Hiring post-doc using start up funds

[soccer]

At this point, i think you may want to consider to rescind the offer. while you think through it, you should also get in touch with the HR to understand how this process works and how it can be done in a clean way

Unless this was due to something completely unforeseen (sudden illness, for example),

Quarantine, travel restrictions, family members getting ill, canceled flights or truck rentals. There are quite a few things that commonly get in the way of moving these days, so it's worth getting the whole story.

I was also thinking may be one of those things and that is the reason he is not joining as scheduled... 

But over the phone he was blunt and says that he has to complete the work in his current place...

[bio-nonymous]

I agree with the others that the individual may be waiting to hear from a more attractive offer and that you are the second choice, which is bad enough behavior because she/he was committed to start work--though we all hear "you have to take care of yourself because no one else will"! No matter what what, not contacting you to let you know they wouldn't be there the day before they were supposed to start is terrible behavior and does not bode well for the professionalism of the postdoc, or future interactions with you. IF the truth is that they really are trying to finish up work and need another month, that shows horrible time management and planning-they should have known this long ago and talked (as in not only by email) with you about it to try to work something out. Since they graduated in 2019, I assume perhaps that you will be their second postdoc mentor and they are currently in a postdoc now--so there should be no excuse for childish unprofessional behavior like this, as this is not their first "real job". It is a red flag and I would reconsider--a postdoc costs a lot of money and if this person is toxic it may not be worth it. Maybe hiring a research associate or a  technician would be a better use of the funds? Good Luck with this, I wish you success with however you handle it.

[kerprof]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions/input.

HR came back and mentioned that the post-doc failed to start so this would involve rescinding the job offer... Same was communicated to the post-doc and the post doc texts me "I received a call from your university. Best of Luck"...

[Ruralguy]

So I guess he was effectively fired or effectively quit, it really doesn't matter.

[Kron3007]

Yeah, probably for the best.

[Hibush]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions/input.

HR came back and mentioned that the post-doc failed to start so this would involve rescinding the job offer... Same was communicated to the post-doc and the post doc texts me "I received a call from your university. Best of Luck"...

Good that you got what will have to pass for the full story from both the erstwhile postdoc and HR. That lets you move forward with confidence.