The purpose of a postdoctoral appointment at the National Institute of Aerospace is to provide a mechanism for a recent postdoctoral recipient to receive additional research training in preparation for an independent career.  A postdoctoral appointment is viewed as an important step in pursuing a research career. It is a limited term appointment to provide the postdoctoral scientists and engineers an opportunity to expand the research skills acquired during the doctoral program or to learn new research techniques without distracting diversions or other duties.  The program also provides postdoctoral scientists and engineers with opportunities for research on projects which are compatible with the research interests of NIA and the sponsoring agency.  Appointees are designated as NIA Postdoctoral Associates for the term of their appointment. 

Definitions:

Postdoctoral Associate – An employee of NIA whose primary purpose is to continue training in a research environment on a limited term appointment in preparation for a research career.

Sponsoring Organization – Government, commercial, academic, or other sponsoring organization supporting a Postdoctoral Associate through NIA by providing funding, resources and mentorship to the Postdoctoral Associate.  The majority of our Post Doctoral appointments ae sponsored by NASA.

Research Mentor – Scientist or engineer at the sponsoring organization with whom Postdoctoral Associate will work closely.  The Research Mentor will provide assistance in conducting the research.  Frequently the Research mentors are NIA or NASA researchers.

NIA Postdoctoral Program Director – The Vice President of NIA Education and Outreach is responsible for overseeing the NIA Postdoctoral Program, coordinating with the sponsoring organization, and participating in the recruitment and advising of the Postdoctoral Associate.

Features

Characteristics of an NIA Postdoctoral Appointment

·         The appointment is for a limited term – typically for one year, renewable for up to three additional years.  Previous years at other institutions in a postdoctoral position will be taken into account.

·         The appointment involves substantially full-time research.

·         The appointment is viewed as preparatory for a full-time research career.

·         The appointee works under the supervision of a senior researcher.

·         The appointee has research freedom and is expected to publish the results of his or her research during the period of the appointment.

Requirements for Postdoctoral Associate

·         Appointee must have received his/her PhD or equivalent doctorate (e.g., Sc.D.) within the past three years in an appropriate field.

·         Appointee must submit application; abstract of doctoral dissertation; CV; three letters of reference; certification of completion of Ph.D; and description of career goals.

·         Appointee is required to devote full time to the program.

·         At the completion of the program, the appointee is required to submit a final report to the NIA Postdoctoral Program Director.  This report is to contain a summary of the results of the appointee’s research.  Interim reports may also be required.

·         Appointee is expected to publish the results of his/her research during the period of the appointment.  (With exception of those working in classified areas.)

Responsibilities of NIA

·         NIA will provide recruitment, evaluation, and appointment of Postdoctoral Associates.

·         All postdoctoral appointees will receive a letter of appointment signed by the President of NIA or other responsible NIA official, together with a statement of goals, policies, and responsibilities applicable to postdoctoral educations.

·         NIA Postdoctoral Program Director will periodically evaluate the balance of interests among the postdoctoral appointees, mentors, and the Institute as a whole in order to assure that the legitimate research needs and career interests of the Postdoctoral Associates are being fully met.

·         The NIA Postdoctoral Director together with the Mentor will provide career advice and job placement assistance appropriate to the postdoctoral appointees.

·         NIA will provide a certificate and letter of completion to assist Postdoctoral Associates in securing subsequent employment.

·         NIA will strive to achieve diversity in the NIA Postdoctoral Program.  NIA is committed to the principle of diversity and to broaden opportunities and enable participation of women and men, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Responsibilities of the Sponsoring Organization

·         Sponsoring organization agrees in advance to provide funding for a Postdoctoral Associate for a minimum of one year, with renewable one-year options.

·         The sponsoring organization will identify a scientist or engineer within its organization to perform the role of Mentor.

·         Provide an environment for the Postdoctoral Associate to allow him/her to continue their training in their area of research.

Responsibilities of the Mentor

·         Mentor must provide to NIA a statement indicating how the Mentor will contribute to the Postdoctoral Associate’s research and what role the Mentor will play in assisting the appointee in accomplishing the objectives.  This should include a brief biographical sketch including the mentor’s credentials, experience, and specific activities conducted.

·         Prepare a description of the research opportunity that broadly outlines the field of research that the sponsoring agency is willing to support. 

·         Mentor will provide assistance and guidance to the appointee in conducting the research.

NIA Guidelines and Administration

·         The NIA Postdoctoral Program Director is responsible for monitoring postdoctoral policies to assure consistent application of those policies across the Institute.

·         Core policies applicable to postdoctoral appointments cover such matters as employment; compensation and benefits; fractional appointments; workers’ compensation; publication rights; responsibilities for mentoring and evaluation of postdoctoral appointees; career advising and job placement; misconduct; grievance procedures; and education in research protocol issues such as ethics, and conflicts of interest.

·         Maximum length of time classified as a postdoctoral associate, taking into account the number of years previously spent at other institutions in a postdoctoral position, will be no longer than five years.  Initial appointments will be at least one year and no longer than one to two years in duration, and will be renewed only on the basis of career advancement and achievement by the postdoctoral appointee. 

·         Postdoctoral appointments can begin anytime throughout the year.

·         To assure that the salaries and benefits offered are competitive with other organizations, NIA will continually survey postdoctoral compensation and benefit packages from commercial, government and academic organizations.  The position of Postdoctoral Associate will be included in our current research staff compensation structure with a salary based upon experience. Combined with the benefits offered, the salary is competitive with other postdoctoral compensation programs.

·         Postdoctoral Associates will be eligible to enroll in NIA’s benefit program, including health insurance and retirement.  Survey results indicate that many programs lack these benefits which has been an area of concern for those entering into postdoctoral assignments.

·         NIA will provide coverage for Worker’s Compensation insurance to the postdoctoral appointees.

·         Assistance will be provided to International Scholars.  NIA has an approved J-1Visa program.

HOW TO APPLY

The NIA website contains openings for postdoctoral appointments when they are available. 

See Career Opportunities.

For questions about a post-doctoral associate position posted on the NIA website, contact Cathy Hopkins (757) 325-6715 or chopkins@nianet.org. 

For information about the NIA post-doctoral program in general or to sponsor a post-doc, please contact Dr. Bernard Grossman (757) 325-6730 or grossman@nianet.org.