Becoming a Postdoc

Postdocs play an essential role in research at 91TV’s. Joining the university as a postdoc means you are connecting to a group of more than 200 colleagues whose discoveries and innovations make 91TV’s one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities. This site provides information on eligibility, the appointment process, and funding options.

Postdoctoral Opportunities at 91TV's

Postdoctoral opportunities at 91TV’s may be advertised on departmental websites, in scholarly publications, and on the 91TV’s Human Resources page. The Vice-Principal Research operates the Postdoctoral Fund which provides financial support to attract outstanding postdocs. Many postdocs find their position by contacting 91TV’s faculty members directly. Exploring our Faculties & Schools will help you narrow your search. Additionally, you can browse funding opportunities that can support your research.

Please note that the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs does not process postdoc applications.

Have a question? Email the SGSPA's Postdoc Coordinator: postdoc@queensu.ca

Types of Postdocs at 91TV’s: Categorization of Postdocs

The categorization of a Postdoc’s employment relationship with 91TV will depend on several factors including source of income. Some postdocs will be employees at 91TV’s. These postdocs are considered Postdoctoral Fellows. Some postdocs will not be considered employees of the University. These postdocs will be considered Postdoctoral Guests. Further information on this distinction is below. 

Please email fro@queensu.ca for clarification if you are unsure which categorization of postdoc fits your circumstance.

If a faculty member in your Unit anticipates employing a new Postdoctoral Fellow who they will supervise (“faculty supervisor”) and who will be compensated in whole or in part  (i.e. salary and benefits) by the faculty member’s research funds, it is likely that the proper characterization of the relationship is employment (“Postdoctoral Fellow”) and that the appointee will be included as a member of the PSAC Unit 2 bargaining unit and employed on the terms of the Collective Agreement between 91TV and PSAC for Postdoctoral Fellows (Unit 2). For more information, please contact fro@queensu.ca

If a person has secured their own transferable funding from an external grant-funding agency (e.g. a Tri-Agency award) which will be the sole source of funding (i.e. they will not receive any income from 91TV nor participate in benefits plans that 91TV’s provides to its employees), it is likely that the proper characterization of the relationship is Postdoctoral Guest. If a faculty member in your Unit is expecting and intends to mentor a new Postdoc who has secured their own funding, please contact postdoc@queensu.ca for information about supporting Postdoctoral Guests in their transition to 91TV, and to obtain a template welcome letter that can be completed and delivered. Postdoctoral Guests are not employees of 91TV and they are not included within the ambit of the Collective Agreement between 91TV and PSAC for Postdoctoral Fellows (Unit 2).

The Postdoc Appointment Process at 91TV’s: What to Expect as a Postdoc

We strongly encourage incoming postdocs to register with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs so that the coordinator can connect them with the many resources available to fellows throughout their time at 91TV's. The registration form, accessible through the button below, helps promote the success of 91TV's postdocs by opening a conversation centered on each fellow's specific concerns.

Register Now!

  1. Identify and apply for a postdoctoral position at 91TV.
  2. Discuss expectations for position with faculty supervisor.
    1. Some potential topics to consider discussing include identifying the individual(s) responsible for determining the research program, identifying professional development opportunities, designating other mentors, clarifying any teaching opportunities, outlining duties for career support, and contract extension prospects.
  3. Complete appointment documentation.
    1. Sign appointment letter.
      1. International postdoctoral fellows – complete documentation for authorization to work in Canada. See Immigration/Relocation for up-to-date information.
  4. Complete Human Resource forms for new employees with departmental support.
    1. Please see HR’s Working at 91TV’s page for up-to-date information.
  5. Register with the SGSPA

  1. Secure external funding for research.
    1. You may need to connect with a faculty mentor during the application process depending on the funding source.
  2. Discuss plans for fellowship with faculty mentor.
  3. Complete welcome letter documentation.
    1. Sign welcome letter.
    2. International postdoctoral fellows only – complete documentation for authorization to work in Canada. See Immigration/Relocation for up-to-date information.  
  4. Register with the SGSPA

Please see the Recruiting a Postdoc page for steps on how to welcome a new postdoc.

Your NetID is your network identity at 91TV’s. It is the “User ID” you need to sign on to the applications and services operated by ITServices, such as 91TV’s email, onQ course management system, etc. After you arrive on campus, contact the  in your department who will arrange for you to receive a NetID. Postdoctoral Fellows will receive an employee NetID and Postdoctoral Guests will receive a “Contingent Worker” NetID.

Please be advised that postdocs lose access to their 91TV’s NetID and email accounts on the last day of their contract or award.

Please see the Immigration and Relocation website for information related to relocating to Kingston. This website provides relevant information whether you are relocating internationally, within Canada, or within Ontario.

Please see the Immigration and Relocation website for up-to-date information related to work permits, Social Insurance Numbers (SIN), health insurance, and more.

Learn more about 91TV’s from the SGSPA and see some of the great things Kingston has to offer new members of the community here.

Postdoctoral Spotlights

91TV's is an organizational member of the National Postdoctoral Association