Updates to Research Associate Position

Dec. 15, 2025

Dear Research Associates,

I’m excited to share several meaningful enhancements related to the Research Associate (Postdoctoral Scholar) position. This notice is to inform you of upcoming changes to the Research Associate and Senior Research Associate positions. As postdocs, you are essential contributors to Michigan State University’s research enterprise. Your work fuels innovation across disciplines and directly supports the university’s mission to generate new knowledge and expand its global impact.

These updates reflect recommendations emerging from a cross-university work group convened in 2021 to examine the Research Associate position and its alignment with institutional needs. Since then, and through various leadership changes, the Office for Postdoctoral Affairs and the Office for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs (FASA) have carried this work forward in collaboration with key stakeholder groups, including the Council of Research Deans (CORD), the Postdoc Advisory Committee, and the University Council of Faculty Affairs (UCFA).

What’s New

• A new title: As of Dec. 11, 2025, the position classification of Research Associate will be changed to Postdoctoral Scholar. This change aligns with most research-intensive universities and better reflects the nature of the position. The title change will be applied automatically in the HR system on this date, updating all current Research Associate appointments to Postdoctoral Scholar. Please note that this classification remains distinct from Postdoctoral Fellows, who are externally funded and not employed by MSU.
• Phasing out the Senior Research Associate position. An analysis revealed that individuals would often remain in this position for extended periods and that their work expanded beyond the scope of a postdoctoral appointment.
• Supporting advancement into other positions, when appropriate and feasible. Once a postdoc has completed their goals and/or they have reached the position time limit, units may offer opportunities to transition them into other fixed-term positions, depending on unit need and availability of funding.
• New Postdoctoral Scholar Handbook, developed in collaboration with the Office for Postdoctoral Affairs. The handbook is intended to be a helpful tool for all to find related employment practices in one place.
   

You can find further details regarding these changes on the FASA website, along with a copy of the new handbook. These new elements offer a more structured and transparent framework to guide both postdoctoral scholars and colleges through the hiring and career advancement process.

Key Considerations for Research Associates/Postdoctoral Scholars
In addition to the above-noted changes, this information is intended to reprioritize the development of our postdoctoral scholars, clarify processes, reduce barriers, and ultimately support the research mission of the university.

Your active participation is essential in ensuring the meaningful implementation of the changes. As you move forward in this work, we encourage you to consider the following:

• Work with your mentor to create meaningful goals: The handbook stresses the importance of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) to guide the work and benefit both the postdoc and the university. When IDPs are created thoughtfully and collaboratively, all benefit from the experience and further the research mission. Be prepared to share your ideas and articulate what you hope to learn and achieve.
• Contribute to a positive and productive environment: Do your part to maintain strong communication with your mentor, ask questions as needed, and share ideas.
• Seek out Professional Development opportunities: Make the most of your experience by taking advantage of professional development. Check out MSU Postdocs for ideas and general support.

Thank you for your contributions to MSU research. If you have any questions about these changes, please reach out to the Office for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs at (517) 353-5300 or FASAffairs@msu.edu, or the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at OPA@grd.msu.edu.

Sincerely,

Teresa Mastin, Ph.D.
Vice Provost and Associate Vice President for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs
Office of the Provost