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 Your Arrival

  • Review the BU Postdoctoral Scholars Policy
  • Send Postdoctoral Affairs 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 your BU ID card
  • Set up a bank account (if needed)
  • International Postdocs: Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
  • Non-employee Postdocs: learn about benefits here

During Your First Week

  • Attend an HR orientation (employee postdocs only)
  • Set up direct deposit in BUworks Central
  • Complete sexual harassment training 
  • Obtain a workspace, computer/laptop, and a phone from your department

During Your First Month

  • Read the Postdoctoral Digest newsletter 
  • Attend Postdoctoral Affairs Orientation
  • Sign up for benefits within the first 30 days of employment /training
  • International Postdocs: Attend ISSO orientation and connect with your school/college’s ISSO Scholar Advisor

Settling In

  • Attend one of our workshops
  • Ensure that you are meeting compliance and safety training requirements (e.g. RCR)
  • Sign up for Postdoc Academy
  • Familiarize yourself with research funding opportunities—check out the Office of Research’s Find Funding page to start
  • Complete your annual Individual Development Plan
  • International Postdocs: Establish a timeline for visa renewal deadlines

    If you would like further guidance on your postdoc onboarding process, you can sign up for a meeting with our office by filling out the form below. Or you can always reach out to us at postdocs@bu.edu if you have questions at any point in your postdoctoral experience.

    One-on-One with Postdoctoral Affairs