Administrators

Administrators Resources

Postdoctoral Research Fellow Processing

All Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PRF) appointments, status changes, extensions, and salary adjustments must be processed through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

For help with the F1-OPT I-983 form, visit the International Postdoc page. 

Useful Definitions

Postdoctoral Research Fellow 
A Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PRF) is an individual who holds a PhD, MD, other terminal doctorate, or equivalent degree and who is selected to receive advanced research training under the guidance of a mentor holding a primary faculty appointment at the University.  PRFs are not observers or volunteers (see HOOP Policy 125 Observers and HOOP Policy 159 Volunteers).
Job Title
The job title “Postdoctoral Research Fellow” is to be assigned for all appointments meeting the definition above. This title must be used throughout the appointment letter and on the Appointment Worksheet.
Job Codes
The job code for PRFs paid through UTHealth payroll is 0990. The job code for PRFs paid through external sources (e.g. home country / institution) is 0990SP. "Predoctoral Fellows" who have completed all course work and are only pending defense may be eligible for appointments through this office using the job code 0324. Contact the OPA for details.
Appointment
PRF positions are temporary, usually for a duration of six years or less. PRF appointments are generally restricted to those who have received a terminal degree within the past seven years.
Compensation
PRFs are considered employees and must receive compensation. Exceptions will be considered for PRFs receiving compensation directly from an outside source (e.g. fellowships, home country / institution). Personal funds are not considered compensation. For salary adjustment for PRFs, contact the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

Complete application packet requirements and detailed instruction tabs:

  1. Copy of approved Offer Letter.
  2. Appointment Letter.
  3. CV
  4. Diploma
  5. Credential Evaluation if applicable.

Appointment Letters

  1. Appointment letter for US Citizens or Permanent Residents 
  2. The appointment letter for applicants with an F1-OPT visa or EAD is the same as above, adding visa type and the expiration date.
  3. J1 visas: Initial appointments, transfers, and extensions.
  • Appointment Letters

    Appointment Letters

    1. Appointment letter for US Citizens or Permanent Residents 
    2. The appointment letter for applicants with an F1-OPT visa or EAD is the same as above, adding visa type and the expiration date.
    3. J1 visas: Initial appointments, transfers, and extensions.
  • Current CV

    A Current Curriculum Vitae

    The CV must be current and indicate the date the doctoral/terminal degree was granted. Note: If the appointment is being filed prior to the granting of the terminal degree, provide an official statement from the institution confirming the anticipated date of completion.

  • Credentialing

    Copy of Diploma and Credential Evaluation Requirement

    1. If the applicant’s terminal degree was earned from an institution within the U.S., a copy of the diploma is required.
    2. If the applicant’s terminal degree was earned from an institution outside the U.S.:
      1. A copy of the diploma with an English translation, if necessary, is required.
      2. A certified credentials evaluation is required.* Information on credentialing can be found on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (https://www.naces.org/).** 
    Note: If the appointment is being filed prior to the granting of the terminal degree, provide an official statement from the institution confirming the anticipated date of completion.
    *An evaluation of the doctoral degree must be confirmed. A course by course evaluation is not required.
    **UTHealth does not endorse any specific credentialing agency. 

Submit your approval packet containing the documents listed above to the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at MSE R256. Department contact name and phone number must accompany all approval packets. It is suggested that you contact The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs prior to submitting documents.