Please visit FAS Academic Appointments for details pertaining to the appointment process for each of the designations outlined below. For guidance regarding appointment procedures, as well as part time non-exempt assistant/associate researchers please contact Renata Ortiz at extension 88694 or rg127@nyu.edu. Questions regarding title classifications should be directed to Rafael Acevedo, Jr. at extension 83566 or ra6@nyu.edu
Research Scientists and Postdoctoral Associates:
The PhD Level Scientist track is a post-PhD career path inclusive of five years mentored postdoctoral training and subsequent research scientist opportunities based on demonstrated high-level individual research competence.
Postdoctoral Associates are post-PhD trainees preparing for a research scientist career path. They transition to career independence through the development of professional skills and supervision by senior scientists incorporating individual development plans in support of training goals and those of a faculty mentor; publication of research findings/scholarship during postdoc appointment period is expected.
Research Scientists demonstrate outstanding research competence, attested to by a PhD education level and minimum five years of experience. Exceptions to the Ph.D. education level and years of experience can be made for outstanding individuals with specialized skills.
Senior Research Scientists signify the highest measure of research competence, attested to by a PhD, eight to ten years of experience and an equivalent level of independent research and publications.
Laboratory Associates
The non-PhD Level Laboratory Associate track affords training opportunities to gain preparatory skills in laboratory research support for career paths in science and/or medicine. Junior Laboratory Associate and Laboratory Associate levels provide training in laboratory research support; the Senior Laboratory Associate level provides an established ongoing career path.
Postdoctoral Fellows
Postdoctoral Fellows are neither employees nor students of New York University. They come to NYU with stipends administered through the University from a variety of external sources. Postdoctoral Fellows have no specific work assignments, nor does the stipend they receive constitute payment for services rendered. Postdoctoral Fellows have typically received a doctoral degree within the past five years and have not held a tenure track position. They come to the University in a training capacity for the purpose of developing research competence. Postdoctoral Fellows commit to an average of 35 hours per week at NYU, for a minimum of four months up to five years maximum duration under the supervision of an NYU faculty member.
Note: Postdoctoral Fellows who have secured external funding independently of NYU, and who receive said funding outside NYU payroll are not eligible for benefits and should seek insurance options through GSHIP. Postdoctoral Fellows with external funding paid via NYU Payroll are benefits eligible but should not be confused with Postdoctoral Associates.
Please click here for appointment procedures.
Principal Investigator Status and Honorific Titles
Research Scientists can be designated as Principal Investigators and Research Professors (honorific) at the recommendation of the department Chair and the Dean, subject to approval by the Provost and the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP).
Standards and Conditions for PI Status and Honorific Titles
Since length of appointment varies for Researchers, ongoing institutional responsibility must be ensured. Departments will be responsible for observance of University policies, such as the Patent Policy. Departments will also assume final responsibility for meeting the conditions of research awards, financial and technical reports, animal welfare and protection of human subjects, etc.
The following questions should be addressed in a memo from the Chair recommending Principal Investigator status and/or honorific titles:
1. Does the individual have sufficient stature to compete for external funding with some chance of success?
2. What has been the extent of the individual’s relationship with the University to date? How long is the relationship expected to continue?
3. Are graduate or undergraduate students to be involved in the research program? If so, who will supervise their research with respect to grading and meeting degree requirements? If the PI leaves, what happens to a student’s project?
4. Are postdoctoral fellows to be involved in the research? Will the award cover their stipends?
5. Is the proposed research congruent with the interests of the department?
6. Will departmental resources be required for the project? Additional space, equipment, supplies, equipment maintenance costs? Will space planning needs have an adverse effect on existing faculty space?
7. Will award funds replace expenditures required by the department, e.g., salary support for technicians, etc.?
Procedure for Requesting PI Status and/or Research Professorial Courtesy Titles
Please submit a memo from the Chair, curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, and answers to the questions outlined above to fas.academic.hr@nyu.edu. Pending Dean approval, the request will be reviewed by the Provost and Office of Sponsored Programs.
Questions regarding PI status and honorific research titles should be directed to Rafael Acevedo, Jr. at extension 83566 or ra6@nyu.edu.