4.4 Appointment to position

Appointment to Position of PDF Offer Letter
Every PDF receives an appointment letter, which must be signed by the Department Head or Director and the PDF accepting the terms of the appointment. The appointment letter sets out, in writing, the terms of the appointment, and details the expectations and commitments of both the PDF and the supervising faculty member. Along with the appointment letter, there is a welcome letter from the PDFO. This letter contains information about getting settled at UBC as well as some Orientation events offered by the PDFO.

The Appointment File
The official documentation concerning the appointment at the University is held by both the Department and Faculty Relations. PDFs have access to their own files by contacting Faculty Relations. Please note that at least 24 hours’ notice is required to arrange an opportunity to view your file.

Moving On
After your first position at UBC, you may change supervisors or Departments within UBC, or move to a PDF position at another university. The following avenues may help your research into possible opportunities.

• Visit the Faculty Career Opportunities website and apply as indicated
• Check faculties/departments of interest to see if there are any PDF positions available – each department has a list of faculty members and their research topics

• List of faculties and schools at UBC Vancouver
• List of faculties and schools at UBC Okanagan
• Directly contact a faculty member with related research interests (even if there are no current postings in that area). Postdoctoral applications can be made directly to a specific faculty member(s)
• A list of PDF positions is updated on the PDFO website, as and when received.