About the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs

Postdocs at Michigan State University include a diverse group of experts across our many units and campuses. The majority of our Postdocs are classified as “Research Associates” or “Senior Research Associates,” and have fixed-term appointments typically ranging from one to three years, with possibility for renewal. Their funding and training are mostly overseen directly by an individual faculty supervisor. The title “Postdoctoral Fellow” is reserved for postdocs who are awarded extramural fellowships that provide funding for their research.

To enhance the postdoctoral experience at Michigan State University providing leadership, support and a unifying structure for Postdocs: Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Associates, Senior Research Associates and all individuals pursuing advanced mentored training beyond a doctoral degree.