Current Postdocs
The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR) works with Human Resources to support postdocs.
Postdocs have a home faculty, which is the faculty to which their supervisor belongs (e.g. Media, Art, and Performance; Science, Engineering, etc.).
FGSR is responsible for supporting postdocs' professional development.
FGSR maintains a list, updated by HR, of all postdocs, that includes: their home faculty, supervisor and URegina email, which is the main vehicle used by FGSR to communicate training opportunities, special events and other relevant information through the Grad Digest newsletter. Postdoc-related inquiries can be directed to postdocs@uregina.ca.
Ahmed M. Soliman, PhD
"I joined El-Halfawy lab in April 2023, where I am studying microbial virulence under infection-mimetic conditions. I have hands-on experience with whole genome sequencing (WGS) and execution of experiments for tracking the dissemination of plasmids within microbial communities. I helped in the development of a novel method to isolate jumbo bacteriophages (JBs). Using the newly developed method, we were able to identify a novel JB, Escherichia phage EcS1. EcS1 has lytic activity against pathogenic strains of Shigella spp., Salmonella enterica as well as on E. coli strains. EcS1 could be used in the eradication of these species."
Laleh Jahmshidi, PhD
Kamran Foroutan, PhD
Union
Postdocs are covered by the CUPE local 5791 Collective Agreement (CA) for Research Employees and must pay union dues. The CA is a key document and we strongly suggest that postdocs read it carefully as it details the contract between the bargaining unit and the University, and speaks to the agreed roles and responsibilities of both parties.
According to the Collective Agreement, a postdoctoral fellow is an individual who:
- has received clearance to graduate with a Ph.D. and obtains an initial appointment with the Employer within the first five (5) years of receiving the Ph.D.; and,
- whose salary is paid, in whole or in part, via University of Regina payroll; and,
- whose supervisor(s) is a faculty member(s) of the Employer; and,
- whose appointment involves substantial research or scholarship, and may also involve some teaching (to a maximum of two [2] courses in an academic year) as stipulated in the letter of offer; and,
- whose appointment is temporary, normally not to exceed three (3) years including renewals.
“An external Postdoctoral Fellow receives 100 per cent of their own transferable funding from an external source (awarded directly to the Postdoctoral Fellow, not to the supervisor). External Postdoctoral Fellows are not in-scope of the CUPE bargaining unit. Some external Postdoctoral Fellows’ funding may be administered through University of Regina payroll while others may be paid directly to the Postdoctoral Fellow by the granting agency.”
Benefits
Postdocs receive benefits only if their term appointment is for eight months or longer and are working more than 50 per cent of full-time equivalent. Benefits are effective after 17 weeks from their first day of work. Once you have a U of R email, you will be able to find more information on UR Source.
Office and equipment
Office and laboratory space is the responsibility of the supervisor in consultation with department heads and the Deans' offices. Health and safety is of paramount importance at the U of R and training may be required to work in some labs. The supervisor is the main person overseeing safety in the lab, field work, etc.
Protocol for solving problems
Postdocs who encounter difficulties should first work with their supervisor to resolve any issues, and then with the Dean of their home faculty (e.g. science, arts, business, etc). The FGSR Associate Deans (Grad.AssocDean@uregina.ca) and/or Dean (Grad.Dean@uregina.ca) are also available to assist. The Office of Respectful University is also an important resource for conflict resolution involving disrespect, discrimination and harassment.