Postdoc Policy & Procedures
Where applicable, these procedures should be read in conjunction with the University of Saskatchewan Postdoctoral Fellows Policy and the Collective Agreement between the University of Saskatchewan and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), Local 40004 (Post Doctoral Fellows).The Appointment Process
In-Scope PDF
An In-Scope PDF receives full or partial funding from university sources (i.e. from a research grant or contract obtained by their supervisor, from a research unit of the university, etc.), and are considered employees of the University of Saskatchewan. The terms and conditions of their working relationship with the faculty supervisor will be governed by the Collective Agreement with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).Benefits In-Scope of PSAC
PDFs in-scope of the PSAC bargaining unit are eligible for benefits (health, dental, life) if they work at least half time (0.5 FTE), with a term appointment of at least six (6) months. PDFs must be residents of Canada and be eligible under the provincial health care program. For plan details and eligibility, please visit https://wellness.usask.ca/benefits/plans.php and scroll down to PSAC – Postdoctoral Fellows (PDFs).
Benefit premiums are paid by the employer/supervisor, with the exception of basic life insurance, which is paid by the PDF.
External PDF
An External PDF receives 100% of their own transferrable funding from an external source (awarded directly to the PDF, not to the supervisor). External PDFs are not considered employees of the University of Saskatchewan and are not in-scope of the PSAC bargaining unit. Some External PDFs funding may be administered through university payroll, while others may be paid directly to the PDF by the granting agency.External PDF Benefits
External PDFs are not eligible for benefits under the PSAC collective agreement. Instead, they are eligible to purchase membership into the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA). With a GSA membership, External PDFs can enrol in and purchase the Graduate Students’ Health & Dental Plan. External PDFs are not automatically covered by the GSA Health & Dental plan and must self enrol in the program. Visit studentcare.ca for more information and rates.Extensions
It is the responsibility of the PDF and supervisor to negotiate an extension. Extensions are contingent upon PDF eligibility, satisfactory research progress, compliance with the guidelines for academic conduct, the availability of funds, and work permit limitations
Extension paperwork must be received by the CGPS prior to the end date of the current appointment in order for the CGPS to process and approve the request.
In order to extend your PDF appointment, you will need to complete the Postdoctoral Appointment process. Please direct any questions regarding eligibility for extensions and extension paperwork to the Coordinator, Postdoctoral Studies.
If an extension is not requested or approved, the appointment will automatically terminate on the expected end date.
Please note, immigration processes can add to the timeline for extending the appointment of a foreign postdoctoral fellow. It is advisable to begin the extension process well in advance of the proposed extension start date.
Research Ethics
Research Excellence and Innovation (REI) supports high-quality, ethically sound research and works with inventors and industry to move USask discoveries out into the world. REI’s services and supports span the lab-to-market spectrum:
- Animal Care and Research Support
- Human Ethics
- Biosafety, Radiation Safety and Cannabis
- Legal Services
- Industry Engagement and Partnerships
- Technology Transfer and Enterprise Creation
Does your project require ethics approval?
Research involving the following requires ethics review and approval by a Research Ethics Board (REB) before the research commences:
- living human participants;
- human biological materials, as well as human embryos, fetuses, fetal tissue, reproductive materials and stem cells. This applies to materials derived from living and deceased individuals;
- secondary use of data, health information, or biological materials.
- Understand requirements and expectations set out in human ethics policies:
- Confirm whether your project requires approval:
Internal Funding Sources
University of Saskatchewan Misiwêskamik Postdoctoral Fellowship
Funded through the U of S International Blueprint for Action, Connecting with the World, this competitive fellowship has a mandate of bringing international postdoctoral fellows to the University of Saskatchewan.
Any questions about the Misiwêskamik competition can be directed to pdf.coordinator@usask.ca
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
Total 2-year value $140,000
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program provides funding to the very best postdoctoral applicants, both nationally and internationally, who will positively contribute to the country’s economic, social and research-based growth. The objective of the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program is to:
- attract and retain top-tier postdoctoral talent, both nationally and internationally
- develop their leadership potential
- position them for success as research leaders of tomorrow
70 fellowships are awarded annually and are equally distributed among the Tri-Council Agencies (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC).
2021-2022 Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships (PDF) competition
Nominations must be endorsed by the University of Saskatchewan and will be reviewed internally throughout the application development process to determine suitability for final submission to the Vanier-Banting Secretariat.
External Funding Sources
Mitacs Elevate offers postdoctoral fellows a two-year professional development plan and collaborative research project, building capacity for the next generation of R&D management leaders.
Mitacs Accelerate offers internships to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Four-month units can be combined, either for a longer internship or a cluster grant with many interns, universities or companies.