The Office of Postdoctoral Education (OPE) provides mentors with information to assist in the appointment of postdoctoral scholars and the establishment of the terms and conditions for the position offer.

The OPE is here to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us should questions arise.

Below are important considerations for you to consider during the appointment process.

1. Terms and Conditions of Appointment. The terms and conditions of a postdoc appointment at UAB include vacation, UAB minimum salary, and maternity/paternity leave. Postdocs are entitled to these benefits according to UAB policy. Learn more about postdoc benefits.
2. Heersink School of Medicine Hiring Approval. For scholars appointied in HSOM, a completed Hiring Approval Form is required in order to request an appointment letter to demonstrate the resources are available for both the salary and training requirements for the period of the appointment (one year).
3. Individual Development Plan (IDP). An individual development plan (IDP) is rquired to be drafted within the first 30 days of an appointmen. The IDP will state expectations for your trainee's research project as well as describe their career goals and objectives. A copy must be forwarded to the OPE for documentation.
   • Three months following the drafting of the IDP, you will meet with your trainee to formally review progress with regard to the research training. If you determine that your trainee requires remediation and/or additional training in order to successfully perform the research project, a three month probationary period will begin. If research performance has not improved and/or if there is a lack of research progress as defined in the IDP following the probationary period or at any other time thereafter prior to the appointment end date, the appointment may be terminated with one month’s notice.
   • Please note that, per the UAB Attendance Policy, three consecutive absences without approval from the mentor at any time during the appointment may initiate the termination process. Further, if termination is based upon either academic or non-academic misconduct, advance notice of termination may be waived. All cases of possible early termination must be discussed with the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs prior to termination.
4. Request an Appointment/Reappointment Letter. The appointment letter should include a description of performance expectations, responsibilities, and position requirements.