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

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.

    One on One Meeting