Skip to content

Postdoctoral Scholars

A postdoctoral appointment is a temporary one designed to give individuals an opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The time spent as a postdoc is in preparation for a career progression in academe, industry, government, or the nonprofit sector. For many, postdoctoral work is a critical step in securing future employment.

A Postdoctoral Scholar is an individual who:

  • Has been awarded a doctoral degree (or equivalent) within the past ten years.
  • Will pursue a full-time program of advanced training and research under the direction of a Principal Investigator (PI) with an appointment in an academic School or Organized Research Unit (ORU).
  • Will be supported by campus research grants or contracts, by fellowships administered by the campus, or by other approved fund sources.
  • Has not previously been a Postdoctoral Scholar for more than 5 years combined (this includes all institutions, domestic and international, as well as UC Merced).

 

Mandatory New Postdoctoral Scholar Welcome Orientation

Join us on the second Wednesday of every month (see orientation dates below) from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM for the New Postdoctoral Scholar Welcome. Please note that the orientation is mandatory for all new postdoctoral scholars. Postdocs who have already attended an orientation do not need to attend.

If you cannot attend this orientation, please complete this form to schedule a make-up time for your mandatory union orientation.

The orientation will include presentations about postdoctoral appointments and policy, campus resources and Q&A. Postdoc representatives from the postdoc union (UAW Local 5810) will answer questions about the postdoctoral contract and union membership.

Orientation Dates

 

2025

2026
January 8 January 14
February 12 February 11
March 12 March 11
April 9 April 8
May 14 May 13
June 11 June 10
July 9 July 8
August 13 August 12
September 10 September 9
October 8 October 14
November 12 November 18 *
December 10 December 9
 
*November 2026 orientation will be pushed back to the third week in November due to the Veterans Day holiday.
 

 

Additional Postdoctoral Scholar Information:

Childcare Reimbursement Program

Contract

Chapter 3, Section 07 of the MAPP

Postdoctoral Scholar Services

Hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar

 

President's/Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

The current President's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program offers postdoctoral research fellowships, professional development and faculty mentoring to outstanding scholars in all fields whose research, teaching, and service will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity at UC.  Hiring Incentive for President's Postdoctoral Fellows and President's Letter

The Merced Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program offers postdoctoral research fellowships, faculty mentoring, and eligibility for a hiring incentive to outstanding scholars in all fields whose research, teaching, and service will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity at the University of California.  Application is through the UC PPFP, and candidates will be considered for funding from both programs. 

Learn more about the President's and UC Merced Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program here.