Policies and Benefits
OHSU Code of Conduct
The OHSU Code of Conduct guides the behavior and performance of members of the Oregon Health & Science University community. It is designed to help employees understand the philosophy, policies, and expectations of the university. All members of the OHSU community are held accountable for following these standards.
Definition of Classifications
Two postdoctoral classifications are defined based on source of funding and job purpose.- Postdoctoral Researchers are individuals appointed in this classification to gain research experience under the guidance of a faculty mentor and who receive a salary to perform research. Individuals holding this title are employees of OHSU, are considered "at-will" and do not receive annual contracts.
- Postdoctoral Trainees are individuals appointed in this classification to pursue advanced training under the guidance of a faculty mentor and who receive a stipend, which is funded from a training grant or individual external fellowship. Individuals holding this title are not employees of OHSU. They generally have an initial appointment of one year, which is reviewed annually for reappointment. A 30-day notice is given of non-renewal.
Total Duration of Appointments
The total duration of appointments as a Postdoctoral Researcher or a Postdoctoral Trainee shall not exceed five years without approval from the appropriate Vice President.
Percent Effort
Postdoctoral appointments are generally 1.0 full time equivalent. Exceptions must be approved by the Dean or Institute Director of the work unit and the funding agency. For appointments of less than 1.0 full time equivalent, the faculty mentor must make the appointee aware in writing that only the agreed percentage of time needs to be devoted to the postdoctoral position.
Pay Scale
The Postdoctoral Researcher salary scale was developed using the NIH scale as a guide but taking into account OHSU budgetary restrictions.OHSU Minimum Rates and NIH (FY2012) Stipend Scales
NIH pay scale may be used for Postdoctoral Trainees on Training Grants.
| Years Exp |
OHSU Minimum Pay |
NIH Scale |
| 0 | 38,495.00 | 39,264.00 |
| 1 | 39,650.00 | 41,364.00 |
| 2 | 40,839.00 | 44,340.00 |
| 3 | 42,064.00 | 46,092.00 |
| 4 | 43,326.00 | 47,820.00 |
| 5 | 44,62600 | 49,884.00 |
| 6 | 45,064.00 | 51,582.00 |
| 7 or more |
47,344.00 | 54,180.00 |
The Postdoctoral Trainee stipend is set by the external funding agency. If the stipend level is less than the OHSU minimum, it is to be supplemented to the OHSU minimum or approved as an exception by the appropriate Vice President.
Benefits
Postdoctoral Researchers are eligible for the unclassified/academic insurance options. This includes medical, dental, basic life insurance of $25,000, additional optional life, disability and accidental death insurances. They may also participate in the Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts and may purchase Long Term Care Insurance. OHSU provides a benefit contribution to the Researcher each month (amount is based on the family members covered on the Researchers’ health insurance and full time vs part time status). If the cost of coverage exceeds the OHSU contribution, the amount exceeded will be deducted from the Researcher’s paycheck.Postdoctoral Trainees are eligible for medical and dental insurance and $25,000 basic life insurance. OHSU provides a benefit contribution to the Trainee each month (amount is based on the family members covered on the Trainees health insurance and full time vs part time status). If the cost of coverage exceeds the OHSU contribution, the amount exceeded will be deducted from the Trainee's stipend based on written authorization from the Trainee. Post Doctoral Trainees may also purchase Long Term Care Insurance.
Detailed information regarding the insurances and contributions is located on the Ozone.
Leave Time
Postdoctoral Researchers shall receive 80 hours annually of vacation to be tracked at the departmental level. These hours may be carried over from year to year. Sick leave is granted at 8 hours per month to be tracked at the departmental level. Neither sick nor vacation accruals shall be paid out at the time of termination. Holidays shall be granted consistent with the unclassified employee policy.
Postdoctoral Trainees shall receive vacation and sick time consistent with the funding agency's requirements and tracked at the departmental level. If no vacation or sick time is addressed by the funding agency, the Postdoctoral Researcher policy above shall apply.
Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity
The Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity Department is a resource for OHSU staff, faculty, students, patients, and employment applicants in their effort to support diversity and prohibit discrimination in all facets of the University's activities, including patient care, education, research, and employment.
