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Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences VCHS
  1. VCHS
  2. Administration
  3. Academic Resource Center
  4. For New Employees
  5. For Postdoctoral Scholars

For Postdoctoral Scholars

Welcome to UC San Diego! To set the foundation of expectations, inform you of resources, benefits, services and professional development, please attend the mandatory New Postdoc Orientation. This program is intended for new postdocs (or continuing postdocs), and it is strongly recommended that postdocs attend the workshop within the first two months of their initial appointment, so they become familiar with the guidelines and policy that impact their appointment.

Orientation

Register for the New Postdoc Orientation through the UC Learning Center via Single Sign-On (SSO)  (Click Here ) or, if you do not have single sign-on yet, you can send an email to opsa@ucsd.edu indicating which month you would like to attend.

The New Postdoc Orientation schedule is as follows:

  • When: The second Thursday of every month
  • Where: Virtually -  The Zoom link can be obtained by registering for the Orientation via UC Learning or by emailing opsa@ucsd.edu
  • Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am

If you have questions regarding the New Postdoc Orientation, please send an email to opsa@ucsd.edu. 

Benefits: Sign Up in UCPath

Your period of initial eligibility (PIE) starts on the day your eligible employment begins and it ends 31 days later at midnight. It is your responsibility to enroll or opt out of benefits during this period. Failure to enroll in benefits within your PIE will result in forfeiting your rights to benefits.

  • Review Postdoc Benefit options and costs
  • You will use the UCPath portal to enroll in your benefits

Sign Up Instructions

  1. Please Note: You will need to login with your UCSD email address and Business Systems password. If you do not yet have a Social Security Number, please select the “Active Directory” log in option.
  2. Once you are logged in:
    1. Menu Navigation: Scroll down until you see the “Health and Welfare” toggle (underneath “View Retirement Info”)
      1. Click “Enroll in Benefits”
        or
    2. Dashboard Navigation: Look to the left of your homepage and look for your “Dashboard”
      1. Click “Health and Welfare” and then “Enroll in Benefits”
    3. Scroll down to view “Open Benefits Events” and click “Open”
    4. Go through each benefit choice and click the “Pencil” icon to edit and select your choice
    5. You will also have the option to add dependents as your go through your enrollment process.
    6. Click the “Submit” button to complete the enrollment process.
    7. You will be sent an email confirmation of your enrollment.

To see a simulation with step by step instructions, click here. 

 

Retirement Information

Retirement plans are managed by Fidelity Retirement Services. To access information about retirement plans or contributions, visit Fidelity NetBenefits:

  • Anyone who is not eligible for the UCRP (majority of Postdoctoral Scholars), such as a Safe Harbor participant, will automatically contribute to the University’s Defined Contribution Plan (DCP) at a rate of 7.5% of pre-tax wages. More information about the Defined Contribution Plan can be found in the associated Program Information Pamphlet.
  • In addition to the mandatory DCP, you also have the option to enroll in the University’s additional voluntary retirement programs, which are as follows:
  • If you have any questions about retirement benefits, please contact Net Fidelity via telephone at
    (866) 682-7787.

Postdoctoral Fellows Tax Information

Please review tax information that is specific to Postdocs appointed as fellows (title code 3253).