Postdoctoral Scholars at CSUN represent a critical component of the research vitality of our institution and directly reflect the high level of research productivity and future growth of the Research Enterprise at CSUN.
Based on all the feedback from the CSUN community, information from similar institutions, and other sources of information, we have determined that Postdocs and Paid Visiting Scholars paid by a sponsored project at CSUN will be employees of The University Corporation (TUC/Auxiliary). Postdocs who are current State employees at CSUN will transition back as TUC employees. New Postdocs, Paid Visiting Scholars, or Postdocs currently being hired will also be TUC employees. There are some complexities to be expected, but please rest assured that we will make every effort for this transition to be as seamless as possible.
We certainly understand that you will likely have questions or concerns regarding how this transition will impact you. Below are some of the questions you may have regarding this transition.
I am a PI who currently has a Postdoc. How will this impact my award budget?
Postdocs and Paid Visiting Scholars will be classified as exempt employees in TUC. This means that salary will need to meet the minimum salary of an exempt employee in California. Currently, the minimum exempt annual salary is $62,400.
Postdocs and Paid Visiting Scholars are fully benefited employees. FY 2021-2022 fringe rates are available here. Postdocs and visiting scholars who have never been employed by TUC will be in fringe rate 3. Former TUC employees may be in fringe rate 4 if they were eligible for retirement when they left TUC.
For any additional questions, please contact Grace Slavik, Director of Sponsored Programs Administration, who will be able to assist.
I have already started the search process for my Postdoc with my college and CSUN HR. What do I do?
CSUN Human Resources and TUC Human Resources departments are currently working on this transition. Please reach out to Mika Williamson, Senior Director of Human Resources at CSUN, to check on the status of your recruitment or other questions you may have regarding your current search.
I am a PI in the process of hiring a Postdoc. What should I do?
If a Principal Investigator would like to hire a Postdoc or Paid Visiting Scholar through TUC, below are the requirements for each search.
Federal regulations require all employers to verify that individuals are authorized to work in the United States, and as such, all new TUC employees must complete the i-9 (Employment Eligibility Verifiation) before the first day of work. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in civil penalties incurred by The University Corporation and CSU Northridge
Postdocs working on a sponsored project: Please complete and submit the following forms below to tuchr@csun.edu. Forms are found in TUC Human Resources website under Manager Hiring.
- Recruitment
- Action Request
- Background Verification Form
- Position Description
- Submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) once a candidate is chosen
Paid Visiting Scholars: Please contact Office of Faculty Affairs if you intend to host one. Please note that Principal Investigator must also submit the following to TUC Human Resources prior to offering employment to a Visiting Scholar. Since CSUN and TUC are separate entities, these forms are required to officially hire Paid Visiting Scholars through TUC. Please complete and submit the following forms to tuchr@csun.edu. Forms can be found in TUC Human Resources under Manager Hiring.
- Action Request
- Background Verification Form
- Candidate's Curriculum Vitae
As required by federal regulations, all employees must pass a vendor debarment and suspension check and export control compliance. As a condition of employment, all new hires must be fully vaccinated and boosted prior to working for The University Corporation.
If you have additional questions, please contact tuchr@csun.edu.
I am a PI who has submitted a recent proposal that includes a Postdoc in the budget, but I have not heard about the disposition of the proposal?
You will not need to do anything at the moment! However, in the event that your Program Director/Sponsor contacts you regarding a planned recommendation for an award, requests a revised budget, or an award is made, please contact your Pre-Award liaison and they will be able to assist.
I am a current Postdoc/Paid Visiting Scholar at CSUN. How will this impact my salary and benefits?
Please be assured your current base salary will NOT decrease! As outlined during the Town Hall meetings in December, Postdocs and visiting scholars who will be exempt TUC employees are required to meet the minimum wage requirements.
Postdocs and Paid Visiting Scholars are fully benefited employees. Please visit the TUC Benefits page and TUC Employee handbook to familiarize yourself of the benefits available to Postdocs and Visiting Scholars as TUC employees.
For additional questions, please reach out to Kathryn Weeks, Associate Director, Human Resources.
I am a current Postdoc at CSUN. Who do I talk to if I have questions about this process?
The TUC Human Resources and CSUN Human Resources are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible. If your question is related to employee benefits, please visit the TUC Benefits page and TUC Employee handbook to familiarize yourself of the benefits available to Postdocs and Paid Visiting Scholars as TUC employees.
If you have specific questions regarding this process, please send your questions to tuchr@csun.edu.
What is the timeline for this transition? When will my Postdoc/Paid Visiting Scholar going to be a TUC employee?
The TUC Human Resources and CSUN Human Resources are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible. Our goal is to transition all Postdocs and Paid Visiting Scholars who are currently CSUN employees by April 1, 2022.
My question regarding my Postdoc/Visiting Scholar is not in this list. Who should I reach out to?
For any additional questions or concerns, please contact research@csun.edu.