FAQ - Appointed Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) Universiti Malaya

The PDRF programme aims to strengthen research and innovation activities at Universiti Malaya (UM) through high-quality research collaboration, publication, and academic engagement.

Applicants must possess a PhD degree or Senate approval letter for PhD conferment from a recognised university, demonstrate relevant research experience, and fulfil the publication requirements in their respective fields.

The eligibility criteria are as follows:

Science & Technology:
• Minimum four (4) Q1 WoS-indexed publications as First Author.

Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities:
• Minimum four (4) Scopus or ISI-indexed publications as First Author.

Yes. Candidates whose PhD thesis was not written in English must provide proof of English language proficiency with the following minimum scores:
• TOEFL: 600
• IELTS: Band 6.5

Applications are open throughout the year.

Interested candidates may submit their application through the link below:

🔗 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Application Form

Applicants are required to complete and submit all relevant application documents.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be processed.

  • 12 months per appointment cycle

    The maximum appointment duration is generally up to three (3) years, subject to satisfactory performance evaluation and approval.

Yes. Extension is subject to excellent performance evaluation, fulfilment of KPI requirements, supervisor recommendation, funding availability, and visa approval for international candidates.

PDRF candidates are expected to publish at least five (5) articles as First Author within one (1) year:

  • Science & Technology (S&T):

       5 Q1/Q2 WoS-indexed publications

      (Minimum: 3 Q1 and 2 Q2 publications)

  • Social Science, Art & Humanities (SSAH):

        5 Scopus/WoS

All publications produced during the appointment period must include the following statement:

“This research was supported by the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Awards, Universiti Malaya.”

All Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PDRF) are required to submit the Progress Report Review and Monitoring Form every three (3) months for performance monitoring and evaluation purposes.

The submission process is as follows:

  1. The Postdoctoral Fellow must complete and submit the online form via the following link:
    Progress Report Review and Monitoring Form
  2. Upon submission, the completed form will automatically be forwarded to the respective supervisor’s email for review and monitoring purposes.
  3. Once the supervisor has completed the review and submitted the evaluation, the Postdoctoral Fellow will receive a notification.
  • RM8,000 per month (before statutory deductions)

    Statutory deductions such as EPF, SOCSO, and tax will apply according to prevailing regulations.

Yes. For appointments funded by UM, the maximum outpatient/dental medical claim is RM600 per year (pro-rated).

Annual Leave:
• 25 days per 12-month appointment

Sick Leave:
• 15 days per 12-month appointment

No. Accommodation and housing allowance are not provided unless stated by the funding sponsor.

No. PDRF candidates are not entitled to additional remuneration, salary adjustment, or bonuses during the appointment period.

A 30-day written notice or payment in lieu of notice is required by either party.

Mr. Suhaimi Sidik (sumi@um.edu.my)
Mrs. Mahfuzah Md Yasin (mahfuzahmdyasin@um.edu.my)

Dr. Mashitoh Abd Rahman (mashitoh@um.edu.my)

Tel: +60 3-7967 4698

 

Address:

Level 7, Research Management & Innovation Complex,

Universiti Malaya.

Last Updated on May 19, 2026