EMAIL UPDATES MIT Biology postdocs can receive occasional email updates regarding events and items of interest. Enter your information to be added to the list. This list is open to the MIT Biology community only; any other registrants will be disregarded. If you would like to be added to the list, send an email to biopostdoclist [at] mit.edu with your name, lab affiliation, and email address. We do not share your email address with anyone nor use it for any other purpose.

Who are Postdocs?

Postdoctoral researchers ("Postdocs") are a vital and dynamic part of the MIT Biology community. A Postdoc is a scholar who holds a doctoral degree and pursues a program of research and training under the direction of a faculty member.

There are over 65 faculty in the Biology department, including four Nobel Laureates, 28 National Academy of Sciences members, and 11 Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigators, as well as a number of Emeriti faculty.

Faculty areas of research include: Biochemistry and Biophysics, Bioengineering, Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Computational and Systems Biology, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Human Genetics, Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Human Disease, Microbiology, Neurobiology, Plant Molecular Biology and Structural Biology. Often, the research projects of any single laboratory extend across more than one of these categories.

Postdoctoral researchers who've completed training at MIT Biology have gone on to tenure-track positions in prestigious universities and institutions and to major research positions in industry.

The Department appoints Postdocs upon the recommendation of a faculty sponsor. Currently, Biology hosts over 100 Postdocs with active appointments, not including the Center for Cancer Research and The Whitehead Institute. Each new Postdoctoral Researcher receives a welcome letter from the Department's Human Resources Administrator along with a packet containing necessary forms, instructions and other useful information. Packets are available in Biology Headquarters 68-132.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A Postdoc FELLOW AND A Postdoc ASSOCIATE?

Postdoctoral researchers are appointed with the title of Postdoctoral Fellow or Postdoctoral Associate, depending on the funding source.

The MIT title of Postdoctoral Fellow applies to researchers who receive funding in the form of a fellowship or stipend from an outside agency, either directly from the agency or distributed through MIT on behalf of the sponsor. Postdoctoral Fellows are eligible to enroll for health care coverage through the MIT Affiliate Health Care program. More information regarding fellowship funding is available here.

The MIT title of Postdoctoral Associate applies to those who are paid their salary by MIT. These scholars may be eligible for staff benefits through MIT's Human Resources Benefits Office. Be sure to attend your benefits orientation when you're notified of the time as there will be a great deal of important information. Please see your Human Resources Administrator if you have questions regarding your benefits eligibility.

All Postdocs must promptly report any changes in status (visa, address, etc.) to Biology Headquarters, 68-132. Failure to do so may result in incorrect withholding of taxes or no payment for employment in a salaried appointment. Photocopies of appropriate documentation are required for changing visa status (e.g., Alien Registration Card, Permanent Residency Card).

International scholars may consult the Visa Information on our Life As a Postdoc page and the International Scholars Office for information regarding visas and employment status.

Postdocs in the Koch Building may contact Biology's Human Resource Administrator with questions about postdoctoral appointments, titles, etc. If you are in Koch Institute, Whitehead, or CLM, contact the Human Resources office of your area.