Postdoctoral Research Trainees

Eligibility

If your situation does not conform to the Government of Quebec's definition of a Postdoctoral Fellow, you may be eligible to attend McGill as a Postdoctoral Research Trainee. While at McGill, you can perform research only (you may not register for courses or engage in clinical practice). Medical specialists who will have clinical exposure and require a training card must register through Postgraduate Medical Education of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences—not Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

The category of Postdoctoral Research Trainee is for:

Category 1: An individual who has completed requirements for a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or a health professional degree (e.g. M.D., D.V.M., D.D.S.) plus a medical specialty, but whose degree/certification has not yet been awarded. An individual in this category will subsequently be eligible for registration as a Postdoctoral Fellow, Postdoctoral Scholar, or Postdoctoral Researcher.

Category 2: An individual who is not eligible for postdoctoral registration according to the Government of Quebec's definition but is a recipient of an external postdoctoral award obtained through a competitive process from a recognized Canadian funding agency (or equivalent).

Category 3: An individual who holds a professional degree (or equivalent) in a regulated health profession (as defined under CIHR-eligible health profession) and is enrolled in a program of postgraduate medical education at another institution. This individual wishes to conduct the research stage or elective component of their program of study at McGill University under the supervision of a McGill professor. This individual will be engaged in full-time research with well-defined objectives, responsibilities, and methods of reporting. Applications must be accompanied by a letter of permission from the applicant's home institution (signed by the Department Chair, Dean, or equivalent) confirming registration in their program and stating the expected duration of the research stage. Individuals who are expecting to spend more than one year are encouraged to obtain formal training (Master’s or Ph.D.) through application to a relevant graduate program.

Category 4: An individual with a regulated health professional degree (as defined under CIHR-eligible health profession), but not a Ph.D. or equivalent or medical specialty training, but who fulfils criteria for funding as a postdoc by a tri-council operating grant. Note: Immigration may require international applicants in this category to show proof of employment in their home country at the end of the training period in order to issue a work permit.

Note: The postdoctoral research trainee category is for registration purposes only and is normally applicable for brief periods. For pay purposes the usual postdoc classifications apply.

General Conditions

• The maximum duration of a Postdoctoral Research Trainee appointment is three years.
• The individual must be engaged in full-time research.
• The individual must provide copies of official transcripts/diplomas.
• The individual must have the approval of a McGill unit and professor who will supervise the research.
• The individual must have adequate proficiency in English but they are not required to provide official proof of English competency to Enrolment Services.
• The individual must comply with regulations and procedures governing research ethics and safety and obtain the necessary training.
• The individual will be provided access to McGill libraries, email, and required training in research ethics and safety. Any other University services must be purchased (e.g., access to athletic facilities).
• The individual must arrange for basic health insurance coverage prior to arrival at McGill and may be required to provide proof of coverage.

Refer to the Conditions and Services page on the GPS website for more information.