Purpose

            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 Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. programs are offered at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.

Requirements for Admission to the Program

1.                   The degree of Doctor of Philosophy from an accredited institution of higher learning (Pakistan or international).

2.                   No age limit of scholar.

3.                   Availability of funding for a fellowship (i.e., Research fund of the Host Scientist, a scholarship from an external organization, or from UAF/HEC)

4.                   Fellowships are open to citizens of all nations, regardless of religion, race or sex.

5.                   Has the ability of capacity of conduct scientifically valid research.

6.                   Must have a sound research proposal to pursue postdoctoral fellowship.

Submitting an Application for the Program

1.                   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).

2.                   The candidate must complete an application from (submit at least 3 months before he/she intends to start the fellowship) and submit it along with a research proposal (duly accepted by the host scientist) to the Advanced Studies Office, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-Pakistan. The approval of the fellowship is subject to a subsequent approval of the research proposal by the Vice Chancellor-UAF through Director Advanced Studies.

3.                   A certificate of good health, signed by a physician, must be submitted along with application form and health insurance for international candidates.

Duration of the Fellowship

1.                   Studies may be started at anytime, subject to fulfillment of the minimum requirements outlined above or as announced by the UAF.

2.                   As a rule, the length of the fellowship (for all Fellows: Pakistani citizens or foreigners) varies form 6 months to one year depending on the nature of the project. Under certain circumstances and with special authorization, the program may be extended to a maximum of second (final) year.

3.                   The length of the fellowship and its extension for foreign citizens are subject to approval by their funding agencies as well as the parent department in case of employee.

Full-time Research

            The program requires the participants to devote full time to research at the Host Lab(s). Employment in another workplace is strictly not allowed during the entire period of fellowship.

Code of Ethics for Scientists and Academicians

            The rules of ethics pre-established or as announced from time to time by the University for doctoral students are also valid for postdoctoral Fellows. Any breach of these rules may result in the termination of the fellowship (Visit www.uaf.edu.pk for details).

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

            University of Agriculture will charge no bench fee from the scholar or his/her parent institution.

Discontinuation/Re-continuation of Fellowship

            Fellows will not be generally allowed to discontinue the fellowship. However, in special cases, they might be allowed to discontinue the fellowship upon the fulfillment of following conditions:

1.                   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 Advanced Studies. Fellows other than UAF will also seek permission from their funding source.

2.                   Discontinuation will not be more than six months. If a fellow does not re-continue within six months, the fellowship will automatically get terminated.

3.                   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.

4.                   The continuation of the fellowship is also subject to the satisfactory quarterly report by the host scientist.

Termination of Fellowship

            The termination of fellowship is subject to following conditions:

1.                   Any breach of the code of ethics defined by the University.

2.                   Discontinue with special permission for a period of more than six months.

3.                   Discontinue for a period of two months without permission.

4.                   Unsatisfactory report by the Host Scientist/Supervisor.

5.                   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

1.                   Accommodation in student hostel on campus will be provided subject to availability (on monthly payment basis).

2.                   Housing requests should be submitted as early as possible.

3.                   The fellows may contact Hall Warden, UAF for accommodation.

Participation in Scientific Conferences

1.                   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.

2.                   Participation is dependent upon authorization by the Host Scientist, the Department Head and the Vice Chancellor, UAF.

Medical Insurance for Foreigners

1.                   Foreign postdoctoral Fellows are required, upon their arrival in Pakistan, to purchase a basic health insurance for themselves and for their family members.

2.                   The insurance is to cover the period they intend to stay at the University (for at least a year).

3.                   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).

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.

Useful Information

            For a wide variety of information about Post-Doctoral facilities at University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Please contact:

Director Advanced Studies,

University of Agriculture,

Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Phone:-92-41-9200189; +92-41-9200161-170(ext) 3700, 3701, 3702, 3703  

Fax:+92-41-9201081

Email: adv_studies@uaf.edu.pk

Web: www.uaf.edu.pk