Postdoctoral Appointees are expected to engage in research and scholarly activity that has been jointly planned with the Faculty Mentor. The Appointee is expected to communicate regularly with the Faculty Mentor concerning the results of the research and to discuss with the Faculty Mentor any proposed change in the research plan. Postdoctoral Appointees should maintain adequate research records and should discuss with their mentor disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publication as well as distribution of research materials, reagents or records. Postdoctoral Appointees are expected to conform with ethical standards of research and to observe institutional policies and guidelines regarding expenditure of research funds and the use of radioisotopes, chemicals, infectious agents, animals, and human subjects. Postdoctoral Appointees should show cooperation, responsibility, and respect in working with other members of the university community and respect the cultural and individual diversity of their colleagues. All Postdoctoral Appointees must take the course CON 650: The Practice and Ethics of Science during the first fall term after their initial appointment date.  Postdoctoral Appointees in their 2nd year or beyond must complete the continuing training in ethics seminar administered through the Department of Behavioral Neuroscience. All Postdoctoral Appointees are also expected to present the results of their research annually in the departmental seminar series. Additional responsibilities may be specified by the Appointee's training program or the granting agency.

Postdoctoral Appointees are expected to devote full-time effort to research and research-related training activities during the period of their appointment. Nevertheless, the department recognizes that teaching may be an important part of an Appointee's future career goals and encourages participation in activities that may enhance teaching skills (e.g., guest lectures and classroom/laboratory demonstrations). However, Appointees should consult with their Mentor (and Training Grant Director if applicable) before making a major commitment to outside teaching or outreach activities (e.g., teaching one full course or more). Decisions to participate in such activities must always be tempered by the need to devote a major portion of effort toward achieving excellence in research and the goals of the research training program.