Postdoctoral Scholar Onboarding Packet (updated February 2022)

Benefits Summary for Postdoctoral Scholars

United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 4121

In 2018, Postdoctoral Scholars at the University of Washington voted to unionize. They are now represented by United Auto Workers (UAW) 4121. Eligibility for the union is required, unless a postdoc falls under one or more of the following conditions:

• The postdoc is privileged as an attending physician within the contact of University responsibilities;
• The postdoc is enrolled in a clinical residency or fellowship program in the health sciences
• The postdoc is engaged in research related to clinical training program; or,
• The postdoc is employed and paid directly by one of the following non-University entities: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the V.A., Fred Hutch, or the U.S. military.

In the event a postdoc met any of these conditions, they may qualify as an “unpaid academic” or Affiliate Postdoctoral Scholar. We strongly encourage all new, eligible postdocs to read the 2019-2021 bargaining contract to become knowledgeable about their rights and responsibilities.

UAW and UW bargaining contract (effective from July 1, 2019 to January 31, 2021)

UW Postdoc Resources

UW Postdoctoral Scholar Association

The University of Washington Postdoctoral Association (UWPA) represents all postdocs working at the University of Washington and affiliated institutions. 

UW Office of Postdoctoral Affairs

The OPA is an office within the UW Graduate School’s core programs that offers guidance for campus resources to address career, appointment, mentoring, teaching and research skills. See the website for more information.

UW Postdoctoral Handbook

This helpful handbook will assist new postdocs at the University of Washington in having a successful postdoc experience, providing access to national policies and recommendations, resources for professional development, career diversity, and teaching programs, among other benefits.

UW Career and Internship Center

The UW Career and Internship Center serves undergraduate students, graduate students, postdocs, faculty and advisors, and recent graduates and alumni. The career center offers valuable career and internship advice and resources on its blog and website.

UW Future Faculty Fellows Program

The Future Faculty Fellows Program supports postdoctoral scientists in preparing for successful careers that combine research, service, mentoring, and teaching. There are two components to the program—a workshop and a teaching apprenticeship program. See the website for complete details.

National Postdoctoral Association

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) is a 501(c)3 educational nonprofit organization that seeks sustainable change and improvement for the postdoctoral experience through collaboration with all stakeholders. As a UW postdoc, you are eligible for a free Affiliate Membership in the NPA. For details on affiliate member benefits, go to the Affiliate Membership page and be sure to use your UW email address when creating your account for this category of membership.