Benefits

Postdocs 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.  Individuals 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 the individual pays.

External postdocs are not eligible for benefits under the PSAC collective agreement.  Instead, they are eligible to purchase a membership to the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA). With a GSA membership, External postdocs can enrol in and purchase the Graduate Students’ Health & Dental Plan. External postdocs are not automatically covered by the GSA Health & Dental plan and must self-enrol in the program. Visit www.studentcare.ca for more information and rates.

International Postdocs

In Canada, the rights of all workers—including temporary foreign workers—are protected by law. If you are a temporary foreign worker, you have the same rights and workplace protections as Canadians and permanent residents.

Visit the IRCC site for more details: International Mobility Program - Get to know your rights while working in Canada

Extensions

It is the responsibility of the postdoc and supervisor to negotiate an extension. Extensions are contingent upon postdoctoral 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 for the CGPS to process and approve the request.

To extend an appointment, please complete the Postdoctoral Appointment process.  Please direct any questions regarding eligibility for extensions and extension paperwork to the Postdoctoral Studies Coordinator.

If an extension is not requested or approved, the appointment will automatically terminate on the expected end date.

*Please note, that immigration processes can add to the timeline for extending the appointment of a foreign postdoctoral scholar.  It is advisable to begin the extension process well in advance of the proposed extension start date.

Leaving USask

Associate alumni status

In collaboration with the Alumni Office, CGPS offers all USask postdoctoral scholars associate alumni status upon the completion of their appointment.  Postdoctoral scholars may now take advantage of career development services and an array of benefits while also retaining their USask email account, among other on-campus services. 

Please note:

  • USask alumni email accounts can take up to 1-month to be processed.  Please be aware that you may experience a short period immediately following your appointment end date where you will not be able to access your USask email.
  • Alumni borrowers accessing the USask library have limited access to licensed electronic resources and must contact the library to request the activation of your alumni library services

Please follow this link for an overview of the alumni benefits: https://alumni.usask.ca/benefits/Alumni-Benefits.php#Perks

Exit survey

The Exit Survey for Postdoctoral Scholars was designed to give postdocs leaving the University of Saskatchewan an opportunity to reflect on their experience, with a goal of using the feedback received to strengthen postdoctoral programming, create new opportunities for future postdoctoral scholars and help to create a network of University of Saskatchewan postdoctoral alumni.

Postdoctoral certificate of completion

We are pleased to offer postdoctoral scholars a Postdoctoral Certificate of Completion upon request.  If you require a certificate of completion, please email postdoctoral.studies@usask.ca with your name, NSID, and appointment end date.