How to Hire a Postdoc

Postdoc appointments are handled by Sean Swift.

Please review the Berkeley guide for potential postdocs on the Visiting Scholars and Postdoc Affairs (VSPA) website.

There are three categories of postdocs employed at Berkeley. (The difference among the three categories is in the administration of funding, i.e. Berkeley or outside source):

  • Employee
  • Stipend
  • Paid-direct

Minimum postdoc salary is $2692 per month regardless of the funding source. For postdoc employees, refer to the Postdoc Salary Scale [PDF]. Recent Ph.D.s are usually appointed at step 1.

Information needed from the PI:

  • written or e-mail request that includes the start and end dates of appointment;
  • fund number if applicable;
  • rate of pay;
  • brief description of postdoc’s research program and/or description of duties.

Documentation needed from the Postdoc (these can be sent as attachments to sks@berkeley.edu):

  • A completed VSPA application form in PDF format or Word format. The postdoc's signature is not required on this form until arrival;
  • A copy of the postdoc’s current curriculum vitae;
  • Proof of Ph.D. Examples:
    • a copy of the degree or transcript;
    • a letter from the registrar’s office or graduate affairs confirming that all degree requirements have been met and includes the actual or anticipated date of conferral;
  • For Paid-Directs and Stipend Postdocs, proof of funding is also required. This can be a letter from the funding source that includes dates and amount of funding in US$.

Note:

  • Postdoc appointments must be approved by the Dean of Biological Sciences BEFORE a postdoc can begin working.
  • The appointment request material should be provided to Sean at least two months prior to the proposed start date to allow ample time for approval. International postdocs requiring visas SHOULD PLAN EARLY and contact Sean at least four months prior.
  • All postdocs are required to maintain health insurance for the duration of appointment. Postdocs and eligible family members may enroll in the Postdoctoral Scholar Benefits Plan (PSBP) or show proof of insurance. J-1 visa holders are required to have health insurance that meets US federalguidelines