Current Postdocs

Welcome to UAB! You’ve joined a robust and vibrant community of scientists dedicated to advancing science and innovation. The Office of Postdoctoral Education is here for you as a hub for administrative, professional development, and wellness support.

Your postdoc is a time for training you as a researcher and supporting you in discovering and preparing for your future career. We view your training from a holistic standpoint with an emphasis on providing:

• support
• resources
• avenues for continuing education, both through courses in the UAB Graduate School and grants to attend workshops outside of UAB.

As you explore the resources below we encourage you to reach out to the members of the OPE team with questions.

Getting Started

Continuing Education

Funding Opportunities

Additional Resources

Welcome to UAB! We are excited you have chosen to complete your postdoctoral training at our institution. Below are items which you need to complete as part of your onboarding. If you have questions about items below, please reach out to your department administrator or OPE.

1. 1. International postdocs, please contact either ISSS (for J-1 visa holders) or IFSIS (for H1-B visa holders).
   2. Understand your postdoctoral classification. 
      Postdoctoral scholars are categorized into two statuses, postdoctoral trainee (status 20) and postdoctoral employee (status 21). Your status has implications when it comes to benefits, tax withholding, and tax filing.
   3. If you are a postdoctoral employee (status 21), complete the online and in-person requirements for the I-9 process.
      Your department administrator should initiate this process before your appointment's start date.
   4. Request your BlazerID.
      Once your department has processed your hiring documentation, you will be able to fill out the form to request an BlazerID. If you have not been officially hired by UAB, your request will be denied. A BlazerID must be created prior to requesting a ONE Card.
   5. Obtain your UAB ONE Card.
      Once you have obtained a BlazerID, you will be able to fill out the form to request a ONE Card.
   6. Enroll in Benefits within 30 days of your appointment's start date.
      You will complete enrollment through the UAB and Me Portal. You must have a BlazerID to enroll.
   7. Attend new employee orientation. 
      Contact your department administrator to schedule.
   8. Schedule your welcome meeting with OPE.
      Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to begin this process.
   9. Request an official transcript showing your terminal degree to be sent directly from your degree-awarding institution to OPE.
      Applicants with coursework earned from institutions outside the United States should provide a course-by-course foreign college transcript evaluation of all attended non-U.S. institutions. We will accept a transcript evaluation from any NACES accredited evaluation company. SpanTran created a custom application for UAB that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate. You can access their application through the SpanTran application – The University of Alabama at Birmingham portal. * Note that you have ninety days to complete this requirement.
   10. Attend OPE's Incoming Postdoctoral Orientation and Individual Development Plan (IDP) workshop.
       You will receive notifications of these dates in your welcome meeting. Each occurs every other month.