concurrent eligible title is held.
- Fellowship funding is considered an award rather than compensation, and thus cannot be used towards contributions to these plans.
For questions, contact Fidelity Retirement Services at (866) 6827787
PDS are eligible for Leave of Absences including:
- Family Medical Leave
- Pregnancy Disability Leave
- Parental Leave: Four workweeks of paid leave.
- Personal Leave of Absence with and without Pay
- Bereavement Leave
- Jury Duty
Please consult your ATO representative for information.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will be paid on the 1st of every month.
Your check will be mailed to the address provided. Please make sure to log on your UCPath Portal to check your account.
To set up your direct deposit log on to your UCPath Dashboard.
Postdoctoral Scholars, as SafeHarbor participants contribute 7.5% of gross salary to the University of California Defined Contribution Plan in lieu of Social Security taxes, and are not eligible for membership in the University of California Retirement Plan.
Payments will automatically be deducted from your stipend/salary.
The deduction that comes out of your stipend is your benefit contribution. If you elect to join the UAW, the fee is 1.44% of gross pay for members.
Yes, postdocs are eligible to reside in University Apartments.
For more information, please visit: https://www.postdoc.ucla.edu/resources/moving-to-la/postdoc-housing-options/
Yes, the PD title series are representative by the UAW Local 5810 as their collective bargaining representative. Please visit UAW website for further information.
Resources & Privileges
- Housing Resources
Postdoctoral scholars are eligible to reside in University Apartments, but are not guaranteed a space. You become eligible only after demand from graduate and professional students has been met. - Child Care Resources
Due to limited space and long waiting lists, parents with preschool age children are encouraged to call the preschool or childcare program they are interested in prior to arrival at UCLA. The costs, eligibility criteria, quality, and philosophy vary for each program. We offer this information regarding child care resources as a courtesy to you. With the exception of UCLA Early Care and Education, the Students with Dependents Program, the Bruin Resource Center, and UCLA do not endorse any of the child care providers or schools included in the resource guide below. Please be sure to thoroughly research any schools/child care providers before choosing a child care facility or school for your child(ren). - Supporting Nursing Mothers at Work
UCLA is committed to the health and well-being of its community members. If you or your partner need support during your pregnancy or accommodations upon returning to work or school, you are encouraged to connect with available campus services.
- Obtaining Access to University Facilities
Obtain a UCLA BruinCardfor access to University privileges and facilities. You can get your BruinCard by taking photo identification and your welcome letter (sent to you upon approval of your postdoctoral appointment) to 123 Kerckhoff Hall. The BruinCard also can be used as a debit card all over campus. - Library Privileges
Postdoctoral scholars are entitled to the use of all the libraries on campus and the BruinCard functions as the library card. To activate the BruinCard for library access, present it at the Young Research Library, College Library, or the Biomedical Library. - Laboratory and Office Facilities
Within University policy, postdoctoral scholars may be granted use of laboratory and other University facilities at the discretion of the departments involved. In many departments, however, space is limited and offices cannot be provided. - Faculty Center Privileges
UCLA postdoctoral scholars are eligible to become members and use the services of the UCLA Faculty Center. All staff employed by the University at least 50% of full time are eligible for membership. All staff membership dues are $25.00 per month. All bills are due and payable on the fifteenth day of each month. A service charge will be added to all delinquent balances. All changes (e.g. retirement, resignation, change of status or address) must be reported in writing. Dues will continue to accrue until written notification is received and the member will be liable for any accumulated charges. Each account must be tied to a valid credit card on file. Postdoctoral scholars are encouraged to visit the front office at the Faculty Center for a membership application. - Auditing Courses and Seminars
Postdoctoral scholars are not students, therefore they do not pay fees nor do they register with the Office of the Registrar. With the exception of summer school classes, postdoctoral scholars may audit courses and seminars with the consent of the instructor. No academic credit is given.If scholars wish to take regular University courses and receive credit, they are required to seek admission to the University and pay the normal student registration fees; status as a postdoctoral scholar is then terminated. - Employee & Labor Relations Information
The University of California is committed to an university environment that provides equal opportunity and promotes a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences among faculty, staff, postdoc and the student body. UCLA strives to have an inclusive, supportive environment that provides postdoctoral training opportunities and maximizes and values the potential of all postdocs.
For general employment-related concerns (vacation, payroll, reasonable accommodations, leaves, benefits) regarding your postdoctoral scholar appointment, please contact your Human Resources representative.
For questions about grievances, mediation, layoffs, corrective action, dismissal and other labor-relations concerns, please contact your union representative. - International Scholar Resources
UCLA students and postdoctoral scholars from abroad are encouraged to visit the Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars. The Dashew Center provides assistance with visa and immigration issues, counseling, and offers many workshops and programs. - Union Representation
Learn about postdoctoral scholar union representation in the UC system. Also, explore the current collective bargaining contract governing postdoctoral appointments. - UCLA Transportation Commute Options
Learn about UCLA Transportation’s programs and discounts available to postdoctoral scholars for commute options including walking, biking, public transit, vanpool, carpool, and more! For a summary, view the UCLA Staff & Faculty: How to Access Campus Infosheet.
- Gym Membership
Postdoctoral scholars at UCLA are eligible for a discounted membership to UCLA Recreation’s gym facilities on campus. - FitWell Courses
As UCLA staff, postdocs are also eligible to participate in the UCLA Recreation FITWELL Program. Take a Fit Break, or participate in Bruin Mindfit to maintain healthy balance in your work life. - MARC Guided Meditation
The UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) offers free drop-in meditations at various locations across campus during the week. Open to anyone interested in learning how to “live more presently.” - Staff & Faculty Counseling Center
UCLA’s Staff and Faculty Counseling Center (SFCC) offers a range of services, including confidential counseling, coaching, training, support groups and community resource referrals. - UCLA Interactive Campus Map (with Gender Inclusive Restroom and Lactation Room filters)
UCLA Interactive Campus Map helps you locate UCLA buildings, restaurants, shopping, residence halls, sports venues, theaters, points of interest, and much more. Detailed information and photographs for most locations are available. - All Gender Restroom Map
- Lactation Room Map
A great way to find out all the information and resources available to you at UCLA, please view the Academic Services Postdoctoral Scholar Orientation.
View the Postdoctoral Scholar Orientation
View this presentation for general information pertaining to your salary, benefits, union representation and other services and privileges you are entitled to as a Postdoctoral Scholar at UCLA. Additionally, subscribe to our UCLA Postdoctoral Scholars Mailing List for more information about our quarterly in-person orientations: If you have any questions about the orientation, please contact postdoc@grad.ucla.ed
Administered by Graduate Division, UCLA POSTDOC-L provides important, relevant information about changes in the postdoctoral scholar policy, upcoming events, and workshops. The mailing list is open to current and former UCLA postdoctoral scholars, staff, and faculty. It is the primary method by which Graduate Division communicates with postdoctoral scholars at UCLA. (The list is not an on-line forum, so users cannot post messages.)
This council of administrators, faculty, and postdoctoral scholars meets quarterly to discuss important issues relevant to postdoctoral life at UCLA. Learn more about what they have been discussing.
The Biomed Postdoc Office works to promote Postdoctoral Affairs for PhD trainees in the biosciences at UCLA.
The PDA’s mission is to enhance the postdoctoral experience at UCLA by providing resources to aid postdoctoral scholars with their professional and personal development. PDA aims to provide information and support on a range of topics including career advancement, financial support, and childcare/family issues. PDA is also focused on communicating postdoctoral causes to the university administration. In addition, PDA facilitates social interaction between postdocs at UCLA, with the goal of building a community that can benefit from each others’ knowledge and experiences.
National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW) is a nationwide celebration of postdoctoral scholars’ contributions to their communities. It is designated by the National Postdoctoral Association (see below) and occurs each September. For information about the past 2019 National Postdoc Appreciation Week activities at UCLA, please explore here.
The NPA was established with the goal of fostering necessary improvements to the postdoctoral situation in the United States. NPA’s mission is to improve the postdoctoral experience by supporting enhanced research training and a culture of enhanced professional growth to benefit scholarship and innovation.
As UCLA is a Sustaining Member of the NPA, postdoctoral scholars, faculty and administrators at UCLA are entitled to a free affiliate NPA membership.
Stay up-to-date on current campus safety conditions and learn how to prepare for potential emergency situations.
For general information about the UCLA postdoctoral scholar population, including the gender distribution, citizenship distribution, and trends regarding the length of postdoctoral scholar training, please feel free to explore these data dashboards.
- COVID-19 Leave Guidance for Supervisors of Academic Appointees
This PDF document from University of California Office of the President (UCOP) provides COVID-19 leave guidance for supervisors of Academic Appointees (including Postdoctoral Scholars). - Postdoctoral Fellowship Tax and Imputed Income Information
Tax and imputed income withholding information for Postdoctoral Scholars. - Frequently Asked Questions about the Fair Labor Standards Act for Non-Exempt Postdoc-Employees
Provides information about how changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act impacts some UC postdoctoral scholars. - Funding Opportunities & Resources
Learn about funding opportunities and resources open to postdoctoral scholars at UCLA. - Direct Deposit Information for Fellows
BruinDirect Deposit is available through MyUCLA and strongly encouraged for all recipients of fellowship awards and traineeships. - Deferral of Student Loans
Many, if not most, lending agencies do not recognize postdoctoral scholar status for deferral of student loans because postdoctoral trainees are not considered the equivalent of registered, full-time students.
The Graduate Division will sign student loan deferral forms for scholars and provide a letter outlining the dates of appointment and the UC definition of a postdoctoral scholar.
The guaranteeing agency is then responsible for determining if the appointment meets its deferral criteria.
Before making the request for Loan Deferments, please print out the loan deferment forms from your lending agency, fill out the personal information and drop them off at 1255 Murphy Hall, MC: 142801. The Graduate Division does not mail out the forms on your behalf; please make arrangements to come back and pick them up when notified that they are ready. Processing time will take 5-7 business days. - Postdoctoral Scholar Benefits Plan (PSBP) Guide
View the system-wide benefits program plan guide for all postdoctoral scholars. Please note that Garnett-Powers & Associates is now Gallagher Benefits Services. Any email inquiries should be directed to GBS.psbp@ajg.com. - Insurance for Travelers
All University travelers, including employees, medical residents, students, and fellows, are covered worldwide, 24 hours a day, for a wide variety of accidents and incidents while on official travel status. The coverage includes accidental death, accidental dismemberment, paralysis, and permanent total disability. The coverage also includes travel assistance services when the traveler is 100+ miles from his or her home or headquarters, such as:- Security extraction (security extraction is not subject to mileage limitation),
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation,
- Repatriation of remains,
- Out-of-country medical,
- Loss of personal effects (employees only), and
- Other travel assistance services.
- Registration for Travel Outside of California
Travelers must register all out-of-state and foreign country business trips to ensure coverage. Booking travel through Connexxus’ preferred travel agencies and supported online booking tools, with the exception of SWABIZ (Southwest) automatically enrolls the traveler in the insurance program for travel outside of California; otherwise the traveler must register on the Risk Services website and complete the Traveler Insurance form before an out-of-state trip occurs. Registration is not required for travel within California as coverage is automatic. - Jewish Free Loan
Jewish Free Loan is a non-profit offering interest-free loans to LA and Ventura county residents on a non-sectarian basis since 1904. Loans range from $500 to $100,000 and can help with emergencies such as rent/mortgage and utility bills, car repairs, car purchase, medical and dental bills, moving costs, loans for home healthcare, fertility treatment and adoption, small businesses, and more. Loans are also available to aid victims of recent fires, the LAUSD strike, and the government shutdown. Requirements include: 1-2 guarantors with good credit (680+); Guarantor(s) must have a steady income; Guarantor(s) must be 25 years or older; Guarantor(s) must be a resident of California. To begin the application process go to www.jfla.org and click on “Apply Now” to complete a “pre-loan application”.
Compact Between Postdoctoral Scholars & Faculty Mentors
Articulates the roles and responsibilities of both the Postdoctoral Scholar and Faculty Mentor.
UCLA Core Competencies
Spring 2020 Professional Development Workshops for Postdoctoral Scholars and Graduate Students
Individual Development Plan (IDP) Best Practices & Tools for Postdocs & Faculty
Provides best practices and online tools for STEM and Social Sciences/Humanities IDPs.
Postdoctoral Scholar Annual Evaluation
Provides feedback on the scholar’s progress and an assessment of the scholar’s overall performance.
Research/Career Development Plan & Periodic Evaluation
For Postdoctoral Scholars use in developing short-term and long-term goals as well as to define career aspirations.
National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD)
The NCFDD is a nationally-recognized, virtual faculty development center serving over 80,000 members from over 450 colleges and universities in the United States. The NCFDD provides training, mentoring, and supportive communities for faculty, graduate students, and postdocs. Their programs and services help to increase writing productivity, maintain work-family balance, and create broad networks of collegiate support on their campus. UCLA has an institutional membership that makes it free to all UCLA campus members including faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars.
Handshake
Handshake is UCLA’s online career management platform where employers post jobs, internships, postdocs, and fellowships. This is where postdocs can sign up for career-related events, info sessions, and recruitment opportunities.
NPA Career Center
On the NPA Career Center, postdocs can search and receive alerts every time a job becomes available that matches their personal profile, skills, interests, and preferred location(s).
National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD)
The NCFDD is a nationally-recognized, virtual faculty development center serving over 80,000 members from over 450 colleges and universities in the United States. The NCFDD provides training, mentoring, and supportive communities for faculty, graduate students, and postdocs. Their programs and services help to increase writing productivity, maintain work-family balance, and create broad networks of collegiate support on their campus. UCLA has an institutional membership that makes it free to all UCLA campus members including faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars.
On the NPA Career Center, postdocs can search and receive alerts every time a job becomes available that matches their personal profile, skills, interests, and preferred location(s).
Finding A Mentor
Appointments for postdoctoral training is made to a specific faculty member or members in an academic department or research unit. In order to help identify an appropriate faculty member, you may wish to access the specific center websites and review the staff and faculty directory.
Please visit and review the current research at Psychiatry and the Neurosciences at UCLA.
To view a list of all PIs and centers at Semel, please click here.