University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan -> Directorate of Graduate Studies

Directorate of Graduate Studies - Postdoctoral Fellowship Program - Rules & Regulations

University of Agriculture Faisalabad, one of the premier Universities of Pakistan, was established in 1961. During the prestigious history of the University, it has served the nation primarily in Agricultural and Basic Sciences. In continuation with the Institution’s objectives in creating the scientifically sound manpower, the University authorities have decided to initiate a Postdoctoral Research. Fellowship in all disciplines where PhD program is in execution. This training will prove a cadre of researchers willing and able to conduct a cutting edge research that will provide solutions to vital problems and challenges being encountered worldwide. Administrative and Financial Responsibilities The academic and administrative aspects of the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program are the responsibility of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The financial responsibility may rest upon the candidate himself/herself. Areas of Specialization Post-Doctoral Fellowships may be offered every year in all disciplines in which PhD programs are offered at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Requirements for Admission to the Program 1) The candidate should possess degree of Doctor of Philosophy from an accredited institution of higher learning (Pakistan or international) 2) Post Doc Fellowship is subject to availability of funding (i.e., Research fund of the Host Scientist, a scholarship from an external organization, or from UAF/HEC) 3) The candidate has the ability or capacity to conduct scientifically valid research. 4) The candidate must have a sound research proposal to pursue postdoctoral fellowship. 5) The candidate must find a scientist who agrees to accept him/her into his/her group as a Postdoctoral Fellow. The lists of approved scientists and their research areas and the current research activities can be found on the University website (www.uaf.edu.pk). 6) As fellowship is open round the year, studies may be started at any time, subject to fulfillment of the minimum requirements outlined above or as announced by the UAF. 7) A certificate of good health, signed by a physician, will have to be submitted by the candidate along with application form (and health insurance for international candidates). 8) Age limit of scholar for this initiative is 55 years. Submitting an Application for the Program The candidate will complete an application form (at least 3 months before he/she intends to start the fellowship) along with a research proposal (duly accepted by the host scientist) to Directorate of Graduate Studies, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-Pakistan. After receipt of the applications on the prescribed format, an Evaluation Committee comprising of the following will evaluate/interview (Physically or virtual) and will recommend/short list the candidates (with one alternate) in the order of merit. Final approval will be granted by the Vice Chancellor: 1) Director, ORIC 2) Director, Graduate Studies 3) Dean, Faculty of Agriculture 4) Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Science 5) Chairperson/Chairman Director of concerned Department/Institute Duration of the Fellowship 1) As a rule, the length of the fellowship (for all Fellows: Pakistani citizens or foreigners) will vary from 9 months to one year depending upon the nature of the project. Under special circumstances and with special authorization, the program may be extended to a maximum of second (final) year. In case of engagement in some research projects, the duration may be extended till the completion of the project provided the funds are available. 2) The length of the fellowship and its extension for foreign citizens will be subject to approval by their funding agencies as well as the parent department in case of employee. Full-time Research The program requires the fellows to devote full time to research at the Host lab(s). Employment in another workplace will be strictly be not allowed during the entire period of fellowship. Code of Ethics The candidate will have to follow all norms of decency and rules of ethics preestablished or as announced from time to time by the University. Any breach of these rules may result in the termination of the fellowship (Visit www.uaf.edu.pk for detail) Fellowship Stipend The amount of Fellowship to be paid to the fellows will depend upon the regulations of their sponsoring agencies or UAF in case of University sponsored fellowship which will be paid as stipend @ Rs.40,000/per month to a limited number of scholars. Only those departments / Institutes and faculty members shall be eligible for getting Post-Doc scholars who have sufficient funds from research projects. Fellowship Amount The amount of Fellowship to be paid to the fellows is subject to the regulations of their sponsoring agencies or UAF in case of University sponsored fellowship. Bench fee 1) UAF will charge bench fee from the scholar or his/her parent institution on the recommendation of host scientist (US$ 200 to 500). Fellows will not be generally allowed to discontinue the fellowship. However, in special cases, they might be allowed to discontinue the fellowship upon the fulfilment of prescribed conditions: 2) If the fellowship is sponsored by UAF, the fellow will not be paid any stipend during the period of discontinuation. However, fellows from other funding agencies will follow the rules of the respective funding agencies. 3) Discontinuation or re-continuation of the fellowship may be allowed by the Vice Chancellor on the recommendation of the Host Scientists, Chairman, Dean and Director Graduate Studies. Fellows other than UAF will also seek permission from their funding source. 4) Discontinuation will not be more than six months. If a fellow does not re-continue within six months, the fellowship will automatically get terminated. 5) If the fellowship is sponsored by UAF, the fellow will not be paid any stipend during the period discontinued. However, fellows from other funding agencies will follow the rules of the funding agencies. 6) The continuation of the fellowship is also subject to the satisfactory quarterly report by the host scientist. Termination of Fellowship The continuation of the fellowship is also subject to the satisfactory quarterly report by the host scientist. Fellowship will be terminated if; • Any breach of the code of ethics defined by the University. • Discontinue with special permission for a period of more than six months. • Discontinue for a period of two months without permission. • Unsatisfactory report by the Host Scientist/Supervisor. • Fellows themselves can get their fellowship terminated. Annual Vacation Leave Postdoctoral Fellows are entitled to 24 vacation days annually. Compensation will bot be given for unused vacation days. However, in case of physical unfitness, this leave can be extended depending on the nature of ailment but the total period will not exceed two months. Housing 01. Accommodation in student hostel on campus will be provided subject to availability (on monthly payment basis). 02. Housing requests should be submitted as early as possible. 03. The fellows may contact Hall Warden, UAF for accommodation. Participation in Scientific Conferences. 04. Postdoctoral Fellows are entitled to participate in scientific conferences in Pakistan and abroad and/or visit laboratories for research needs for a total cumulative period of one month per year. They have to arrange by themselves for travel expenses and membership dues. 05. Participation is dependent upon authorization by the Host Scientist, the Department Head and the Vice Chancellor, UAF. Medical Insurance for Foreigners 01. Foreign postdoctoral Fellows are required, upon their arrival in Pakistan, to purchase a basic health insurance for themselves and for their family members. 02. The insurance is to cover the period they intend to stay at the University (for at least a year) 03. The insurance must include several minimal components. If the insurance was purchased abroad, it must be presented to the UAF upon arrival in order to confirm that the minimal mandatory components stipulated by the University regulations are included in the policy. Visa Foreign postdoctoral fellows will get a valid student visa from the Pakistani Embassy/consulate in the country of origin of the fellows. Initial Expenses (for foreigners) Foreign postdoctoral Fellows should ascertain that they have sufficient funds available to cover initial expenses (including payment for health insurance). Initial Expenses (for foreigners) Foreign postdoctoral Fellows should ascertain that they have sufficient funds available to cover initial expenses (including payment for health insurance). Requirements for Successful completion For the successful completion of the Post-doctorate, the fellow will submit a research report to his/her Host Scientist. The Host Scientist will verify the quality of report and will ask the University to issue the certificate of completion. Certificates On successful completion of the fellowship, the fellow will receive a certificate from the Director Advanced Studies, duly signed by the Host Scientist, Dean and Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-Pakistan. Host Scientists/Supervisors The host scientist must be a Ph.D., and HEC approved Ph.D. Supervisor.