CPC Postdoctoral Scholars Program

The primary purpose of the CPC postdoctoral fellowship program is to further the development of skills in population research among those with recent doctorates. CPC policy anchors this program in a preceptorship arranged between the postdoctoral scholar and a faculty sponsor. Postdoctoral scholars work closely with their faculty preceptors to develop, carry out, and publish the results of research projects. Office space at the Center facilitates frequent and informal contact with colleagues, as do monthly postdoc luncheons to which Faculty Fellows are invited.

Postdocs are expected to report their research at the weekly population seminar at least once in the course of their training, and to make other presentations as desired. Participation in sessions on research ethics is expected; participation in research proposal preparation is strongly encouraged. Postdocs may audit relevant UNC-CH courses with approval of their CPC preceptor(s) and permission of the course instructor.

The fourteen postdoctoral scholars during the 2007-08 academic year hold doctorates in anthropology, biobehavioral health, demography, international nutrition, rural sociology, and sociology. They hold degrees awarded by:

• Cornell University
• Duke University
• Emory University
• Florida State University
• Johns Hopkins University
• Indiana University
• The Pennsylvania State University
• University of Michigan
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Southern California
• University of Washington

Among CPC postdocs who have completed their fellowships, the majority have accepted university teaching positions, and others hold positions in applied research settings.

Postdoctoral Fellowship Benefits

Stipend levels for CPC-funded postdocs are based on the NIH National Research Service Award (NRSA) stipend schedule. The stipend level is determined by the number of completed years of relevant experience since finishing the doctorate. The stipend levels for 2007-08 are shown below.


Postdoctoral Stipend Levels 2007-08
Years of Experience	Twelve-month Stipend
0	$36,996
1	$38,976
2	$41,796
3	$43,428
4	$45,048
5	$46,992
6	$48,852
7 or more	$51,036


In addition to stipends, each CPC-supported postdoc receives support for the payment of premiums on mandatory health insurance. CPC-funded postdocs also receive travel support of up to $1,500 annually to attend the Population Association of America conference and other professional meetings.