Stipends & Benefits

Definitions

Current postdoctoral trainees can find their appointment type by logging into Workday, clicking on their profile picture in the top right corner and then selecting view profile. The "Job Profile" will be listed on the left-hand side of the screen.

Some benefits are dependent on the postdoc's "Job Profile".
Below are definitions of the different types of postdoctoral trainees at Penn.

  1. Postdoctoral Researcher is primarily funded through research grants, unrestricted funds, or other gifts made available to their primary faculty mentor. This is the most common category of postdoctoral trainee at Penn. Postdoctoral Researchers are classified as non-NRSA postdocs

  2. Postdoctoral Fellow is primarily funded directly through a fellowship award, whether from a private institution (e.g. Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowships) or from federal sources (e.g. K01 or K99 award). The fellowship funding may be paid directly to the postdoctoral fellow or may be routed through the university. Postdoctoral Fellows are classified as non-NRSA postdocs.

  3. Postdoctoral Fellows, NRSA are a special category of postdoctoral trainees funded by NIH Dr. Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (e.g. T32, F32, or T90 grants). The IRS defines NRSA Fellows as trainees and therefore institutions cannot use NRSA funds to fund the cost of an employee benefit rate or provide benefits that have a tax impact on the training stipends like pre-tax contributions. NRSA Postdoctoral Fellows are classified as NRSA postdocs.

Penn Minimum Stipends

Minimum stipend levels for Postdoctoral Trainees are set annually by the Vice Provost for Research, in consultation with the Provost’s Council on Research, representing all of the schools of the University. When a funding sponsor mandates stipend levels higher than the University minimum, mentors are obligated to pay the higher amount. If a funding sponsor lists a stipend level below the University minimum, mentors must still pay the Penn Minimum.

While new minimum stipend levels typically go into effect at the beginning of each fiscal year, postdoc are not guaranteed the new minimum rate until their next reappointment period. If a mentor chooses to increase a postdoctoral trainee's salary mid-appointment, they should contact their business administrator.

Effective July 1, 2025, all postdoctoral trainees can participate in the Penn Postdoc Benefits Plan. During your onboarding process, you must log into Workday to enroll or waive your benefits. If you choose to elect insurance through Penn Benefits, your insurance will be effective the first day of your appointment. Your employee contribution will then be deducted on a monthly basis from your paycheck. If you are currently enrolled in a medical insurance plan with at least comparable coverage and wish to continue that coverage, you may choose to waive participation in the University’s program.

NOTE: If an NRSA Fellow changes funding support (i.e. is no longer supported by an NRSA training grant), they must switch benefits plans and enroll/waive benefits. Similarly, if a postdoctoral researcher or fellow begins being supported by an NRSA grant, they must switch benefit plans and enroll/waive coverage.

NOTE: All paid and unpaid leave must be approved in advance by the mentor; additional leave may be approved at the mentor’s discretion. PDT and mentors are responsible of keeping accurate record of paid and unpaid leave.

  • Vacation and Observed Holidays/Winter Break - In any appointment year, a postdoc may take up to ten (10) paid vacation days. Postdocs are also entitled to the eight (8) official holidays observed by the University and are eligible to take the University’s special winter vacation, during which time the University is typically closed. If a postdoc wishes to work and/or perform research during an official holiday or special winter vacation, the postdoc can use the equivalent time as additional paid vacation days.
    Unused vacation days are forfeited at the end of the appointment year.

  • Sick Leave - Posdocs may take up to fifteen (15) sick days per appointment year. Additional sick leave may be approved in the discretion of the mentor. Non-NRSA postdocs are also eligible for short-term disability, long-term disability, and FMLA. Non-NRSA postdoctoral trainees should contact their HR representative to learn more about these processes if needed.
    Unused sick days are forfeited at the end of the appointment year.

  • New Child Leave - All postdocs are entitled to receive stipends for up to 60 calendar days of leave per appointment year for adoption or birth of a child. Either parent is eligible. Postdocs must discuss the use of new child leave in advance with the mentor. A mentor may not deny a request to use new child leave without the authorization of the appropriate administrative office. Unused sick leave or vacation days may be used, with approval, to extend the period of new child leave. Additional new child leave may be approved at the discretion of the mentor.

  • Unpaid Leave - Postdocs requesting extended periods of time away from their training experience, including leave in excess of available sick and/or parental leave, must obtain approval for a leave of absence without stipend continuation. Approval for such leave must be requested and approved by the mentor in advance. 

  • Non-NRSA Postdoctoral Trainees

postdoctoral researchers or postdoctoral fellows are eligible to participate in the Supplemental Retirement Annuity Plan of the University of Pennsylvania. Under this retirement plan, eligible postdocs may defer a portion of their eligible compensation each payroll period to the retirement plan. To learn more, visit the PennHR Saving for Retirement page.
 

  • NRSA Postdoctoral Fellows

The IRS defines NRSA Fellows as trainees. Because of their unique status as trainees, institutions cannot use NRSA funds to fund the cost of an employee benefit rate or provide benefits that have a tax impact on the training stipends like pre-tax contributions. For these reason, NRSA-postdoctoral fellows are not eligible to participate in Supplemental Retirement Annuity Plan of the University of Pennsylvania. 

  • Non-NRSA Postdoctoral Trrainees

If you have a child, or a disabled parent or spouse, who needs daily care while you work, you can use your Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for that care. Eligible expenses are generally those that allow you to work. Additionally, non-NRSA postdoctoral trainees have access to Penn's Back-Up Care program for dependent children and adults and are welcomed to access resources through the Penn Family Resource Center (FRC).
 

  • NRSA Postdoctoral Fellows

NRSA Postdoctoral Fellows access childcare assistance and resources through the Penn Family Resource Center (FRC). They are also eligible to receive up to $3,000 in reimbursements for qualified childcare costs from the NIH (Notice Number: NOT-OD-24-116). NRSA postdoctoral fellows should discuss reimbursements with their grants manager.

  • Penn’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides eligible faculty and staff and their families access to free, confidential, 24/7 counseling and referral services for personal and professional life issues from any location. EAP services are available by phone, email, webchat, video, and through face-to-face sessions. The Health Advocate EAP counselors will connect you with the right experts at the right time: masters level clinicians, work/life specialists, medical bill negotiators, and financial and legal professionals.  In addition, Health Advocate offers multi-language capabilities.
     
  • Penn Cobalt is a mental health and wellness platform created for Penn Medicine faculty and staff. It is a web-based platform that helps the Penn community access mental health support easily and on their terms. After completing a self-assessment, users receive personalized recommendations for support most relevant to their needs. It serves as a resource for individuals who want to speak to someone for support but are not sure they want or need therapy. All BPP postdoctoral trainees are eligible to enroll and start browsing resources.

Click here to visit our Mental Health & Wellbeing page

For a full overview of additional benefits available to all postdoctoral trainees, please visit Penn HR's website:

Benefits Overview for Postdocs and NRSA Fellows