The University of Nebraska–Lincoln welcomes you as an integral member of our community. We view your continuing professional development as essential to our mission of excellence in teaching, research, and service.
We're here to enhance your UNL postdoctoral experience by providing the information, resources, and networking opportunities to improve your current performance and career viability.
Postdoc Orientation
A two-part orientation experience for postdocs new to Nebraska will begin on August 1. Orientation includes both asynchronous and synchronous components to welcome and inform postdocs on employee services, development, and onboarding.
On August 1, campus leadership will welcome postdocs to Nebraska through an asynchronous online orientation program. Information about postdoc appointments as well as employee services will be made available on the homepage for New Lecturer and Postdoc Orientation. Postdocs are encouraged to participate in this part of orientation before August 20.
The synchronous online component will take place during a Zoom presentation on August 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. A series of speakers will present on a variety of topics regarding postdoc appointments. For a list of topics and to participate, review the schedule and use the link under Speakers & Presentations.
Steps for onboarding can be done prior to orientation and membership activation for the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity can be done once you obtain your university email address ending in unl.edu.
Arrival Checklist
- Check-in with PI: Your PI will introduce you to the people you'll be working with and help you become familiar with your work area. Your PI may also know of additional steps required by your department.
- Check-in with Department Administrator to discuss:
- Door access and keys
- NU ID number for NCard application
- UNL email address
- UNL benefits eligibility
- Payroll paperwork (PAF) If a U.S. citizen, you'll need your (1) Social Security card and (2) passport or driver's license. If an international postdoc, you'll need (1) a Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration (see below for more details) and (2) identifying documents as listed in Form I-9
- Go to NCard office to pick up card.
- Check-in with UNL International Student and Scholar Office. If you're an international scholar with a J-1 or H-1B visa. The office is located at Seaton Hall, Suite 201. Be sure to ask about the New International Scholar Orientation.
- Visit Parking and Transportation to buy your bus pass or parking pass.
- If you're an international postdoc, obtain a Social Security number (SSN). Visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) to apply for a SSN only after you've been in the US for at least 10 days. The SSA will give you a letter confirming your request for a SSN. You'll need to show your department administrator this letter to receive your pay.
- Open a checking/savings account. Having an account with the University Credit Union (NUFCU) or one of the many banks in Lincoln allows you easy access to your money and simplifies many common transactions (e.g., direct deposit of your paycheck and withdrawals from citywide ATMs).
- Enroll in UNL benefits. You have 31 days from your date of hire to visit the Benefits Office (32 Canfield Administration) to enroll. We strongly recommend meeting personally with a benefits representative to ensure you receive all available benefits for you and your family (see also the NU Benefits page). Set up an appointment with the UNL Benefits Office by calling 402-472-2600.
- Download Resources Making the Right Moves: A Practical Guide to Scientific Management for Postdocs and New Faculty, Second Edition and the AAMC’s Compact Between Postdoctoral Appointees and Their Mentors. If you’d prefer physical copies, please email Casey Coleman, Events & Outreach Coordinator, at ccoleman2@unl.edu.
- Register your vehicle with the State of Nebraska and obtain a Nebraska driver's license.
- Attend New Employee Orientation within a month of your arrival.
- Join the Postdoc mailing list
- Join the Graduate Report mailing list
- Join the National Postdoctoral Association