Skip to main content
The Graduate School

Navigating Supervisory Relationships

Successful postdoctoral experiences are built on strong, collaborative relationships between postdocs and their supervisors. At times, these relationships encounter challenges that could benefit from additional guidance and services. The following resources help postdocs understand the roles and responsibilities within the supervisory relationship, develop strategies for effective feedback and conflict resolution, and provide the university resources that can help navigate challenges that may arise between postdocs and their PIs. The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) encourages postdocs to review this information to help support a more productive, respectful, and positive mentor–mentee experience.

Departmental HR Liaisons

Your College or Department HR team can be a helpful first point of contact as you navigate your working relationship with your supervisor during your postdoc appointment. We encourage you to connect with your HR Liaison to explore the guidance and resources available within your unit.

If you have questions on how to contact your respective HR liaison, please feel free to contact the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs for more information.

Employee Relations

Employee Relations is dedicated to supporting NC State University in maintaining employer-employee relationships that enhance productivity, communication, and problem solving.

Employee Relations (ER) provides consultative services based on a wide range of issues related to individual employment as well as organizational effectiveness and work environment issues.

  • Relationships and Strategic Partnerships: We seek to develop reliable, accountable partnerships and professional relationships with our constituents.
  • Knowledge and Competence: We strive to be seen as knowledge experts in developing workplace solutions to assist our constituents with their departmental and organizational goals.
  • Leadership: We seek to be leaders within the campus community in researching and developing high-quality solutions to resolve their workplace issues.

Contact Employee Relations

The Employee Relations (ER) team partners with faculty, staff, university leaders, and HR colleagues to promote a positive and respectful workplace. To share concerns, request a consultation, or seek guidance on workplace matters, please contact the ER Consultant for your college or division. You may also contact Employee Relations directly at 919-515-6575 or via email at employeerelations@ncsu.edu.

Faculty & Staff Ombuds Office

The Faculty & Staff Ombuds office serves the people who work at NC State. The ombuds can help you navigate issues, will seek to empower you, help identify resources and coach you through the ombuds process.

  • The ombuds empowers people and the university to reach their full potential.
  • The ombuds engages with people and the university to help inform critical decisions.
  • The ombuds helps people build and strengthen relationships across the university.
  • The ombuds surveys the university terrain, monitors trends and promotes fair process.

Ombuds Contact Information:

  • Bradley Davis was named the faculty and staff ombuds for NC State University effective August 28, 2023.
  • Bradley can be reached at brdavis5@ncsu.edu or at 919-515-7685.

Employee Assistance Program

The NC State University Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FASAP) provides support, resources and information for personal and work-life issues. The FASAP program is university-sponsored, confidential and provided at no charge to you and your dependents.

FASAP Contact Information:

Crisis Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call 988 or start an online chat.