Management System

Interim Regulations for the Management of the Postdoctoral Research Station at the China Packaging Science and Testing Center

Chapter One General Provisions

　　Article 1: To promote the center's development and cultivate advanced "research-oriented and innovative" talent, the China Packaging Research & Testing Center has established a corporate postdoctoral workstation at its facility. This initiative was approved by the State Personnel Department following an application submitted by the center (Document No. Jinrenshebanfa [2011] No. 73).

　　Article 2: These Interim Provisions are formulated based on the "Regulations on Postdoctoral Management" (Renfa [2006] No. 149) issued by the Ministry of Personnel and the National Postdoctoral Administration Committee, combined with the actual conditions of the center.

　　Article 3: Based on the center's current development status and anticipated needs, draft postdoctoral research projects and, in accordance with relevant regulations, determine the recruitment of postdoctoral researchers in related disciplines along with their respective numbers. Article 4 The recruitment of postdoctoral researchers adheres to the principles of openness, equality, competition, and merit-based selection.

Chapter 2: Governing Bodies

　　Article 5: A management body for the Center's Postdoctoral Workstation (referred to as the "Workstation") shall be established, with its core members comprising the Expert Committee and relevant personnel.

　　Expert Committee: Composed of 5 to 7 renowned scholars and experts from the packaging and logistics industries, appointed by the center (including 1 academician).

　　Station Director: Held concurrently by the Center's Executive Deputy Director.

　　The workstation is responsible for carrying out all specific tasks of the postdoctoral research workstation. Its main responsibilities include:

　　1) Overseeing all tasks related to the establishment of the center's postdoctoral research workstation;

　　2) Responsible for coordinating relationships among various departments involved in research projects, as well as handling the station's daily administrative tasks;

　　3) Responsible for communication, liaison, and collaborative exchanges with the National Postdoctoral Administration Committee, relevant higher-level authorities, as well as postdoctoral workstations at affiliated institutions and host enterprises.

　　4) Responsible for developing management measures for postdoctoral researchers' entry, in-station activities, and departure, as well as handling related administrative procedures.

　　5) Organizing pre-doctoral reports, mid-term evaluations, final exit assessments, and post-graduation summaries for postdoctoral fellows;

　　6) Organizing and coordinating the establishment and management of jointly trained postdoctoral fellows with university postdoctoral workstations;

　　7) Responsible for managing and disbursing internal research funding;

　　8) Leveraging the intellectual resources of postdoctoral researchers, we will launch a series of knowledge-based business activities to generate economic benefits for the center and enhance its intangible assets. Within 2 to 3 years of the postdoctoral workstation becoming operational, we aim to achieve full-scale, self-sustaining operations.

　　Article 6: The workstation has an office for postdoctoral management (referred to as the "Postdoc Office"), which is responsible for handling daily operations.

　　⑴ Provide guidance and oversight to ensure that the center’s postdoctoral workstations effectively implement national policies and guidelines on postdoctoral programs, and draft or revise relevant management documents and regulations.

　　⑵ Developing, promoting, and managing the postdoctoral recruitment program;

　　⑶ Coordinate with relevant units and departments to address issues such as household registration transfer, file transfer, housing arrangements, spouse employment assistance, and school/daycare enrollment for the children of incoming postdoctoral fellows.

　　⑷ Handling daily tasks related to postdoctoral fellows, including their entry, performance evaluations, exit procedures, applications for the Postdoctoral Science Foundation, and issuance of postdoctoral certificates;

　　⑸ Gather feedback and suggestions from postdoctoral fellows, and address the challenges arising in their work;

　　⑹ Guide postdoctoral fellows in organizing social activities.

Chapter 3: Eligibility Criteria for Postdoctoral Researchers and Project Approval Procedures

　　Article 7: Eligibility Requirements for Postdoctoral Researchers

　　Researchers who have earned a doctoral degree—either domestically or internationally—with excellent academic performance and character, are in good health, and are typically under 40 years old, as well as those who graduated with their PhD within the past three years and are eager to contribute to the center's research projects, are all welcome to apply for postdoctoral positions.

　　Article 8: The research topics of the postdoctoral workstations will be closely aligned with the center’s development. Priority will be given to projects that can be completed or yield phased results within 2-3 years, as well as those capable of generating significant economic benefits for the center. Additionally, postdoctoral research projects must demonstrate a high level of academic excellence and strong market potential.

　　Article 9: The research topics for the postdoctoral workstation are proposed by the center. The specific research projects are jointly determined by the workstation and relevant functional departments, with input from the expert committee, based on the needs of the company’s development. The final selection of these topics will be regularly announced to the public via the internet. Ultimately, the authority to finalize the postdoctoral research projects rests with the director of the workstation.

Chapter 4: Onboarding Procedures for Postdoctoral Researchers

　　 Article 10: Application Procedures and Approval Authorities

　　1. Applicants seeking to become postdoctoral researchers may submit a written application to our Center’s Postdoctoral Administration Office immediately after successfully defending their doctoral dissertation. The application materials, submitted in five copies (including the original), should include:

　　⑴ Personal resume (including education, work experience, key research achievements, as well as basic information about spouse and children, along with an explanation of the reasons for applying to join the program and your research objectives);

　　② The "Postdoctoral Application Form" and two letters of recommendation (including one from your doctoral advisor);

　　⑶ Photocopy of the doctoral degree certificate;

　　⑷ PhD candidates studying abroad must submit a recommendation letter or proof of study experience issued by the Education Section of our overseas embassy.

　　⑸ Other relevant materials

　　⒉ The Office of Academic Administration organizes experts to evaluate and review applicants based on the materials provided, assessing their political ideology, research capabilities, academic proficiency, and previously achieved scientific accomplishments.

　　Article 11: The workstation shall jointly recruit and train postdoctoral fellows with the mobile station.

　　1. The mobile station and the workstation will each nominate a postdoctoral supervisor to oversee and guide the postdocs' research activities. A fee will be paid to the co-supervisor based on factors such as mentorship quality and access to specialized equipment, with the exact amount to be mutually agreed upon. Jointly recruited postdocs will handle their entry and exit procedures at the workstation’s host province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the central government.

　　2. Postdoctoral Collaborative Supervisor Qualification:

Collaborative supervisors should generally be doctoral advisors with a clearly defined research focus, profound academic expertise, high professional competence, and ample access to research topics and project funding.

　　3. After finalizing the acceptance of opinions, the workstation will jointly consult with the unit establishing the mobile station to determine the postdoctoral candidate, sign the "Agreement on Jointly Cultivating Postdoctoral Researchers," clearly outlining the responsibilities, rights, and obligations of both parties, and then submit the agreement for record with the higher-level administrative authority.

　　Article 12: Postdoctoral researchers will be managed under a contractual agreement. Within two weeks of joining the program, postdocs must sign the "Postdoctoral Research Agreement for the China Packaging Research and Testing Center" (a four-party agreement) with their host institution. This agreement clearly outlines the responsibilities, rights, obligations of both parties, as well as any other relevant guidelines to be followed. The agreement is prepared in quintuplicate— one copy each for the workstation, the Development Zone headquarters, the mobile station, the postdoc themselves, and the center’s Postdoctoral Management Office.

　　Article 13: Postdoctoral fellows must present the Four-Party Agreement and their personal ID cards to the Postdoctoral Administration Office and other relevant departments, such as Human Resources, to complete the onboarding procedures. After signing the Four-Party Agreement, applicants are required to join the station on time and subsequently handle procedures like household registration transfer. If an applicant fails to report to the station within one month beyond the stipulated joining date, the workstation reserves the right to revoke their eligibility for entry. In cases of special circumstances, applicants should notify the Center’s Postdoctoral Administration Office in advance and request leave before the official onboarding deadline.

Chapter 5: Management of Postdoctoral Researchers

　　Article 14: Postdoctoral Status

　　A postdoctoral researcher is officially employed by the nation, working under the center’s flexible staffing arrangement—and also as part of the department where the workstation is located. Administratively, their salary, organizational affiliations, and other related matters fall directly under our center, ensuring they receive the same benefits and treatment as our center’s regular employees.

　　Article 15: The workstation shall integrate postdoctoral fellows into the institution's overall staff management system. Whether it involves rules and regulations, organizational discipline, attendance records, or routine professional tasks, political studies, and organizational activities, postdocs must adhere to the same standards as other employees and participate in the corresponding evaluations. For those who violate discipline or demonstrate poor performance, the workstation may consult with the Center’s Postdoctoral Management Office for appropriate handling.

　　Article 16: The department where the postdoctoral researcher is based must ensure appropriate working conditions and provide the researcher with an assistant to support their research activities.

　　Article 17: All research work and scientific achievements completed by postdoctoral researchers during their tenure at the center shall belong to the China Packaging Research and Testing Center. During their stay, any research outcomes—regardless of whether they are produced domestically or internationally—in any form whatsoever, including those funded by the postdoctoral researchers' daily research allowances, the Tianjin Postdoctoral Research Funding Program, the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, other vertically and horizontally funded projects at various levels, or through collaborative research conducted abroad—must clearly acknowledge "China Packaging Research and Testing Center." This includes published papers, granted patents, innovative inventions, award-winning projects, and new products developed during their time at the center.

　　Article 18: During their postdoctoral tenure, fellows must complete at least two papers at the workstation, with at least one to two of these papers published in journals indexed by the three major databases. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the non-issuance of the postdoctoral certificate.

　　Article 19: The center, together with the institution establishing the postdoctoral research station (the joint training agreement partner), shall conduct a thorough evaluation of the institution based on the signed agreement. The primary focus of the evaluation will be:

　　1. The academic level of the research findings;

　　2. Social and economic benefits of the research findings;

　　3. Work performance, ability to solve practical problems, and organizational management skills.

　　These three aspects can vary in emphasis depending on differences in the research project, the nature of the work, and the working environment.

　　Article 20: Regarding Short-Term Overseas Exchange

　　1. During their postdoctoral appointment, postdocs are not permitted to apply for postdoctoral positions, advanced training programs, or research collaborations abroad without prior approval. However, if required by their work and the necessary conditions are met, they may be approved by the center to attend academic conferences overseas, with the duration typically not exceeding three months.

　　2. If a postdoctoral fellow stays abroad for more than six months without the Center's approval, they will be automatically considered to have withdrawn from the program, and their household registration will be canceled. Additionally, the postdoc's spouse must return to their original workplace and promptly vacate the housing provided.

　　3. After returning from attending an academic conference abroad, postdoctoral researchers should submit a summary report to the center.

　　4. Postdoctoral fellows may only proceed with procedures for overseas training or further postdoctoral research after being assigned a permanent position upon completion of their postdoctoral program.

　　Article 21: Postdoctoral Fellowship Duration and Mid-Term Departures or Termination

　　⒈ The typical postdoctoral appointment period at the station is two to three years.

　　2. During their postdoctoral tenure, if a researcher completes the research plan ahead of schedule, they may apply for early departure. This request will be reviewed by the supervising expert panel and the host department, and must then be approved by the Human Resources Department—though the maximum extension allowed is three months. On the other hand, if the postdoc fails to meet the assigned tasks within two years, the collaborating supervisor must provide an endorsement. After review by the workstation director, the application will be submitted to the Tianjin Postdoctoral Office for approval, potentially allowing for a reasonable extension of the stay—but not exceeding six months in total. During any extension period, the postdoc’s living expenses and related costs will continue to be covered by the respective research group.

　　3. During the station stay, anyone falling under any of the following circumstances will be asked to leave:

　　⑴ Violating academic integrity;

　　(2) Falsifying and issuing false certificates or receiving a written warning or more severe administrative disciplinary action;

　　(3) Taking continuous leave for illness for 3 months or more, or skipping work without valid reason for 15 days or longer;

　　⑷ Failing to return on time after traveling abroad for conferences or other purposes;

　　⑸ Fails the mid-term assessment;

　　⑹ Failure to fulfill the tasks stipulated in the agreement, as well as an unsatisfactory evaluation of the outgoing research work;

　　(7) Remaining at the station after completing the assigned work period without obtaining approval to leave and failing to complete the necessary procedures;

　　⑻ Other instances involving violations of national laws and regulations, or breaches of our center's rules and regulations.

　　Anyone processed for withdrawing from the program must reimburse the daily expenses already used and, depending on the specific circumstances, provide financial compensation. After completing the departure procedures from the center, personnel files and household registration will be transferred out, and the individual will no longer be eligible for postdoctoral benefits.

Chapter 6: Postdoctoral Funding Management, Salary & Benefits, and Performance Evaluation

　　 Article 22: Postdoctoral research funding will be covered by the project funds allocated to the host laboratory. Each postdoctoral fellow should be provided with a designated amount of research startup funding, which may be utilized upon approval of the collaborating supervisor.

　　Article 23: The postdoctoral fellows' basic annual salary will be paid according to the entry agreement and is intended to cover the fellow's wages, position allowance, benefits, administrative fees, rent subsidies, and other related expenses during their stay at the station.

　　1. The Postdoctoral Fellowship Fund is managed separately by the Finance Office and is earmarked for specific purposes. Of this fund, 3% is allocated as administrative expenses for postdocs and remains under the control of the Postdoctoral Management Office. Meanwhile, the postdoctoral fellows' living allowances and benefits are disbursed directly by the Finance Department based on actual amounts.

　　2. The payment of the postdoctoral fellow's salary for the first month begins from the date of reporting to our center's Postdoctoral Administration Office. Salary and other benefits will cease starting from the month following the termination of the postdoctoral fellow's work at this station. For those who extend their stay beyond the scheduled departure, fees will be handled according to the provisions outlined in the "China Packaging Research & Testing Center Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Agreement."

　　3. The center encourages postdoctoral fellows who have completed their studies to stay and work here. If their spouses and minor children are registered as rural residents, they may apply to the Tianjin Public Security Bureau with a letter of introduction from the Expert Division of the Ministry of Personnel; upon approval, they can proceed with the permanent residency registration process.

　　Article 24: Postdoctoral Apartment

　　1. The center provides postdocs with a dedicated apartment equipped with basic living amenities. (The Development Zone Management Committee offers postdocs either access to high-end talent apartments or housing subsidies for a limited period of two years.)

　　2. Before moving in, postdocs must sign the "China Packaging Research & Testing Center Apartment Rental Agreement" with the Human Resources Department, and during their stay, they are required to comply with the "China Packaging Research & Testing Center Postdoctoral Apartment Management Regulations."

　　3. When postdocs complete their station and either secure a permanent position or move on to their next assignment, they and their spouses and children must promptly vacate the apartment. Those who fail to return the keys by the deadline will be handled according to the relevant provisions outlined in the "China Packaging Research & Testing Center Postdoctoral Apartment Management Regulations."

　　Article 25: Household Registration and Relocation of Spouse and Children for Postdoctoral Fellows

　　⒈ Postdoctoral researchers will be granted permanent residency at our center during their tenure. Upon joining the program, postdocs should use the official letter of introduction issued by the Tianjin Postdoctoral Affairs Office to complete the relocation and household registration procedures. Spouses and minor children who move along with the postdoc may apply for temporary residency permits.

　　2. The center assists in arranging childcare and school enrollment for postdoctoral fellows' children, among other services.

Chapter 7: Application and Use of the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Fund

　　 Article 26: After postdoctoral researchers join the program, they may apply for the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation—funded by the national government—for research purposes as needed. Once approved, the funding will be directly disbursed by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation to our center. All expenditures of the funded resources must comply with relevant fund management regulations and adhere strictly to the principle of "dedicated funds for designated purposes," while remaining subject to oversight and audit by the center's financial department.

　　⒈ The Postdoctoral Science Foundation accepts applications twice a year. Applicants can submit the "Application Form for China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Funding" to the Postdoctoral Administration Office by March 10 and again by September 10.

　　2. Postdoctoral researchers applying for funding must simultaneously meet the following criteria:

　　⑴ Outstanding in both academic performance and moral character, demonstrating exceptional talent and integrity, and achieving remarkable results in research work;

　　(2) Applications for funding must demonstrate significant theoretical importance or practical value, as well as innovation and cutting-edge advancement.

　　⑶ Possess the basic working conditions necessary to successfully complete the funded project.

　　3. Applicants must provide the following written materials:

　　⑴ Seven copies of the Application Form for the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Grant, including one original;

　　(2) Letters of recommendation from two professors (or individuals holding equivalent positions) in this academic field;

　　⑶ Review fee: 100 yuan.

　　4. Postdoctoral researchers falling under the following circumstances are no longer eligible to apply for funding:

　　⑴ Those who have already received funding once during this postdoctoral period;

　　(2) Those who have applied twice during their postdoctoral tenure but were not approved either time;

　　⑶ Postdoctoral researchers whose terms will expire within three months.

　　⒌ Funding awarded to postdoctoral researchers can only be used for scientific research purposes, such as purchasing essential instruments and equipment, experimental materials, library resources, hiring temporary support staff, and attending relevant academic conferences—both domestically and internationally.

　　⒍ Recipients of the funding can independently manage the grant funds for their research activities, but must remain under the supervision of their collaborative supervisor and the host institution. Reimbursement requests must be approved with the signature of the collaborative supervisor.

　　7. As the host institution, the center should provide matching funding for postdoctoral researchers who receive grants from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation.

　　8. Upon completion of the postdoctoral position and departure, any unused funding can be transferred to the next host institution for continued research purposes. However, if you decide not to pursue research after leaving the program, the remaining funds cannot be taken with you.

　　9. Instruments, equipment, materials, books, and other resources purchased with the funding are all considered state property. If the recipient of the funding moves to a second station or, upon completion of the program, is assigned permanent employment, the handling of the aforementioned items acquired using the funding will follow the relevant provisions outlined in the "Provisional Regulations of the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation."

　　10. When recipients of the funding complete their postdoctoral program and proceed with the assignment process, they must submit the "Postdoctoral Scientific Funding Summary Report" to the Postdoctoral Administration Office.

　　11. In addition to the Postdoctoral Science Fund, postdoctoral researchers are also eligible to apply for the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Tianjin Municipal Natural Science Foundation as formal, on-staff research personnel at our center. The application and management of each funding program will follow its respective guidelines, with specific details handled by the Center’s Department of Science and Technology Development.

　　Article 27: Postdoctoral Evaluation and Assessment

　　⒈ Postdoctoral research projects should be closely aligned with the scientific research activities of the host institution and integrated with the major projects undertaken by the research group. At the same time, postdocs are also encouraged to propose their own topics, fostering an environment where they can independently pursue innovative research in a fair and competitive academic setting.

　　⒉ Within 2 months of joining the station, present an opening report within your field of expertise, develop a research plan for your stay, and implement it after approval by the workstation supervisor, with a copy submitted to the Postdoctoral Administration Office for record-keeping.

　　3. During their postdoctoral appointment, fellows are expected to complete the research project specified in the agreement, participate in the annual performance evaluations conducted by the host institution for its staff, provide feedback on the evaluation results, and submit these reports to the Postdoctoral Administration Office.

　　4. Establish an evaluation indicator system for postdoctoral fellows at the station, along with comprehensive systems for recruiting postdocs, conducting mid-term assessments, and final exit evaluations. Develop specific management measures covering goal-oriented management, performance appraisal, rewards, and disciplinary actions for postdocs, ensuring regular assessments are carried out. Outstanding postdocs who achieve remarkable research results and demonstrate exceptional performance should receive appropriate recognition and rewards, while those who fail their mid-term evaluations may be advised to leave and their contracts terminated.

　　5. By the end of the 23rd month after joining the program, postdoctoral researchers must undergo an exit evaluation. They are required to prepare a "Postdoctoral Research Report," complete the "China Packaging Research and Testing Center Postdoctoral Researcher Exit Evaluation Form," and fill out the "Postdoctoral Researcher Work Completion Registration Form." A panel consisting of experts from the affiliated workstation and members of the Academic Committee (approximately five individuals) will review the researcher’s report and scientific achievements. Additionally, the panel will assess the postdoc’s ideological conduct, academic proficiency, professional skills, thesis quality, and overall work attitude. If the evaluation concludes that the researcher is not qualified, they will be asked to leave the program, and no postdoctoral certificate will be issued.

　　6. Postdoctoral researchers cannot complete departure procedures or be assigned to jobs without undergoing assessment and evaluation. Those who fail the assessment will not receive standard benefits.

　　Article 28: Postdoctoral Fellowship Completion and Assignment of Employment, along with the Evaluation of Professional and Technical Qualifications

　　⒈ Upon completion of the postdoctoral fellowship period and fulfillment of assigned tasks, fellows must submit departure procedures to the Center’s Postdoctoral Administration Office one month in advance as required. They should carefully complete the relevant forms and promptly deliver the following five documents (three copies each) to the office on time:

　　⑴ A "Postdoctoral Research Report" written in a standardized format;

　　⑵ "Postdoctoral Researcher Exit Evaluation Form from the China Packaging Science and Technology Testing Center";

　　⑶ "Postdoctoral Researcher Completion Registration Form";

　　⑷ Receive the official acceptance letter from the personnel department of the receiving organization;

　　⑸ "Approval Form for Job Assignment Upon Completion of Postdoctoral Researcher Term."

After receiving the aforementioned materials, the Center’s Postdoctoral Administration Office sought input from the workstation. Upon approval by the director, the documents were submitted to the Tianjin Postdoctoral Work Office for review and approval. Once approved, the office would issue the "Introduction Letter for Assigning Postdoctoral Researchers" along with other relevant supporting documents, enabling postdocs to report to their assigned institutions and complete the necessary household registration procedures.

　　2. After receiving the notification to leave the postdoctoral program, postdocs—whether staying on to work at the center or being assigned to an external institution—are required to visit the Postdoctoral Management Office to obtain the "Notice for Postdoctoral Researchers Completing Departure Procedures," where they will complete all necessary exit formalities, including:

　　⑴ Return all types of documents (work permits, medical cards, etc.);

　　(2) Settle all related financial procedures;

　　⑶ Hand over the instruments, equipment, and library materials within the workstation;

　　⑷ Pay rent, utility bills (electricity, water, gas), phone charges, and other related fees in full;

　　⑸ The Office of Property Management is required to inventory the furniture and equipment, and return the house keys.

After completing all departure procedures, submit the "Notice for Postdoctoral Researchers to Complete Departure Formalities" back to the Center's Postdoctoral Management Office. At the same time, collect the offer letter and relevant supporting documents required for reporting to your assigned institution, and then proceed to the Human Resources Department to handle the transfer of administrative and salary-related records.

　　3. Upon completion of the postdoctoral fellowship period and fulfillment of research objectives, with approval for departure, the "Postdoctoral Certificate" will be officially issued by the National Postdoctoral Administration Committee.

　　4. Individuals who disregard the center's management regulations, fail to complete all departure procedures on time, and leave the station without authorization will no longer have their departure arrangements retroactively processed by the Center’s Postdoctoral Administration Office or the mobile station. Such cases will be treated as automatic withdrawal, and applications for post-departure professional title evaluations will not be accepted. Additionally, the "Postdoctoral Certificate" will not be issued.

　　⒌ Postdoctoral fellows in their second year at the center may apply for promotion to a higher professional and technical position during the center's tenure appointment process. The Human Resources Department will assist with the evaluation, following the same procedures as those used for regular center staff.

　　Article 29: These Regulations are drafted and interpreted by the Center's Postdoctoral Workstation.

　　Article 30: These Regulations shall enter into force as of the date of their publication.