Research and Graduate Studies @ KU

Postdoc manual approved; NPA site visit Nov. 14

Last year, a Postdoctoral Work Group at KU hosted town hall meetings, prepared a set of recommendations, and drafted a manual for the Lawrence campus.  Issues that emerged during this process included:

• Lack of a central source of information concerning policies and procedures for postdoc hiring and training
• Lack of professional development opportunities for postdocs
• Need for additional information specifically geared for international postdocs

The KU Postdoctoral Training Manual has been reviewed and approved by Provost Lariviere.  The final document is now online, along with other information about the Postdoctoral Work Group.

“We believe this manual will assist both postdocs and faculty mentors in the postdoc training process at KU,” said John Augusto, research training coordinator in the Office of Research and Graduate Studies.  “The work group came up with six recommendations, including a limit on the number of years allowed and a minimum salary for all researcher appointments.  We are now in the process of implementing the recommendations throughout the Lawrence campus.”

Augusto notes that the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) has chosen KU as the location for a site visit on Wed., Nov. 14.  Two senior representatives of NPA will meet with KU faculty and postdocs at Burge Union, starting at 9 a.m.  After initial presentations about the national context for postdocs. participants will shift into break-out sessions to explore KU-specific issues in greater depth.  The NPA representatives will repeat the session later that day at the KU Medical Center.

Faculty and postdocs are encouraged to attend the NPA meeting.  Lunch will be provided to those who RSVP by Nov. 9 at 864-8040 or by e-mail to jaugusto@ku.edu.