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Starting a New Postdoc

Welcome to Emory University! Starting a new Postdoctoral Fellow position can be challenging as one enters a new research setting, a new role as a non-student trainee now bearing the title of "Doctor" and for some an entirely new geography and city.

The links on this page, and throughout this Current Postdocs section, are meant to help you be aware of the many postdoctoral supports and services offered by Emory University and the Office of Postdoctoral Education and know how to find and use these services. 

Arrival Checklist

  1. Register for an Email account with the department of your advisor
  2. Register for a ID card when you arrive at Human Resources Orientation or with your department
  3. Contact OPE staff and include the following information:
    • your arrival date
    • department
    • mentor 
    • your current CV
  4. You have automatically been added to the postdoc listserv where you will receive our newsletter and other important announcements geared towards enhancing your training experience.
  5. Complete the Postdoc on-line database form (Emory Network ID and Password REQUIRED)
  6. Enroll in benefits with Human Resources during original orientation - See complete explanation of health care benefits under the Benefits link on the OPMTE website.
  7. If you have a car - obtain a parking decal from The Emory Parking Office.
  8. For international postdocs - establish a US bank checking or saving account for direct deposit of salary checks if you do not already have such an account. 
  9. Come meet us in person at our offices located at 1462 Clifton Rd., Suite 303 or at one of our events.

Postdoc Orientation Sessions

On an annual basis, the Office of Postdoctoral Education (OPE) offers a Special Postdoc Orientation Session to all new postdocs.  All postdocs are required to attend this orientation within 3-4 months after they arrive at Emory.  These sessions are specifically for postdoctoral fellows and differ from the general HR Orientations that all postdocs must attend at the time of hire. The Special Postdoc Orientation deals in detail with issues directly related to postdocs including postdoc specific administrative and policy issues, discussions of milestones in postdoc training, Career Development opportunities at Emory and offered by OPE, and the greater Atlanta area as well as planning for individual career goals. 

Postdoctoral fellows who never attended orientation, regardless of their arrival time, are also encouraged to attend. Be sure to check our newsletter regularly to get the latest information regarding the time and location of our next orientation.