OAR 459-005-0300: Post-Doctoral Scholar

(1) For purposes of this rule: (a) “Employing institution of education” means a public university listed in ORS 352.002 or the Oregon Health and Science University. (b) “Equivalent degree” means a terminal degree, the highest degree awarded in a given field of study, or a degree that under the facts and circumstances is equivalent to a doctoral degree. (c) “Post-doctoral scholar” means a person employed in a position that meets the requirements of section 1 of Chapter 569, Oregon Laws 2017, and this rule. (2) Under ORS 238.005(8)(f) and 238A.005(4)(i), post-doctoral scholars are not eligible for membership in the system. An employing institution of education is responsible for determining whether a person is employed as a post-doctoral scholar. An employing institution of education may classify a person as a post-doctoral scholar if: (a) The position requires a doctoral or equivalent degree; (b) The position is limited to a temporary and defined period of employment that shall not exceed five cumulative calendar years; and (c) A faculty member of the employing institution of education provides the post-doctoral scholar with clinical or academic research training under formal mentorship. (3) The post-doctoral scholar appointment shall be evidenced in writing by a letter of appointment, signed and dated by the post-doctoral scholar and the employing institution of education. (a) The letter of appointment and related documentation shall reflect the following information: (A) The duties and responsibilities of the training; and (B) The period of appointment with starting and ending dates. If any changes such as renewals, extensions or early terminations are made during the appointment, the period of appointment shall be updated to reflect such changes. (b) The letter of appointment shall be finalized no later than six months from the date of hire. (c) The employing institution of education shall provide PERS with a copy of the letter of appointment and related documentation upon request. (4) The provisions of this rule apply to persons hired on or after January 1, 2018.