Postdoctoral Scholar Resources

These  payroll and benefits forms must be completed and submitted by all postdoctoral employees in order to be employed by UMass Amherst.

Postdoctoral scholars live in off-campus housing during their time at UMass Amherst. This Off-Campus Housing Website can help you found rental listings, potential roommates, moving services, and more.

Please attend one of these info sessions to meet with PRO/UAW Local 2322 union representatives and to learn about the UAW Health and Welfare Trust benefits available to you. Sign-up for one of the below sessions here: Postdoctoral Research Associate Orientation Session

Accepting applications now until March 13th! Apply here. 

Postdoctoral Researchers Visa Support and Reimbursement Program

The University provides funding to offset costs incurred by post-doctoral researchers (post-docs) such as application fees for Visas obtained from the U.S. embassy/consulate, Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) fees, and/or H1B Visa fees.

What this benefit includes:

• Visa Guidance at Onboarding
  Newly hired post-docs receive information on relevant visa categories, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (UCIS) requirements, and services offered by the University’s Office of Global Affairs, International Students and Scholars Service (ISSS) during the orientation and onboard process.
• Visa Reimbursement Fund
  An annual $28,000 fund reimburses eligible postdocs up to $1,800 for visa application, SEVIS, or H-1B fees (ISSS fees excluded). All UMass postdocs, including those on J-1, Optional Practical Training (OPT), and STEM OPT visas, are eligible.
• UMass International Students and Scholars (ISSS) Fees Covered
  Postdocs are not responsible for UMass ISSS visa processing fees.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension Support
  ISSS will process OPT extension applications for postdocs who earned their doctorate at UMass Amherst.
• Pay Protection
  Postdocs will not lose pay due to University-caused delays in work authorization processing.
• Support During Travel or Reentry Delays
  With supervisor approval, postdocs may continue working and receiving pay during government-related travel or reentry delays; otherwise, time away is treated as unpaid personal leave.

(Application period is closed)

Relocation & Transition Support for Postdoctoral Researchers

To support postdoctoral researchers as they begin their appointment at UMass, the University has established a dedicated fund to help offset expenses associated with transitioning to your new role. Eligible postdoctoral researchers may receive an award of up to $1,500 to help cover costs related to relocation and employment transition.

Relocation and transition expenses may include, but are not limited to:

• Moving from another state or country, or relocating within Massachusetts
• Transportation of personal belongings and household items via a moving company or renting a vehicle
• Transportation expenses such as airfare, gas, hotel accommodations
• Short-term accommodations during the transition period such as hotel stays

To ensure the greatest impact of this benefit, postdoctoral researchers whose relocation or transition costs were not previously covered by the University will be prioritized for funding. If your transition expenses were already fully supported at the time of hire, we kindly ask that you refrain from applying so that colleagues with greater financial need can receive assistance.

The PRO Collective Bargaining Agreement outlines salary information for postdoctoral scholars in Article 23, including general provisions and salary levels. Below is the current table for salary minima.

PostDoctoral employees can purchase health insurance coverage under the University's PostDoctoral health insurance plan. Learn more about health insurance enrollment at UMass Amherst.

The UAW/UMass Health & Welfare Trust Fund offers UMass Amherst graduate student employees, postdoctoral researchers, and their families high-quality dental, vision, childcare, and wellness benefits. 

Established in 2010, Postdoctoral Researchers Organizing (PRO) is a union representing postdoctoral scholars across research institutions and universities in the state, including UMass Amherst. The union engages in negotiations with academic institutions related to salaries and benefits and focuses on professional development opportunities.

Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) detail working conditions and rights of UMass Amherst staff, such as compensation hours, benefits, and more. View the PRO Collective Bargaining Agreement.

As one of seven postdoc unions across the country, the PRO/UAW Union at UMass Amherst is here to help you resolve issues you might face during your time at UMass, help you organize for better working conditions, and to bargain your pay, benefits, and workers rights protected by the PRO contract.

Application period opens March 10th!

All active PRO bargaining unit members are eligible to apply for individual awards of up to $1,000 to support postdoc travel and career development opportunities. Learn more about the Professional Development Fund and how to apply.

The Graduate School also sponsors social and professional development activities exclusively for postdocs across campus to encourage community building. To learn more and get involved, join the postdoc listserv by emailing the Office of Professional Development.

An Individual Development Plan (IDP) combines personal assessment, career exploration, and skill building within a framework of goal-setting and accountability. Sample models include myIDP (designed for scientists) and ImaginePhD (designed for the humanities and social sciences).

Come join your fellow postdocs and researchers at our annual research symposium! Share about a recent completed project, talk on your subject of expertise, or just meet others in your community! Lunch to be provided.

Date: April 6, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Where: Student Union Ballroom

Look out for an invitation to submit to be on the docket to present.

The Graduate School Office of Professional Development also provides a number of helpful resources, including links to valuable third-party sites.