The institutional authority for postdoctoral fellowships is the Vice-Provost and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS). If you intend to apply for a postdoctoral fellowship, or if you are a current postdoc at 91��ɫ looking to apply for grant funding, please reach out to the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator in FGS as soon as possible to notify us of your plans and discuss specific requirements. This outreach will help you confirm which institutional approvals are required before you submit your application to the relevant funding agency. Depending on the funding opportunity, the following may be required:

• An institutional letter of support signed by the Vice-Provost and Dean of FGS – Must be requested at least 10 business days before the competition deadline
• An signed by the Vice-Provost and Dean of FGS – Must be requested at least 7 business days before the competition deadline in order to satisfy ORS deadline requirements

Institutional Letter of Support

Requirements vary based on the funding opportunity and are determined by external funder requirements and institutional policy. Many postdoctoral fellowship applications require an institutional letter of support that must be signed by the Vice-Provost and Dean of FGS. If your application requires an institutional letter, you will need to send a copy of the application to the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator for review and must have confirmation of any commitments from 91��ɫ. Specific opportunities may involve additional requirements.

Additional Details on Applications Requiring ORS Approval

• An must be filled in and signed by the postdoctoral researcher on page 2 as the applicant. No department chair’s signature is required. The Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator will facilitate the Dean’s signature.
• Many funding applications from postdoctoral researchers do not include institutional commitments from 91��ɫ. If the application includes institutional commitments (cash or in-kind resources committed by a unit at 91��ɫ above and beyond the regular operating infrastructure available to you as a postdoc), the commitments must be confirmed in writing (on the ORS Checklist or by e-mail) by the source (i.e., the supervisor’s Dean’s Office, Research Centre or Institute Director). Questions about institutional commitments should be directed to the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator.
• The proposed supervisor must provide an emailed confirmation to the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator that they agree to hold the cost centre (the account at 91��ɫ with the funding) in their name should the application be successful.
  • The email confirmation should also include a statement that they support the application and will provide the applicant with the necessary supports to carry out the proposed research.
• A complete copy of the application, together with a completed and fully signed ORS Checklist, must be submitted to the ORS by e-mail to researchapps@yorku.ca for review and institutional approval by the deadline set by ORS (typically 48 hours before the competition deadline).

For competition-specific information on external fellowship opportunities, please visit the Guide for Supervisors Supporting Applications for Externally-funded Postdoctoral Fellowships.

New Postdoctoral Fellowships for Black and Indigenous Scholars at 91��ɫ: The important initiative, which helps promote diverse perspectives and tackle complex societal challenges, creates opportunities and career support for the next generation of Indigenous and Black scholars. The initiative offers 2-year postdocs with an individualized, career-developmental focus and an innovative pre-doc program to enable PhD completion en route to a postdoctoral fellowship or full-time employment.

Enhancing graduate student recruitment through Experience Grad 91��ɫ (EGY): The multi-day, virtual event presented a range of learning options and meaningful career pathways that 91��ɫ has to offer. The sessions were a success, attracting over 2,000 potential graduate students, with a demonstrated increase in domestic applications. FGS is excited to welcome new members to the 91��ɫ community! Learn more about our upcoming EGY event.

Launching Knowledge Now: Graduate Research @ 91��ɫ: This innovative showcase of all the diverse graduate scholars, brought to life the unique and socially engaging research happening at the university. Discover Grad Research @ 91��ɫ Videos, which present collections of new ideas while embracing collaboration within and outside our community.

Increased participation in our Personal Wellness & Learning Skills certificate program: FGS partnered with Learning Skills Services to arm graduate students with proactive tools to protect and improve their personal wellness. This year, there was a 200% increase in participation as graduate students connected with their peers and became familiar with the support network available at 91��ɫ. Check out FGS’ to hear what past participants have to say about their experience in the program.

Continuing to offer Cost-Free Completion: Graduate studies is already stressful without the additional administrative issues. FGS wants all its students to enjoy the educational experience without that added stress. In partnership with all Faculties, FGS is proud to now offer cost-free completion for those graduate students who are over their program time limit.

Announcing Indigenous Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Awards: FGS declared six OGS Awards annually for Indigenous graduate scholars! By empowering students with the support they need, our community creates positive change and prepares students for a successful future. We take pride in being a part of a diverse community of scholars presenting cutting-edge research.

Launching the Individualized Development Plans (IDP): Through this initiative, FGS was able to create meaningful opportunities for graduate students to enhance their professional skills development. With the help of the IDP, students can now design the types of professionalization and knowledge transfer skills that they need for success after graduation by taking advantage of an enhanced range of workshops both in-program and 91��ɫ-wide.

Broadening Formats of Theses and Dissertations: 91��ɫ strives to ensure that students have the ability to pursue the scholarly work and research that will foster ground-breaking results. By ensuring that thesis and dissertation formats align with new disciplines and pioneering types of research, including multi-modal formats, FGS is motivated to promote experiential education opportunities.

Modernizing the policies and procedures of FGS: Student-focused changes have been introduced to make graduate education more accessible. FGS is pioneering innovative concepts and practices including principled approaches to micro-credentials, non-degree studies and life-long learning.

Engaging in the Student System Renewal Program (SSRP): The SSRP initiative focuses on creating a seamless experience for students to easily plan and manage their learning journey, with personalized academic and financial supports. From Steering to Fit/Gap evaluation work, FGS has been an energetic partner in making 91��ɫ a truly future-oriented, student-centric and program-supportive place to study and work.

Through the support of the graduate community and the tolls provided by the University, 2022 will see an expansion on the vital work already performed. FGS is dedicated to continuously fostering collaboration and inclusivity while tackling any challenges along the way.

A Canadian committee of postdoctoral scholars and representatives who meet regularly (and virtually) to discuss issues arising across the country relevant to postdocs. This website provides news, information and resources relevant to Canadian postdoc, and publishes job ads.

A Canadian organization of administrators and staff who support and promote postdoctoral affairs at institutions, and an authoritative source for news, data and information related to postdoctoral issues in Canada.

A U.S.-based, member-driven nonprofit organization that provides a national voice for postdoctoral scholars. The website provides some useful professionalization resources.

91��ɫ International, under the direction of the Associate Vice-President International, is available to assist all of 91��ɫ’s international visiting scholars with their transition to 91��ɫ, Toronto, and Canada.

The Institute for Social Research offers short courses on various aspects of statistics and statistical computing, Recent course offerings have addressed factor analysis, structural equation modelling, graphical methods for categorical data, introduction to the R programming language, and mixed models.

Recognition will be given to one Postdoctoral Supervisor who has demonstrated exemplary support for postdoctoral scholars at 91��ɫ, exceeding general supervisory expectations. One Postdoctoral Supervisor will be honoured with the Postdoctoral Supervisor of the Year Award at the Postdoctoral Welcome Event each fall.

Nominations must provide evidence that the nominee:

• is a role model for intellectual leadership and professionalism in research;
• provides an exemplary environment of support for professional skill development in research;
• promotes and models a climate of respect and collegiality;
• offers advocacy and guidance in long-term personal, professional and career development.

Letters of nomination should address specific examples of the nominee’s mentorship creativity, excellence, and dedication.

Eligibility

• All faculty in all Departments and Programs at 91��ɫ who supervise Postdoctoral Scholars are eligible. Nominees may be at any stage in their academic career.
• Unsuccessful nominations may be submitted for subsequent competitions, to a three-year limit. Nomination packages (or portions thereof) may be updated for subsequent competitions or the packages may be carried forward unchanged. Nominations will not automatically be carried forward.

Nomination Process

• The Faculty of Graduate Studies will initiate an annual nominations process.
• Nominations may only be submitted by postdoctoral scholars conducting research under the supervision of a 91��ɫ faculty member at the time of the call for nominations, and/or within the same academic year (July 1 — June 30). Should a supervisor receive more than one nomination letter, nominators will be contacted to inquire if they would like to submit a joint letter of nomination.
• The process of reviewing and selecting the nominations will be confidential and coordinated by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Candidates must not see the letters of nomination from postdoctoral scholars.
• Candidates will be asked to provide an up-to-date curriculum vitae. All postdoctoral-related activities should be listed. Joint publication with postdoctoral scholars should be placed in the context of norms for the particular discipline. If the nominee has aided in the publication of work of their postdoctoral scholars, documentation may be provided.
• The successful candidate will be announced during the Postdoctoral Welcome Event each fall.

Please submit nomination letters (2 pages maximum, TNR 11pt font, margins at 0.75”) to the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator by no later than June 1 each year.

Adjudication

At a minimum, nominations will be reviewed by the Associate Dean Academic at the Faculty of Graduate Studies (or delegate) and the Associate Vice-Presidents Research (or delegates). Nominations will be adjudicated according to the following criteria:

Evidence that the nominee:

• is a role model for intellectual leadership and professionalism in research;
• provides exemplary environment of support for professional skill development in research;
• promotes and models a climate of respect and collegiality;
• offers advocacy and guidance in long-term personal, professional and career development.

Letters of nomination should address specific examples of the nominee’s mentorship creativity, excellence, and dedication.

One nominee will be selected to receive the 91��ɫ Postdoctoral Supervisor of the Year Award annually.

Deadline

Please submit nomination letters to the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator by no later than June 1 each year.

Award Recipients will be celebrated in the fall of the following academic year. The other nominees will receive letters of recognition.

Previous Award Winners

Postdoctoral Fellows at 91��ɫ benefit from the mentorship of their faculty supervisor(s) and from others in their departments and in other research units. Postdoctoral Fellows are also encouraged to connect with research centres and institutes focusing on research related to their research areas.

• Connecting with these units can provide valuable opportunities to network, participate in research events and possibly become an official affiliate.
• A list of  at 91��ɫ can be found on the website for the Vice-President of Research & Innovation.
• If you have questions and/or concerns about supervision and mentorship, it can be useful to connect with the national group .

Workshops and Events

In addition to the mentorship of supervisors and other faculty members, 91��ɫ offers professional development opportunities and events to Postdoctoral Fellows that enrich professional development and allow opportunities for community building and networking across the postdoctoral community at 91��ɫ.

• The Faculty of Graduate Studies' Individualized Development Plan (IDP) is a tool to assist postdoctoral researchers in identifying and developing their goals during their fellowship. It is designed to provide a framework for encouraging active participation among postdocs in professional skills training and career management over the course of their postdoctoral position.
• The Faculty of Graduate Studies Graduate and Postdoctoral Professional Skills program offers graduate students and postdoctoral fellows skills development workshops and sessions designed based on input and feedback from the communities they serve. Please consult the Graduate and Postdoctoral Professional Skills website on a regular basis for workshops/sessions applicable to you.
• Professional development events and opportunities will also be listed in the monthly Postdoctoral Fellows edition of the FGSnews newsletter, which distributes information about funding, events, and opportunities of interest to our postdoctoral community. (If you do not receive this newsletter and would like to be added to the distribution list, please contact the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator.
• Postdoctoral Fellows are also encouraged to regularly check the Mitacs Training website for information about upcoming . The program offers free workshops taught by professionals which are structured around cultivating and improving important professional skills.
• Resources and workshops related to teaching are listed on the website of .
• 91��ɫ Libraries (YUL) hosts the Learning Commons, which offers regular academic support .
• �ճ����Career Centre���Ǵڴڱ������ related to job search and professional development.

Research Proposals and Applications

Postdoctoral Fellows are frequently involved in the preparation of proposals for research grants and in other forms of acquiring research support. The degree of involvement by the Postdoctoral Fellow in these processes, and the level of supervision offered by the supervising faculty member, varies widely. Beyond the support offered by the supervising faculty member and the academic unit, additional support and information about available research funding are available from the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator and from the website of the Office of Research Services.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies hosts an annual welcome and networking event for all postdoctoral researchers. This event celebrates the important contributions postdocs make to 91��ɫ and beyond, provides an opportunity for professional development specifically for postdocs, and allows invaluable opportunities for networking.

For questions about the event or general questions about postdoctoral affairs and resources on campus, please contact the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator.

The office of  at 91��ɫ can assist with orientation to Toronto and to life on 91��ɫ’s campus for those coming from abroad.

Download the Overview of Setting up a Postdoc at 91��ɫ

Overview - Setting up a Postdoc at 91��ɫ (.pdf)

Resources for Postdoctoral Visitor (PDV) Positions

91��ɫ welcomes many international postdoctoral researchers each year. Our international postdoctoral community plays a vital role in 91��ɫ’s ongoing goal of internationalizing research and building strong global research networks and collaborations.

• Important: All international Postdoctoral Fellows coming to work at 91��ɫ are responsible for arranging and completing all immigration requirements prior to coming to 91��ɫ to take up a postdoctoral appointment.

Steps to be Taken by the Supervisor

1. First, the letter of offer should be prepared (see, How to Appoint a Postdoctoral Fellow.)
2. For postdocs requiring an employer-specific work permit, Canadian universities must submit an Offer of Employment to A Foreign National Exempt from a Labour Market Impact Assessment form and pay a $230 compliance fee for every foreign national invited. This Offer of Employment must be submitted via IRCC’s Employer Portal. To complete this step, the supervisor should contact their Dean's Office for more information and/or contact the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator for guidance and support with this process.
3. After the Offer of Employment to A Foreign National Exempt from a Labour Market Impact Assessment form has been submitted to IRCC via the Employer Portal and the compliance fee has been paid, the supervisor must provide the offer of employment ID number to the postdoctoral fellow. The fellow will need to include this ID number on the work permit application form.
4. The supervisor should also provide the postdoctoral fellow with a copy of the fee receipt itself, along with a copy of the Labour Market Impact Assessment Exemption form.

For the International Postdoc:

Upon arrival:

All Ontario residents are required to have basic medical coverage through .

1. Postdoctoral Fellows must apply for coverage directly from OHIP upon arrival in Ontario. Please note that there is a three-calendar-month waiting period prior to enrollment with OHIP.
   • During the waiting period, we encourage Postdoctoral Fellows to arrange for coverage through  which is offered by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada.
   • 91��ɫ International, the office at 91��ɫ that provides guidance and service to International Visitors, can advise and .
   • It is recommended that you bring your passport and letter of offer with you to 91��ɫ International upon arrival to discuss health insurance.
2. For general questions about postdoctoral affairs and resources on campus (including access to email and library services), please contact the Postdoctoral Services & Professional Skills Coordinator.
3. The office of  at 91��ɫ can assist in general with orientation to Toronto and to life on 91��ɫ’s campus for those coming from abroad.