Graduate student in anthropology, winner of 3rd Place in the Social Sciences & Education Division at the 2007 James F. Jakobsen Graduate Conference.  more...

Definitions and Classification

Postdoctoral Scholars at The University of Iowa are recognized as persons engaged primarily in research, as part of a continuum of post-Baccalaureate education and training, unique from either students or faculty members. Your classification, responsibilities, and benefits have been tailored to this unique status. As a Postdoctoral Scholar at The University of Iowa, you have access to many of the opportunities and services we make available to students and you have available several of the benefits provided to faculty.

"Postdoctoral Scholars" is a general term used at The University of Iowa to designate temporary, doctoral-level researchers engaged in advanced education and training designed to prepare for an academic and/or research career. The University recognizes two classifications of Postdoctoral Scholars, depending on the sources of their stipend and research funding, and the nature of their research activities.

• Postdoctoral Research Scholars are engaged in research supported by external grants or contracts or by University of Iowa General Education funds that may be made available to faculty members. Persons appointed under this classification (appointment code FP01) have specific responsibilities and research expectations directly related to the grant, contract, or University-funded program.
• Postdoctoral Research Fellows are supported by fellowships (generally awarded to them individually) that allow them to pursue research with a faculty member and a host institution of their choice. While the funding agency, department, or institution may expect some specific duties or research products, such expectations are usually incidental to the award. The primary obligation to accomplish the aims of the fellowship rests with the Fellow (appointed under code FP02).

Length of Appointment

Postdoctoral Research Scholars and Postdoctoral Research Fellows are temporary appointments at the University of Iowa. The post-doctoral experience at the University of Iowa will not extend past 5 years, unless there are unusual circumstances. The department would need to send justification of extending this appointment for approval to John Keller, Associate Provost for Graduation Education.