Purpose of the Postdoctoral Fellowship
The purpose of the Postdoctoral Fellowship is to facilitate the professional development of post-PhD candidates allowing them to develop an independent research programme and simultaneously experience other aspects of the academic profession, such as teaching and learning, and service.
Specifically the purpose of the Postdoctoral Fellowship is to:
- Develop research independence under the guidance of an academic Host;
- Produce research publications and so strengthen the candidates CV;
- Assist, where necessary, with postgraduate student supervision;
- Contribute to the establishment of a critical (research) mass within a research group, where appropriate;
- Teach, mainly at the postgraduate level, for small percentages of active time. This teaching should be part of the Fellow’s professional development (see tax implications) and must not break compliance with the visa regulations.
Expectations of Postdoctoral Fellows
Wits has specific expectations of all its Postdoctoral Fellows. Although these expectations will vary from place to place in the University, depending on Faculty and Host, these are the common expectations.
- An average peer reviewed research output[1] of at least two publications per annum. It is understood that most of the publications will not arise in year one of the Fellowship. This implies that by the end of year two the PDRF should have published four or more publications.
- Ideally, the research should be published in journals that are found in Web of Science journals. If there is a particular reason why it is more appropriate to publish the work in local journals, then they should be in DHET ‘accredited journals’.
- A contribution to the research ethos of the group, Department, School or Institute in which you are based. This contribution should come in the form of willing participation in staff meetings, debates about research, research seminars (especially those involving postgraduate students), and similar activities to which the PDRF is invited. It is important that Fellows are active on campus and contribute to the academic programme by putting forward ideas.
- A contribution to the operation of a research laboratory (where appropriate). This contribution may involve calibrating instruments, advising postgraduate students on operating conditions, giving instrument training, commissioning preventative maintenance, etc.
- On occasions going beyond the normal expectations of a Postdoctoral Fellow (within reason) to contribute towards the University and its goal to become an internationally acclaimed research-intensive university.
Leave of Absence
Postdoctoral Fellows must email the postdoctoral administrator (and copying in their host) to apply for leave. All leave of absence, including sick and maternity must be negotiated with your Host prior to taking off time. In the case of illness, try to inform your Host as soon as possible.