Postdoctoral research associates and postdoctoral fellows are individuals who have received a doctoral (or terminal) degree and are engaged in a temporary and defined period of mentored advanced training to enhance the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue his or her chosen career path. At Illinois, we expect that the degree will have been conferred within ten years of the starting date and that the appointment can last a maximum of five years.

Appointment Categories

Postdocs at Illinois are in two categories based on the terms of their appointments. Some benefits and campus services differ based on these categories, so it is important to understand what type of appointment you have.

• Postdoctoral research associates are considered employees of the University and are often paid from a grant.
• Postdoctoral fellows often receive funding from an organization to pursue their research, typically have a 0% appointment through the University and are not considered employees. Postdoctoral fellows should read this tax information about their fellowship.

If you have any questions about your appointment, please contact the human resources person in your unit. The Illinois Human Resources website is a good source of information for postdoctoral scholars.

Services and Support

The campus and community have a variety of resources to support you and your family during your time in Champaign-Urbana. Learn more about resources for health & wellness, taking courses and families.