Postdoctoral Fellows (PDFs) at the University of Waterloo are engaged in a variety of research settings and exemplify the substantial variation in postdoctoral training. The University has developed a set of guidelines for PDFs. PDFs are at a unique stage in their careers. The purpose of a PDF position is to aid in the transition from student to independent scholar. In collaboration with a University of Waterloo faculty member, a PDF engages in activities that will further his or her professional development. The PDF position is intended to be transitional. PDFs are appointed for definite terms.
Each PDF must be affiliated with a University of Waterloo faculty member whose responsibility it is to recruit, select and supervise postdoctoral fellows. Recruitment techniques include, but are not limited to posting of PDF positions within the faculty member/supervisor's research area in national or local papers, or through web sites. Faculty members may also have PDFs recommended to them by colleagues.
Prospective PDFs are encouraged to visit Waterloo department/school or Faculty websites to identify individual faculty members who match their research interests. In addition to that list, the University also maintains an Expert Database. The prospective PDF will make contact to inquire about the possibility of becoming a PDF with the faculty member or her/his research team. An interview is usually necessary.
The maximum initial term of appointment is three years. The appointment shall expire, without any further payment obligations by the University, on the date specified in the letter of appointment. Appointment of a PDF requires the approval of the Chair or Director of the department/school and the Faculty Dean. Either the Chair/Director or Dean, on the recommendation of the faculty member/ supervisor, signs an appointment letter which is countersigned by the postdoctoral fellow. The letter is accompanied by a Non-faculty employment form.
Elements of an appointment letter include:
In special circumstances, an extension of up to three years is permitted, subject to the approval of the Faculty Dean and the Provost. The supervisor's written assessment should accompany any reappointment letter submitted for approval.
Postdoctoral fellows and their faculty supervisors must identify appropriate professional growth and career advancement goals and meet regularly (at least once per year) to assess progress and to ensure that goals are being achieved during the appointment at the University of Waterloo. For this reason, faculty members are encouraged to select PDFs who will contribute to their research/research teams and, in turn, provide the resources needed for PDFs to contribute to their field of interest through publications, professional presentations, and teaching/mentoring the activities of junior researchers and graduate students.
Many PDFs are non-Canadian residents and are visiting Canada solely to complete a postdoctoral position. PDFs and faculty supervisors are responsible for reviewing the application guide closely prior to submitting the final application. Approval will be delayed if information is missing.
1. Obtain a valid passport.
2. Secure an appointment letter from the University of Waterloo faculty
member / supervisor.
3. CIC must be assured that financial support will be sufficient for any
individual entering Canada. The University of Waterloo minimum annual stipend
of $30,000 allows a PDF to prove adequate minimum support after arriving
in Canada; the appointment letter will indicate whether there is any additional
funding.
4. Complete the CIC work permit application and submit it to the visa office
at a Canadian embassy or consulate abroad.
5. Provide a non-refundable application fee.
6. Postdoctoral Fellows do not require a labour market opinion from HRSDC
(Human Resources and Social Development Canada).
Spouses or partners accompanying PDFs to Canada are eligible to search for employment once they arrive in Canada. Information on the Spousal Employment Authorization initiative can be found on the CIC website.
To apply for an open work permit, spouses or partners must provide CIC with an application fee and the following documents:
Citizens and permanent residents of the United States or St. Pierre &
Miquelon may apply for a work permit directly at a Port of Entry to Canada.
Such residents do not need to apply for a work permit at the embassy, high
commission, or consulate in their home country. Apply at the Port of Entry
to Canada and provide the Immigration Officer at the border with all documentation
and payment as follows: application fee, citizenship card, passport, degree
certification, and PDF's appointment letter.
Refer to the CIC website for further
information.
Postdocs employed by the University of Waterloo are eligible for extended health care benefits provided that their initial contracts are of at least one year. PDFs holding Canadian external awards of at least one year’s duration (e.g. NSERC, SSHRC) are also eligible for extended health care benefits. PDFs with these external awards should bring a copy of their award letter along with their appointment letter to University of Waterloo Human Resources, in order to be signed up for these benefits.
All individuals working in Canada, including non-Canadian citizens (and international PDFs from date of arrival), are required to pay provincial and federal taxes on all income earned in Canada. Postdoctoral Fellows appointed at the University of Waterloo who receive income from the University will have Income Tax, Canada Pension and Employment Insurance deducted monthly. Other applicable deductions are based on the information submitted to the Human Resources Department from a TD1 Tax Credit Form. Annually, every person earning an income in Canada submits a Canada Customs & Revenue tax return.
Tax workshops are offered annually by Waterloo International and the New Faculty Recruitment and Support Office.
Centre for Career Action provide workshops open to PDFs, and will also arrange for one-on-one consultations. The point person within Centre for Career Action to work with postdoctoral fellows is Rebecca Burwell. To schedule an individual consultation with Rebecca, please email her directly.
English classes; opportunities to improve and perfect
your English include:
- Renison
College non-credit programs (cost recovery)
- Waterloo
International conversation classes (also open to spouse/partners)
- KW Multicultural Centre
tutor program (also open to family members)
Health Care: PDFs can access health services on campus. Access for family members will become available when the new health services building opens (anticipated in 2012).
Housing: PDFs are encouraged to visit University of Waterloo's Off-campus Housing Office for assistance with housing needs.
Teaching workshops: PDFs can access workshops for graduate students (but are not eligible to participate in the Certificate for University Teaching (CUT) program).
The International Student & Scholars Office, offers resources for international postdoctoral fellows including a mentoring program, global representative and shadow program, social trips for international postdocs, programs for international spouses, etc. Please visit their website to obtain further information or contact Darlene Ryan, Managing Director.
Writing support: the Writing Centre supports PDFs.
When entering Canada with an adult holding a valid work permit, school-aged children do not need a permit to study in Canada. Indicate on the work permit application that dependent children will be entering Canada with the applicant. When entering the country, parents/ guardians must provide each child's birth certificate, citizenship card, health records, and passport.
International postdoctoral fellows will hold a valid work permit once in Canada. This permit allows parents/guardians of international PDFs to enroll their children in a public school free of charge. However, parents/guardians will be required to provide the school with a number of documents prior to entering their child in a Waterloo-area school.
If the PDF is a Canadian Resident, or has been awarded permanent residency, he or she is eligible to register the child in a Waterloo area school. Parents/guardians must provide the necessary documents:
If the PDF is not a Canadian Resident, the child will be considered an International Student. Applications for school registration must be accompanied by a letter of admission from the Waterloo County School Board, obtained by presenting the following documentation to the School Board Admissions Office:
Once confirmation is received that the PDF's child may be admitted to a local area school, the school board will refer you to the nearest school. Finalization of the child's school registration will occur at the school your child will be attending. For further information on registering your child in school, visit the School Board site that applies to your area of residence: Waterloo Region.
There are a number of Child Care Centres at the University of Waterloo
and in the Waterloo area; see the Child
Care Connection website.
Waiting lists for child care in the Waterloo area can be long. Children's
names should be added to waiting lists and registered for child care and
day care as soon a PDF arrives in Waterloo.
While not an exhaustive list, the following websites offer PDFs information
about fellowship opportunities:
Government Sources
Associations, Societies, Councils and Institutes
Resource Sites
Return to main PDF site.
Graduate Studies Office
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University of Waterloo
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