New Postdoc Checklist

Onboarding Checklist

Prior to Your Arrival
Your First Few Days
  • You need a CNetID for email and other services. After getting your ID number, you create your CNetID. 
  • Update your contact information on Workday 
    • Select "Personal Information" to update addresses, phone numbers. 
    • Updating contact information allows you to receive communications from university offices (Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, University Payroll, Financial Services for tax documents, etc.).
    • Enter your emergency contact information.
  • Obtain your UChicago Postdoc ID Card.
  • Set up a bank account (local banking information)
  • Sign-up for Direct Deposit (pay) on Workday
  • Apply for a credit card or a secured credit card
  • Plan your commute to campus: Parking & Transportation Services helps plan the best route to campus; getting around UChicago; register your bike. The free University Shuttles provide transportation around campus.
  • Learn about public transport.
Your First Few Weeks
  • Attend New Employee Orientation (by HR) and Postdoc Orientation (By UChicago PME Office of Postdoctoral Affairs)
  • Register with a local primary care provider
  • Introduce yourself to Postdoc Association Leaders
  • Obtain an Illinois driver’s license and registering a car
  • Chicago City Sticker – all Chicago residents must obtain a city sticker for their car
  • Residential Parking Permits – many areas of Chicago also have residential parking zones. Check this website to see if you are living in one of these zones. This will require a parking permit in addition to the City Sticker for your car.
  • Register to Vote!
  • INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARS: Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
    • Postdocs are required to have a social security number (SSN) or tax identification number (ITIN).
    • If you do not have a number, apply for one here: https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ 
      • ** Special Reminder about Protecting Your Social Security Number (SSN) **
      • PRACTICES TO AVOID
        • Never list your SSN publicly.
        • Never send SSNs via electronic format (i.e., email, text, etc.)
        • Never have a computer log in system where a person has to use their SSN
        • Never use SSNs on ID cards
        • Never send SSNs on postcards
        • Never store SSNs on unprotected computer systems
        • Never carry a Social Security Number (SSN) card with you
  • Meet with your Postdoctoral Administrator/Lab Manager to:
    • Obtain Lab "How To" information
    • Get information and instructions about obtaining and using equipment including phones, pages, computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, office supplies, first aid kits, emergency kits, and how to request equipment, repairs, and supplies.
    • Learn how to schedule rooms and equipment
    • Obtain safety information and how to report hazards
    • Complete payroll forms (I-9, W4...) and provide copies of your documents as required
    • Discuss department/lab email lists and required training 23
    • Sign up for your lab, department, and other groups or organizations' mailing lists for announcements
  • Verify and add your information University Directory
  • Sign up for Emergency and Security Alerts
  • Review your institution's policies on mistreatment, Title IX, research misconduct, etc.
  • Register for your unique ORCID ID to distinguish you from other researchers and to connect you to research organizations and other researchers.
Months Three to Twelve