WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW...

Length of Postdoc Appointment and Criteria for Requesting Extensions

Initial Appointment

2 years (3 years for Distinguished Postdoc Fellows)

Criteria for Extending a Postdoc's Appointment

The following guidelines are provided for requesting an extension to a postdoc's appointment. All requests can be sent to the Postdoc Program Office via e-mail to postdocprogram@lanl.gov, or by mail to M719. Your management must be copied on all requests for extending a postdoc appointment.

Short-Term Extension Due to the "Suspension"
For an extension of duration roughly equal to the research time lost due to the suspension:

• submit a brief justification summarizing how the suspension has impacted the postdoc's ability to bring closure to their research and to publish.
• Indicate the length of extension that you are requesting.

3rd-Year Extension
An extension for a third year where the original proposed research area does not change requires the following be submitted 3-6 months prior to the expiration date of the appointment:

• Submit a brief justification summarizing the postdoc's accomplishments to date.
• Confirm the work being proposed for the third year is a continuation of the work that was accomplished in the first two years of the appointment and will be completed by the end of the third year.

In cases where there is a change in research direction from the original proposal, the following documentation is also required:

• A new research proposal prepared by the postdoc.
• Include in the justification why the change in research direction is being initiated and confirmation the proposed research can be accomplished by the end of the third year.

4th-Year Extension
Fourth year extensions will only be granted in extenuating circumstances and should not be considered "common practice". Some examples of extenuating circumstances could be when the postdoc' original proposed research has been disrupted by severe problems, such as additional time needed to learn new disciplines, obtaining needed equipment to perform the main thrust of the research, samples have been destroyed, major loss of funding necessitating complete change in research direction, etc.

Requests for a fourth year extension will be reviewed and approved/disapproved by a team consisting of the Postdoc Program Office and the Postdoc Committee Chair and Vice-Chair. Additional input may be requested and provided by the Postdoc Committee division representative.

A request for a fourth year extension requires the submittal of the following documentation 3-6 months prior to the expiration date of the appointment. Submit a justification summarizing the following:

• The postdoc’s accomplishments to date, including an updated CV and publication list;
• An explanation of why the request is being made, highlighting the following:
• the extenuating circumstances behind the request;
• a summary of why the extension is in the best interest of the postdoc foremost, and the Laboratory second.
• A memo prepared by the postdoc addressing his/her support of the request for extension, including:
• a description of what will be accomplished during this extension and how this will enhance his/her career plans;
• confirmation that the postdoc agrees that the extension is in his/her best interest.

For questions regarding this criteria, contact the Postdoc Program Office at 5-5306.