Postgraduate Research Appointment Guidelines

Background

Postgraduate research appointments are held by individuals to extend training in a field of specialization after receiving a graduate degree. As an R1 Institution, UWM facilitates the creation of new knowledge and development of innovative solutions, with impact locally, nationally and globally. A competitive search process is desired for post-degree appointments to increase the intellectual and cultural diversity of the institution, attract top-tier talent, and ensure a transparent selection process.

Scope

UWM has two types of Postgraduate Research employees:

• Research Associate: A research associate is an individual who continues their training after receipt of the doctorate.
• Research Intern: A research intern is an individual who continues their training after receiving a bachelor’s/master’s degree (or equivalent), who is not enrolled as student.

Postgraduate research appointments are training-focused roles and are not intended to serve as long-term staffing solutions or substitutes for permanent positions. All Research Associate appointees must have a designated faculty mentor responsible for providing training and professional development. All Research Interns must also have a designated mentor.

Post-doctoral fellowships, considered a non-service appointment, are outside the scope of these guidelines. Post-doctoral fellowships are not dependent on work or service to the University and are not eligible for benefits. Fellowships are intended primarily for the individual’s training and are typically supported by external funding awarded to the individual; as such they are not considered employment by UWM.

Employment Guidelines

1. Eligibility Requirements
   1. Postgraduate research appointments are normally offered to individuals within five years of receiving their respective degree (e.g., terminal degree for Research Associate positions).
   2. Individuals hired to postgraduate research appointments are not enrolled in any college or university.
   3. Typical appointment duration for postgraduate research appointment is one to three years, typically not exceeding five years.
      1. At time of appointment, individuals will generally have limited prior professional experience in the specific field or subfield, consistent with training purpose of these roles, even if they may have broader experience in related areas.
   4. Exceptions to the above requirements, including fields where postdoctoral training extend beyond five years, may be approved by the Dean, in consultation with Human Resources, and processed through HR Business Partner.
2. Recruitment of Postgraduate Appointments
   1. Research Associate positions are expected to be filled through a competitive search process that is appropriate to the discipline and consistent with institutional hiring practices. This may include a standard external search or a targeted recruitment approach.
      1. Because the positions are externally funded, they need not require Recruitment Authorization through the Human Resources Department.
      2. External searches are posted on the UWM Careers page and processed by HR.
      3. A 30-day posting period is required, unless an exception is approved through Dean and HR.
   2. The external search requirement may be waived by the Department Chair and Dean, in consultation with HR, and processed through the HR Business Partner.
      1. Targeted or limited recruitment approaches may be appropriate when there is a strong pool of qualified internal candidates, when candidates are identified through professional networks or collaborations, or when timely filling of the position is critical to the project and funding continuity.
      2. In such cases, a posting period of less than 30 days may be appropriate, as determined in consultation with HR.
   3. Full Recruitment Waivers should be limited to exceptional situations, such as continuation of research work of a student or having an individual named in a specific grant. In these exceptional circumstances, a full waiver of the search may be approved by the Department Chair and Dean, in consultation with Human Resources, and processed through HR Business Partner.
3. Benefits and Compensation for Postgraduate Positions
   1. Appointees to postgraduate positions are considered employees by the IRS. Payments are fully taxable as wages.
   2. Postgraduate appointments meeting minimum duration and percentage are eligible for Graduate Assistant/Short-Term Academic Staff benefits.
   3. Research Associate Compensation and Leave.
      1. Compensation: Research Associates have a minimum base rate of $47,476 (annually) and a maximum rate appropriate to their field of study, subject to approval by the Dean.
      2. Leave and Holiday Pay: Eligible for absence with pay for personal, medical, or parental reasons as well as legal holidays.
   4. Research Intern Compensation.
      1. Compensation: Research Interns have a minimum base of $30,000 and a maximum rate appropriate to their field of study, subject to approval by the Dean.
      2. Leave and Holiday Pay: Research Interns are not eligible for paid leave.
   5. Compensation increases for postgraduate appointments require approval by the Dean, in consultation with Human Resources. Increases must consider parity within title and discipline as well as market factors.