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Supervision of Postdoctoral Scholars
Supervision of Postdoctoral Scholars
Supervision of Postdoctoral Scholars
Postdoctoral scholars play a vital role in advancing Western’s research mission. Supervisors and academic units are essential partners in ensuring postdocs receive high‑quality training, equitable treatment, and a positive and productive scholarly experience. The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) provides resources to support supervisors in recruitment, onboarding, mentorship, and ongoing supervision.
The Role of a Postdoctoral Supervisor
Supervisors are instrumental in shaping a postdoctoral scholar’s professional and academic development.
Effective supervision includes:
- Creating an equitable, supportive training environment
- Providing clear expectations regarding research, timelines, and responsibilities
- Supporting the postdoc’s career development goals
- Ensuring fair compensation and compliance with Western policies
- Encouraging regular mentorship conversations
- Connecting postdocs to training, networking, and development opportunities
Western benefits greatly from the research, teaching, and leadership contributions of its postdoctoral scholars. In return, supervisors share responsibility for making the postdoctoral experience enriching, well‑supported, and aligned with best practices across the national research community.
Appointment Responsibilities
Supervisors and home departments participate directly in the appointment and onboarding process. This includes:
- Initiating or approving the Postdoctoral Scholar Appointment Form
- Setting the appointment duration and salary according to University policy and, where applicable, collective agreements
- Ensuring the postdoc completes required documentation before the start date
- Facilitating connections with the scholar’s mentorship team (two additional mentors)
- Supporting completion of the Professional Development Plan (PDP)
- Consulting SGPS or the Postdoctoral Services Coordinator when uncertainties arise
Resources for Supervisors
Supervisors can access the following tools, guides, and reference materials:
Western University Guide for Postdoctoral Scholar Supervision and Mentorship (PDF)
A comprehensive guide outlining effective supervision practices, expectations, mentorship strategies, and approaches to supporting postdoctoral scholars in their academic and professional growth.
Guidelines for Postdoctoral Fellows and Postdoctoral Associates (PDF)
Outlines the roles and responsibilities of PDFs and PDAs and provides clarity regarding expectations, research conduct, and working relationships.
Postdoctoral Scholar Appointment Checklist for Faculty Members and Administrators (PDF)
A step‑by‑step resource to ensure all requirements are completed during recruitment and onboarding.
New Postdoctoral Scholar Checklist (PDF)
A tool you may share with incoming postdocs to help them navigate their first weeks at Western.
Postdoctoral Scholar Appointment Form
Online form used to initiate or renew postdoctoral appointments.
Canadian Association of Postdoctoral Administrators (CAPA)
National resources and best‑practice guidance on postdoctoral policy and administration.
National Postdoctoral Association (NPA)
U.S.-based postdoctoral training resources and mentorship frameworks widely used by Canadian institutions.
myIDP – Individual Development Plan
An online planning tool to help postdocs identify career goals, assess skills, and build customized development strategies.
Researcher Toolbox
Institutional resources on research ethics, funding, compliance, and scholarly activity to support effective research supervision.
Support from SGPS
The Postdoctoral Services Coordinator works with supervisors and units across Western to:
- Support consistent interpretation of policies
- Ensure equitable treatment of scholars
- Provide training and guidance on postdoctoral processes
- Assist with complex cases, mentorship planning, and appointment challenges
Supervisors are encouraged to reach out whenever they require support or clarification.