Postdoc Onboarding Checklist
Welcome to Boston University!
Congratulations on accepting your postdoctoral position at BU. This onboarding checklist can be used as a quick guide for postdocs to ensure a smooth transition to Boston University.
Prior to Arrival
- Review the Postdoctoral Scholars Policy
- Send PDPA your signed offer letter
- Learn about our resources for living in Boston and working at BU
- Find housing
- Contact your department administrator to ensure everything will be set up for your arrival (e.g. BU email address, HR orientation date)
Before Your First Day
- Register for a BU email address
- Obtain a BU ID card
- Set up a bank account (if needed)
- For International Postdocs: Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
- For Non-employee Postdocs: email PDPA to learn about benefits
During Your First Week
- Attend HR orientation (employee postdocs only)
- Obtain a BU ID card
- Set up direct deposit on BUWorks Central
- Complete sexual harassment training
- Obtain a workspace, computer/laptop, and a phone from your department
- Get free BU access to Microsoft Office
During the First Month
- Attend PDPA Orientation (sign up here)
- Sign up for benefits within the first 30 days of employment / training
- For International Postdocs: Attend ISSO orientation and connect with your school/college’s ISSO Scholar Advisor
- All new postdocs should begin their Indvidual Development Plan (IDP) and submit within 90 days. You can find information about the IDP process and submission link here.
Settling In
- Attend a PDPA workshop
- Ensure that you are meeting compliance and safety training requirements (e.g. RCR)
- Sign up for the Postdoc Academy program
- Familiarize yourself with research funding opportunities (visit BU’s Research Support webpage as a starter)
- For International Postdocs: Establish a timeline for visa renewal deadlines
- Get familiar with the Postdoc Annual Evaluation Form. Postdoc and faculty should synchronize the annual evaluation with BU’s annual evaluation timeline.
Feel free to email us at postdocs@bu.edu if you have additional questions at any point in your postdoctoral experience.
If you would like further guidance on your postdoc onboarding process, you can sign up for a meeting with the Director of PDPA, Pallavi Eswara, by filling out the form below.