Postdoctoral Research Station Management System

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

Chapter 1 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 (Document No. Jinrenshebanfa [2011] No. 73), following an application submitted by the center.

　　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, postdoctoral research projects will be formulated. In accordance with relevant regulations, the recruitment of postdoctoral researchers in related disciplines—and their corresponding numbers—will be determined.

　　Article 4: The recruitment of postdoctoral researchers shall adhere to the principles of openness, equality, competition, and merit-based selection.

Chapter Two: Management Organization

　　Article 5 establishes the management body for the Center's Postdoctoral Workstation (referred to as the "Workstation"), whose core members are composed of the Expert Committee and relevant personnel.

　　Expert Committee: Appointed by the Center, this committee comprises renowned scholars and experts from the packaging and logistics industry (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 station. Its main responsibilities include:

　　1. Responsible for all tasks related to the establishment of the center's postdoctoral research workstation;

　　2. Responsible for comprehensively coordinating relationships among departments involved in the research project, 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 authorities, affiliated postdoctoral workstations at universities, and host enterprises.

　　4. Responsible for developing management procedures for postdoctoral researchers' entry, residency, and departure, as well as handling related administrative tasks;

　　5. Organize pre-doctoral reports, mid-term evaluations, final exit assessments, and post-station summary reports for postdoctoral fellows;

　　6. Organizing and coordinating the establishment and management of jointly trained postdoctoral fellows with the university's postdoctoral research stations;

　　7. Responsible for managing and disbursing internal research funds;

　　8. Leverage the intellectual resources of postdoctoral researchers to launch a series of knowledge-based business activities, generating economic benefits for the center and enhancing its intangible assets. By the time the postdoctoral workstation is fully operational within 2-3 years, it will have achieved full-scale, tangible operations.

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

　　⑴ Guide and oversee the implementation of national policies and guidelines related to postdoctoral programs at this center's workstation, and draft or revise management documents and regulations pertaining to postdocs.

　　(2) Organizing the development and promotion of the postdoctoral recruitment plan, as well as overseeing the actual recruitment process for postdocs.

　　(3) 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 into the program, 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 encountered in their work.

　　⑹ Guide postdoctoral fellows in organizing social activities.

Chapter 3: Eligibility Criteria for Postdoctoral Researchers and Project Approval

　　Article 7: Eligibility Requirements for Postdoctoral Researchers

　　Researchers who have earned a doctoral degree—whether domestically or internationally—with outstanding academic and personal achievements, 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 for the postdoctoral workstation will be closely aligned with the center's development. Priority will be given to projects that can be completed or yield preliminary 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 and in alignment with the company’s developmental needs. 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: The Onboarding Procedure for Postdoctoral Researchers

　　Article 10: Application Procedures and Approval Authorities

　　1. To apply for a postdoctoral research position, you may submit a written application to our Center’s Postdoctoral Administration Office immediately after successfully defending your doctoral dissertation. Please prepare five copies (including the original) of all application materials, which should include:

　　⑴ Personal resume (including educational background, 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);

　　⑵ 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 their study abroad experience issued by the Education Section of our embassy/consulate abroad.

　　⑸ Other relevant materials

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

　　Article 11: Workstations shall jointly recruit and train postdoctoral fellows with mobile stations.

　　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 collaborating 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 complete their entry and exit procedures at the workstation located in the respective province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the central government where the workstation is situated.

　　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 recommendations, the workstation will jointly consult with the unit establishing the mobile station to determine the postdoctoral candidate, sign the "Agreement on Jointly Training 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 "China Packaging Research and Testing Center Postdoctoral Research Agreement" (a four-party agreement) with their host institution. This agreement outlines the responsibilities, rights, obligations, and other relevant guidelines for both parties. 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 complete registration procedures at the Postdoctoral Administration Office and other relevant departments, presenting the Four-Party Agreement and their personal ID cards. After signing the Four-Party Agreement, applicants are required to join the station on time and subsequently handle procedures such as household registration transfer. If an applicant fails to report within one month beyond the specified 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 of the scheduled registration date and request a leave of absence.

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, salary-wise, and in terms of organizational affiliations, they report directly to our center and receive the same benefits and treatment as our center’s regular employees.

　　Article 15: The workstation shall integrate postdoctoral management into the institution's overall personnel management system. Postdocs must adhere strictly to the same rules, regulations, organizational discipline, and attendance records as other staff members, and they are expected to participate in all relevant assessments—whether related to daily professional tasks, political studies, or organizational activities. 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 project.

　　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, including those funded by the postdoctoral researchers' daily research grants, 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 newly developed products.

　　Article 18: During their postdoctoral tenure, fellows must complete at least two research papers at the workstation, with at least one published in a journal indexed by one of the three major retrieval systems. 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 outcomes;

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

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

　　Article 20: Regarding Short-Term Overseas Exchange

　　1. During their postdoctoral appointment, fellows may not apply to conduct postdoctoral research, pursue advanced studies, or engage in scientific 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 an academic conference abroad, postdoctoral researchers should submit a summary report to the center.

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

　　Article 21: Postdoctoral Fellowship Duration and Mid-Term Departure or Resignation

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

　　2. During their postdoctoral tenure, if a researcher completes the study 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. Conversely, 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) Falsely issuing false certificates or receiving administrative disciplinary actions of a written warning or more severe penalties;

　　(3) Taking continuous leave for 3 months due to illness or being absent from work without valid reason for more than 1 day;

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

　　⑸ Failing 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 prior approval to leave;

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

　　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—specifically, transferring out their personnel files and household registration—they 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 respective workstation. Each postdoc should receive a designated amount of initial research funding, which can be utilized upon approval from their collaborative supervisor.

　　Article 23: The basic annual salary for postdoctoral fellows will be paid according to the entry agreement and is intended to cover the fellow’s salary, 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 Department and is earmarked for specific purposes only. Of this fund, 3. the administrative expenses for postdocs are controlled and disbursed by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. Meanwhile, the postdocs' living allowances and benefits are directly allocated by the Finance Department based on actual amounts incurred.

　　2. The payment of the postdoctoral fellow's first month's salary 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 complete 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 Apartments

　　1. The center provides postdoctoral researchers 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, postdoctoral researchers 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 postdoctoral fellows complete their station and either secure a permanent position or move on to their next assignment, they, along with 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

　　1. During their postdoctoral stay, fellows will obtain permanent residency at our center. 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 with the postdoc can 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 transferred by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation to our center. All expenditures of the funded resources must comply with relevant fund management regulations and adhere to the principle of "dedicated funds for designated purposes," while remaining subject to oversight and audit by the center’s financial department.

　　1. The Postdoctoral Science Foundation accepts applications twice a year. Applicants can submit the "Application Form for China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Funding" to the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs by March 1st and again by September 1st.

　　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 China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Grant Application Form and its supplementary pages (including one original);

　　(2) Two letters of recommendation from professors in this academic field (or individuals holding equivalent titles);

　　⑶ Review fee: 1.0 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;

　　⑵ Those who have applied twice during their current postdoctoral tenure but were not approved either time;

　　⑶ Postdoctoral researchers who will complete their station within three months.

　　5. 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.

　　6. 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 from the station, any unused funding can be transferred to the next host institution for continued research activities. However, if you choose not to pursue research after leaving the station, the remaining funds cannot be taken with you.

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

　　10. When fellows receiving 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 of 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

　　1. 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 encouraged to propose their own topics, fostering an environment where they can independently pursue innovative research in a fair and competitive academic setting.

　　2. Within 2 months of joining the station, prepare and deliver a proposal presentation within your field of expertise, develop an on-site research plan, obtain approval from the workstation supervisor before implementation, and submit the plan for record to the Postdoctoral Administration Office.

　　3. During their postdoctoral appointment, fellows are expected to complete the research project outlined in the agreement, participate in the host institution’s annual performance evaluations of staff members, provide feedback on the evaluation results, and submit them to the Postdoctoral Administration Office.

　　4. Establish an evaluation indicator system for postdoctoral researchers stationed at the institute, along with comprehensive systems for recruiting postdocs, conducting mid-term evaluations, and assessing their exit performance. Develop specific management measures covering goal-oriented management, performance appraisal, rewards, and disciplinary actions for postdocs, ensuring regular assessments of all postdoctoral staff. Outstanding postdocs who achieve remarkable research results and demonstrate exceptional performance should receive appropriate recognition and rewards, while those who fail to meet the standards during mid-term evaluations will 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 (typically around five individuals) will listen to the researcher’s presentation, review the research report and scientific achievements, and assess the postdoc’s overall performance—including their character, academic proficiency, professional skills, thesis quality, and 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 Work, along with the Evaluation of Professional and Technical Qualifications

　　1. Upon completion of the postdoctoral fellowship period and fulfillment of assigned tasks, fellows must, as required, submit their departure paperwork to the Center’s Postdoctoral Management Office one month in advance. They should carefully complete the relevant forms and submit 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 Municipal Postdoctoral Affairs Office for review and approval. Once approved, the office would issue the "Postdoctoral Researcher Assignment and Employment Letter" 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 choosing to stay at the center or being assigned to an external institution—are required to visit the Postdoctoral Management Office to obtain the "Notice on Procedures for Postdoctoral Researchers Exiting the Program," and complete all necessary exit formalities, which specifically include:

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

　　(2) Settle all related financial procedures;

　　(3) Hand over the instruments, equipment, and library materials within the workstation;

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

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

　　After completing all departure procedures, submit the "Notice for Postdoctoral Researchers on Departure Procedures" 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 payroll records.

　　3. Upon completion of the postdoctoral research period and fulfillment of all research tasks, and after 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 withdrawals, and applications for post-departure professional title evaluations will not be accepted. Additionally, the "Postdoctoral Certificate" will not be issued.

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

　　Article 29: This regulation is drafted and interpreted by the Center's Postdoctoral Workstation.

　　Article 30: These regulations shall come into effect as of the date of their publication.