Who is a postdoctoral fellow?

Postdoctoral fellows are researchers who have completed a doctoral degree and are now in a research-focussed appointment to gain additional advanced mentorship and experience before transitioning to some long term career. Postdoctoral fellows may be considered employees or non-employees, depending on their funding situation and nature of their work with their faculty supervisor, lab, and the university.

About the ULPA

The University of Lethbridge Postdoctoral Association fills two roles: first, as an association representing all postdoctoral fellows at the university, regardless of employment status; and second, as the bargaining unit representing postdoctoral fellows with employee status at the university.

Membership to ULPA is automatic for all current postdocs of the University of Lethbridge, regardless of employment status (as ordered by the Post-Secondary Learning Act). However, there may occasionally be differences in the scope of what ULPA can offer to employee vs. non-employee postdocs. Please contact the executive team if you have questions about the difference between employee vs. non-employee postdocs. Membership in the ULPA puts you in touch with members of the research community across all departments, representing a powerful network for sharing knowledge, creating connections, and raising your profile. 

History of the ULPA

Since October 2015, our elected executive council has been working closely with the University (first with the School of Graduate Studies, and now, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs) to represent all postdoctoral fellows equally, and advocate on their behalf. The executive council convenes monthly, allowing ULPA members to discuss concerns and brainstorm ideas to create positive changes and outcomes. In the late 2010s, employee postdocs of the ULPA gained union status by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, as stated in the Post-Secondary Learning Act.

Get Involved!

Members of the ULPA are encouraged to join the executive council and share your ideas and get involved in organizing our events. Express your interest and commitment to be involved by contacting us at ulpa@uleth.ca.