Postdoc Resources

New Postdoc Resources

There is a lot of information and initial steps to address as part of your transition to Steward Observatory in Tucson, Arizona.

Please read through all components of this primer to make starting your Postdoctoral Program as smooth as possible.

For additional information, please visit the Postdoctoral Affairs website.

Provide Information for the department’s online directory and email lists

  • Email a head and shoulder photograph to Tiffany Deyoe and Josephine Tolsa Santillan. Please include a brief biography and a list of your Areas of Interest to be added to the Steward Observatory website and Postdoc Directory.
  • Provide Kelly Merrill and Josephine Tolsa Santillan with your UA email address as soon as it is set up in order to have it added to the department’s Postdoc and AllSteward email distribution lists. These lists are the primary method of communicating important updates and news department-wide.

HEALTHCARE

Benefit Options for Employed Postdoctoral Scholars

Covid-19 Information

For the latest Covid-19 information and requirements for the UA Campus, visit https://covid19.arizona.edu/

Information about Parking on Campus/Commuting

Visit the Postdoctoral Affairs Transportation and Parking site for detailed information about parking and other services such as the free on-campus CatTran, Sunlink Streetcar, campus bicycle services, and more.

If you are interested in parking your vehicle on campus, it is best to contact UArizona Parking and Transportation Services before your arrive to inquire about availability and prices of parking permits for the academic year.

Steward Observatory has a locked bicycle cage that is accessed with a code. You can request a bike cage application form from Josephine Tolsa Santillan or visiting the Director's Office in-person in room N205.

Buying and Setting up Computer Equipment/Information Technology

The Research Infrastructure Support Group located in room 203, can provide technical advice as well as assistance and support for your information technology needs both at Steward and University-wide. Please contact the RISG Helpdesk for assistance in your transition at jira@as-arizona.atlassian.net

Relocating to Tucson

  • The UArizona Financial Policies website has information regarding policies on moving cost allowances, and moving agreements with Educational and Institutional (E&I) Contracted Vendors with highly discounted rates to new employees relocating to the University.
  • Effective January 1, 2018, household moving allowances are taxable under Public Law, PL 115-97. If your offer includes a moving allowance, payment will be provided to you through your paycheck and will have taxes withheld based on your Federal and State Withholding form selections (Federal W-4 and State A-4).
  • You are encouraged to seek competitive estimates of your relocation costs. A list of vendors with existing UA contracts is available.
  • The University is contracted with Above and Beyond Relocation Services - a great resource to help assist out-of-town candidates with their transition with information on house-hunting, rental resources, schools, and general information about Tucson.

Arrival Date at Steward Observatory

  • Notify Kelly Merrill of your arrival date at SO as soon as you have finalized your moving plans so we can ensure that your office is ready.
  • Schedule an appointment to meet with our Steward Observatory Human Resources team at so-humanresources@list.arizona.edu as soon as possible and preferably before your start date to present required hiring documentation for completing the I-9 process.

Obtain a CatCard

  • Your CatCard is your key to room/building access and other privileges on campus. CatCards are picked up from the CatCard Office located in the lower level of the University Bookstore. You will need to provide your employee ID number to verify your official status at the UA.
  • You can also obtain a CatCard online and pick it up in the cat card office upon your arrival. Please review the instructions here prior to starting the process. The CatCard online service portal requires a digital photo and proof of ID.
  • CatCard Fees
    • Cost to employees: None
    • Cost to DCCs: $25
    • Replacement card: $25.

Time Reporting

  • Timesheets are filled out bi-weekly. Note: Because you are categorized as an “exempt” employee, you do not have to complete a timesheet, except when you take vacation and/or sick time. UA holidays are pre-populated.
  • To complete your timesheet, go to: https://beebole-apps.com and log in with your UA NetID email and Password.
  • If you have questions or have trouble filling out your timesheet, contact Jennifer Lundin or so-payrollaccounting@list.arizona.edu in SOBO.

Meet with the Department Head/Director

Department Head, Buell Jannuzi, is interested in learning more about you and your research. As soon as you are settled in, contact Kelly Merrill to schedule a meeting.

Is it required to submit proof of medical insurance at the time of my Visa processing?

J1 Visa recipients are required to show proof of insurance from the first day of employment to the UA Office of International Faculty and Scholars. UArizona Benefit coverage always starts on the beginning of a pay period.

What if my start date is after the beginning of a pay period?

You will need to purchase "gap health insurance" to cover you until the UArizona Benefit coverage begins.

Please click the link below for a list of people to contact in the department and additional resources to support your work.

Business Office and Internal Resources

Resources for Settling in Tucson

Copying, Printing and Design Services

Diversity & Inclusion

Information Technology

IT services are available through UITS including HPC, database hosting & administration and many more.

UA Health and Wellness Services

UA offers resources and support available to employees, including the confidential Employee Assistance Counseling, which are free to benefits-eligible employees, dependents, and household members.

Counseling and Psych Services (CAPS)

CAPS provides individualized care and mental health resources to all enrolled UA students. Services include counseling sessions, assistance with connecting to off-campus resources, confidential crisis support, and more. Some major health insurance plans are accepted, but insurance is not required to use CAPS. Call or visit online to schedule a Zoom appointment.

Life & Work Connections

In addition to health, educational and financial benefits, the University is committed to providing family- friendly benefits to support employees’ family needs, e.g. dependent- and child care, employee assistance and wellness, and work/life support. Below are some links for a few of these services.

Service(s)
Childcare Choice Reimbursement Program/Employee Assistance
Sick Child and Emergency/Back-Up Care, and Out of Town Childcare Support for Professional Conference or Research Projects
Childcare Flexible Spending Accounts
Lactation and Family-Friendly Spaces
Flexible Work Arrangements
Employee Wellness including Screenings and Flu Shots
Employee Assistance/Counseling

 

Postdoctoral Affairs

This is a valuable resource to obtain information about New Postdoc Orientation/Human Resources and Benefits/Professional Development, Grant Applications, etc.: 

Title IX

The University wants all members of its community to know where to turn to if they have a concern, need assistance or support, or would like to file a complaint against any form of discrimination or harassment.

Writing Groups

Writing accountability groups can help improve publication rates and promote work-life balance. For more information, contact Jenna Coalson