TEXAS AGRILIFE RESEARCH PROCEDURES

33.99.01.A1.04 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE APPOINTMENTS
Approved: December 15, 2003
Supplements System Regulation 33.99.01

Postdoctoral research associate appointments are intended as mutually beneficial research support relationships for both the Texas AgriLife Research (AgriLife Research) and individuals pursuing entry-level research positions in the academic, private, or government sectors. AgriLife Research benefits from the use of these temporary appointments in attracting highly qualified individuals to assist in conducting and publishing its research. The appointments also enable individuals to gain relevant experience under the mentorship of proven scientists in specific and ongoing research programs.

The postdoctoral research associate position is a temporary appointment in which the maximum benefit of an individual employed in this capacity should be obtained in a period not to exceed three years. Postdoctoral research associate appointments exceeding three years deny individuals the opportunity for timely career development.

2.01 The procedure for establishing a new postdoctoral research associate position is the same as for any other non-faculty position, and must be approved through the AgriLife Research administration by submitting the request on form AG-404, Position Authorization/Description, prior to recruitment.

2.02 Postdoctoral research associate appointments will be allocated and pay rates established according to pay plan guidelines, grant specifications, and availability of funds.

2.03 Appointments will follow all EEO guidelines, including, but not limited to, those contained in System Policy 33.02, Equal Employment Opportunity, System Regulation 33.02.01, EEO and Affirmative Action Plan, System Regulation 33.02.02 Compliance with the Employment Provisions of the Americans With Disabilities Act, and the AgriLife Research Affirmative Action Plan.

2.04 The provisions of System Regulation 33.99.09, Employment of Foreign Nationals, and AgriLife Reaearch Procedure 33.99.09.A1.01, Employment of Foreign Nationals, shall be followed when considering foreign national applicants.

3.01 Unit heads are responsible to ensure that all postdoctoral reasearch associates are informed of the conditions of their employment at the time of their appointment to the position.

3.02 Technology developed as a result of research conducted by a postdoctoral research associate is the property of the AgriLife Research, and is therefore subject to the regulations governing publications, proprietary rights, inventions, and patents.

Questions concerning this procedures should be directed to the Texas A&M AgriLife Human resources Office at 979-845-2423.