Postdoc Policies

Policies Pertaining to Postdoctoral Scholars

Postdoctoral scholars need to be aware of university policies related to their rights and responsibilities. The following information provides links to these various policies.

Postdoctoral Scholars and Their Appointments

The Postdoctoral Scholars Regulation outlines specific procedures, regulations and rules regarding postdocs and their appointments at NC State University: REG 10.10.08 Postdoctoral Scholars. A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding this regulation is available.

Research

First and foremost, for many postdoctoral scholars, is research. The university has a policy on research which outlines the development and process of scholarly inquiry: POL 10.00.02 – Research Policy

Conflicts of Interests and Conflicts of Commitment

This policy implements the Board of Governors’ (BOG) Policy on Conflicts of Interest and Commitment Affecting Faculty and Non-Faculty EPA Employees and federal law and regulations applicable to all NC State employees or any individuals involved in the design, conduct or reporting of research at NC State: REG 01.25.01 – Conflicts of Interest and Conflicts of Commitment

In addition, all EHRA employees (including postdoctoral scholars) are required to file a Conflict of Interest disclosure on an annual basis.

Inventions, Patents and Copyrights

There may be times when research produced by a postdoctoral scholar results in an invention that is patentable. This policy outlines the procedures overseeing this process: POL 10.00.01 – Patent and Tangible Research Policy

Dispute Resolution and Grievance Regulation

REG 05.25.07 Dispute Resolution and Grievance Regulation for Postdoctoral Scholars and House Officers provides an internal university process for the good faith resolution of employment-related postdoctoral scholar and house officer (herein referred to collectively as “postdoc”) issues.

Postdocs must use the informal grievance process to discuss any employment-related issue that adversely affects the postdoctoral scholar or house officer and could be seen as a misapplication or misinterpretation of university policy, regulation, or rule, or a violation of state or federal law.

For allegations of discrimination, harassment and retaliation as outlined in NCSU POL 04.25.05 or Title IX Sexual Harassment outlined in NCSU POL 04.25.07, postdocs and house officers should file a formal complaint with the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity (OIED).

Postdocs can submit a formal grievance using the Postdoc and House Officer Grievance Form with the Assistant Dean for Professional Development in the Graduate School

Mediation

There may be times when postdoctoral scholars experience conflict within their working environment. One avenue for resolving these concerns is to utilize the university’s Mediation Program. Information about the Mediation Program can be viewed at POL 05.35.01 – Mediation Policy and Procedure.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina to provide equality of opportunity in education and employment for all who work and learn at NC State University. The university complies with this policy through its regulations regarding non-discrimination: Non-Discrimination Policies

The university also has a policy regarding unlawful harassment, which is a form of discrimination: REG 04.25.04 – Unlawful Harassment Policy

Should a postdoctoral scholar experience unlawful harassment or discrimination, the university has the following procedures for resolving these complaints: REG 04.25.02 – Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Compliant Procedure.