Eligibility Requirements

Finding an Appointment/Position

Appointment Types

External Funding Opportunities

Discuss Appointment Details with Faculty Supervisor

Your Employment Agreement

International Postdocs: Additional Information

Brock University defines a postdoctoral scholar as one who meets the following criteria:

• At the commencement of the appointment, the appointee holds a PhD or equivalent (or has provided evidence of the successful completion of all PhD requirements).
• The appointment is temporary, typically between one to three years, and not to exceed three years, except by approval from the appropriate Vice-Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.
• The primary focus of the appointment is research or scholarship (although they may take on teaching duties).
• The appointee works under a faculty supervisor at the university.
• The appointee is expected to publish and disseminate their research during the term of their appointment. They are also encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities for their future career/research aspirations.

• Check our available postdoctoral appointments on Brock Careers
• Reach out to a Faculty member about their postdoctoral availability through email or the website
• To start the appointment request process, reach out to [email protected]

It’s crucial to explore the diverse appointment options for prospective postdoctoral scholars. In all cases, the minimum stipend for a postdoctoral appointment is currently $45,000 annually. However, Supervisor-Funded Postdocs and Externally Funded, Paid Internally Postdocs are hired as employees and require additional funds (for more information, email [email protected]). Postdoctoral Scholars can secure funding through faculty members’ grants or funding obtained from external funding agencies.

Supervisor-Funded Postdoc:

The postdoctoral scholar is employed and receives a wage or salary from an existing researcher or departmental account.

Externally Funded, Paid Internally Postdoc:

The postdoctoral scholar receives their salary from an external funding source, but it is administered by Brock University (for example, through a Tri-Agency Fellowship).

Externally Funded, Paid Externally Postdoc:

The postdoctoral scholar is not being paid by Brock University or from a grant administered by Brock. Instead, they receive their salary directly from the granting agency.

Despite the different funding sources, postdoctoral scholars will still have access to Brock facilities and resources.

Outside of a postdoc’s appointment type, there are many external funding opportunities.

Items for discussion

• Start and end dates of appointment
• Possibilities of contract extensions
• Benefits
• Time off (sick days, vacations)
• Professional development opportunities and expectations
• Ability to teach (if interested)
• Expectations regarding deliverables (publications, working hours etc.)
• Expected frequency of meeting

• Once you receive your offer of employment be sure to read it carefully and understand or negotiate aspects of the letter you are unfamiliar or are unhappy with
• For international postdocs, the conditions of the appointment letter cannot be changed after immigration has been approved (see International Postdocs below for more information)
• If you have any questions or concerns please contact the FGSPA or the appropriate representative in the Office of People and Culture (previously HR)
• Sign your appointment letter

Work Permits   

International postdocs will require a work permit to work in Canada. To apply for a work permit, you must have a signed offer of employment with Brock University.  Brock University will provide postdocs with the “Offer of Employment” number which is required to apply for a work permit.

• For additional information, please visit How to Apply for Work Permits
• Current processing times

Visas   

In addition to your work permit, you will need authorization to enter Canada. When you apply for a work permit, IRCC will issue a temporary resident visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), if you require one. To learn more, please visit the IRCC website.

If you have any questions regarding work permits and/or visas, please contact [email protected] and specify that you are a postdoctoral fellow in your email.

Renewal Process   

International postdocs must hold a valid work permit at all times during their appointment. For more information on extending your work permit and those of your spouse/dependent, please visit the IRCC website.

Obtaining a SIN Number

A social insurance number (SIN) is required for anyone who wants to work and be paid in Canada. For international postdocs, a valid work permit is required to confirm your right to work, as well as your passport or other Canadian government-issued ID. You can easily apply for a SIN online, in-person at Service Canada, or by mail. For more information on SIN numbers, you can visit the Brock International website and the Government of Canada website.