Definition of a Postdoctoral Appointee
It is recommended that the postdoctoral title be reserved for individuals that have recently received their qualifying terminal degree. Individuals several years past this degree should already be in a permanent career track and not considered trainees. This appointment is, by nature, preparatory and therefore there is an obligation for the institution, school, department and faculty mentor to provide training. The following definition has been adopted for all post-doctoral fellows at the University of Pennsylvania:
A postdoctoral appointee is a person who has recently earned a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, and who joins the University of Pennsylvania to perform research full-time under the supervision of a member of the faculty. The position can be held at the University of Pennsylvania for up to five years irrespective of prior experience at other institutions and is meant to provide additional research and/or scholarly training in preparation for a position in academe, industry, or government.
Stipend Levels
Minimum stipend levels are mandated for all postdoctoral appointees. BPP stipends are based on the current NRSA stipends (http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-07-052.html). The minimum levels for the first year of post-doctoral experience at PENN is the current NRSA year 00 level; for each additional year of post-doctoral experience at PENN, the postdoctoral fellow’s stipend should increase according to the NRSA levels up to year 04. It is important to remember that recommended stipend levels represent minimums and increments for prior post-doctoral research experience should be awarded up to the NRSA maximum, which is attained in year 07. Penn investigators are also expected to comply with any postdoctoral stipend guidelines that are promulgated by their sponsors, if these sponsor-specified guidelines exceed the Penn minimum stipend levels.
Sick Leave Policy
Because postdoctoral appointments are considered training positions and are not traditional staff positions, postdocs are not eligible for full-time employment benefits. However, this does not mean that they should not receive adequate benefits. The following addition to the Postdoctoral Policy as it applies to BPP postdoctoral appointees has been adopted:
Postdoctoral Appointees may continue to receive stipends for up to 15 calendar days of sick leave per year. Sick leave is not cumulative from one appointment year to the next. Under exceptional circumstances, this period may be extended at the discretion of the mentor. Mentors may require medical verification by a physician for absences longer than three consecutive sick days. Postdoctoral Appointees who have worked at the University for a total of one year and who have worked a total of at least 1,250 hours in the immediately-preceding one-year period who experience a serious health condition of their own or who need to care for a parent, spouse, or child (including someone for whom they act in loco parentis) with a serious health condition may take up to a maximum of twelve (12) weeks of leave, whether continuously, intermittently, or on a reduced work schedule, provided they produce appropriate medical certification when requested. Postdoctoral Appointees who do not meet the one year or 1,250 hour requirements may take up to 15 days of sick leave with full pay, paid from the same source as the stipend for their own illness which makes them unable to perform their duties or for medical treatment, subject to acceptable medical documentation. It is the responsibility of the mentor to monitor the sick leave taken by Postdoctoral Appointees.
Vacation Policy
The following minimum vacation policy has been adopted:
Postdoctoral Appointees are eligible for 16 days paid vacation leave per appointment year which includes the 10 paid days that are University holidays. Individuals who work on University holidays may take another day in lieu of the University holiday, to be scheduled with approval of the mentor. Vacation leave is not cumulative from one appointment year to the next. Payment may not be made from grant funds for leave not taken. All vacation leave must be scheduled in advance and approved by the mentor, and it is the responsibility of the mentor to monitor the vacation taken by Postdoctoral Appointees. Requests for additional time must be negotiated with the mentor and it is recommended that those requests be documented in writing.
New Child Leave Policy
The following addition to the postdoctoral policy has been adopted:
Postdoctoral Appointees who have worked at the University for a total of one year and who have worked a total of at least 1,250 hours in the immediate-preceding one-year period who experience the birth of a child or placement of a child for adoption or foster care may take a maximum of twelve (12) consecutive weeks of New Child Leave, which must commence within one (1 year of the birth or placement. The first 30 days of leave are with full stipend, paid from the same source as the stipend, supplemented with up to 15 days vacation or sick leave if available. The remainder of any leave is unpaid. Any such leave must be taken consecutively and may not be taken intermittently. Postdoctoral Appointees who do not meet the one year or 1,250 hour requirements may take up to 30 days of leave with full stipend paid from the same source as the stipend, supplemented with up to 15 days vacation or sick leave if available. When days are taken from sick leave or vacation the number of available days in these categories will decrease accordingly.
Terminal Leave
A period of terminal leave is not permitted.
Termination for Cause
The existing University-wide Postdoc Policy stipulates that the mentor can only terminate postdoctoral appointments with three months written notice. This protects the postdoc from unfair dismissal. However, rare circumstances may arise where immediate dismissal is appropriate. The following addition to the postdoctoral policy as it applies to BPP postdoctoral appointees has been adopted:
Gross violations of postdoctoral obligations as indicated in the Policy for Postdoctoral Fellows at the University of Pennsylvania (Almanac September 7, 2004) may be grounds for immediate dismissal. Such situations must be reviewed with BPP. Other University administrative offices will be consulted as necessary.
Recommended Postdoctoral Notice of Resignation
In the event that a postdoc resigns prior to the end of his or her appointment, it is appropriate and professional to provide as much notice as possible prior to leaving the laboratory. This time period should allow the postdoc to successfully complete or transition any ongoing projects. We strongly recommend that all BPP postdoctoral appointees follow the following guideline:
When a postdoctoral appointee chooses to resign from his or her position prior to the end of the appointment period as indicated in his or her postdoctoral appointment letter, it is expected that he or she will provide at least one month’s notice. Upon leaving the laboratory, a postdoc has an obligation to leave the original notebooks, data and reagents in a state that will allow continuation of the project and ensures compliance with the Intellectual Property Policy and other relevant policies of the University.
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