Onboarding
The following information is provided to get postdocs connected to important resources. Please note that this list may not be comprehensive – be sure to check with your faculty mentor to see if there are any additional requirements or resources.
Your First Day
Your first day at the George Washington University (GW) could start as soon as your background check, both criminal and graduate degree verification, have been completed. GW’s Talent Acquisition team will contact you via email with detailed information about the procedure.
- Review our checklist for deadlines and requirements that need to be completed on or before you first day at GW.
Your First Month
Set-up Your PlanMyLeave Account
All postdocs use PlanMyLeave to request and manage time off. Shortly after arriving at GW, you will receive an email from "PlanMyLeave Notification <[email protected]>" which looks like the picture below:
New Postdoc Orientation
New Postdoc Orientation is a day-long session that provides new postdocs an opportunity to learn about the GW community and culture. The GW Talent and Organizational Development team will send you an email with your orientation date to confirm the session and provide a schedule of events.
Required Training
Responsible Conduct of Research
Postdoctoral trainees engaged in certain sponsored or academic research programs are required to participate in RCR training. Discussion of the issues raised by this training is an important element of professional development.
Certain individuals supported on National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health awards must complete RCR training:
- National Science Foundation (NSF) - Mandatory for all undergraduate and graduate students, and postdocs supported on any NSF award.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Students, faculty and other researchers supported on certain NIH training, career development, research education, and dissertation research grants are required to complete RCR training.
Read more about NSF and NIH training plans including who is covered and how to complete required RCR training.
Site- and Lab-Specific Training
Postdocs who work within the School of Medicine and Health Sciences or the Milken Institute School of Public Health may be required to attend sessions that cover site specific topics such as hazard communications, blood-borne pathogens, laboratory safety, emergency management and fire safety.