91社区

Use of Visiting Scientist/Researcher Agreement

Compliance Guidance

This guidance is intended for 91社区 administrators, faculty sponsors, and research staff who are responsible for hosting visiting scientists or researchers. It ensures proper use of the Visiting Scientist/Researcher Agreement and alignment with 91社区鈥檚 compliance obligations.

Definitions

NOTE: Add language on why these definitions are important

Visiting Scientist/Researcher

Someone with a terminal or first professional degree or the equivalent, or someone recognized as an expert in their field. They may be currently employed at or on sabbatical from another academic institution.

Purpose: To pursue one鈥檚 own research to gain laboratory and research experience, learn to use state-of-the-art techniques, and share unique expertise with the 91社区 community.

Post-Doctoral Fellow

Someone who has earned a Ph.D., M.D., D.O., or an equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited domestic or approved international institution of higher education. They are primarily associated with 91社区 to obtain advanced research skills under the supervision of one or more members of the university faculty.

Purpose: To provide teaching, research, or training experience to prepare the fellow for permanent employment in academic or research positions. Postdoctoral Fellows receive a salary and fringe benefits from 91社区.

When to Use the Agreement

The Visiting Scientist/Researcher Agreement must be used when:

  • An external researcher, scientist, or scholar (not employed by 91社区) will have temporary access to 91社区 research facilities.
  • A visitor will participate in collaborative academic or research activities with 91社区 faculty, staff, or students.
  • Access to 91社区 data, laboratories, equipment, or confidential information is required.

Engaging Visiting Scientists/Researchers

The Visiting Scientist/Researcher Agreement ensures that visiting scholars and researchers are properly documented, supervised, and compliant with federal and 91社区 requirements. PIs and departments must initiate, review, and retain agreements to safeguard 91社区鈥檚 research environment and obligations.

  • OSPAR: Reviews and approves agreements.
  • Faculty Sponsor/Department: Ensures visitors鈥� activities are appropriate, supervises compliance, and coordinates logistics.
  • Office of General Counsel (OGC): Provides legal review.
  • Human Resources/International Office: Verifies immigration/visa requirements when applicable.

  1. Faculty Sponsor Initiates Request: Completes internal request form and provides visitor鈥檚 CV, purpose of visit, and duration.
  2. Draft Agreement:听Use 91社区鈥檚 boilerplate Visiting Scientist/Researcher Agreement, inserting the visitor鈥檚 name, dates, sponsor, and department.
  3. Review and Approval: Forward to OSPAR (and OGC if required). Confirm compliance with export control, human/animal subjects research, and lab safety requirements.
  4. Execution: The agreement must be signed by the visitor, faculty sponsor, and authorized 91社区 official.
  5. Recordkeeping: The final executed agreement is retained by OSPAR and the hosting department for compliance auditing.

  • Intellectual Property (IP): Jointly developed IP will follow 91社区鈥檚 IP policy.
  • Confidentiality: Visitors must safeguard 91社区 data and proprietary materials.
  • Export Controls: OSPAR must confirm whether research activities involve export-controlled technology.
  • Insurance: Visitors must provide proof of health insurance and (if required) liability coverage.

Key Contacts