Policies & Benefits

Postdoctoral Appointments

University-wide, postdocs are appointed in the titles of Postdoctoral Research Scholar (non-employee status, paid by stipend) or Postdoctoral Research Associate (employee status, paid by salary). Training is limited to 5 years, including time spent in either title or at other institutions, but excludes clinical training.  Additional information on the Administrators and Faculty page. And Appointment Titles for a stipend guide for Postdoctoral Research Scholars and a comparison of benefits between the two titles.

Salary/Stipend

The Washington University postdoc minimum compensation is $53,760 (per year, defined as a 12-month period) for the 2021-22 fiscal year. The postdoc minimum compensation will be $54,840 (per year, defined as a 12-month period) as of July 1, 2022 for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Importantly, this is only the required minimum. Individual compensation should be discussed with the appointing faculty member. It is recommended that postdocs be reviewed annually and given raises as appropriate. See NIH NRSA Stipend Levels for guidance or contact the department / school administrator for information on compensation guidelines.

Note that specific fellowships and training grants have stipend level requirements from the federal funding agency, and these requirements should be followed.

Annual Review

It is recommended that postdocs and their faculty advisor use the Annual Review Form to discuss progress annually. In addition, regular meetings to discuss research progress and professional development are highly beneficial.

Benefits

• Benefit Package
  • Benefits Presentation Interactive Guide
• Tuition Assistance for Postdocs
• Time Off Policies Effective July 1, 2020
• Caregiver and Parental Leave Request Guides for Postdoctoral Research Associates and Scholars

Policies

• Washington University Postdoctoral Education Policy (PDF)
• School of Medicine Implementation Policy (PDF)
• School of Medicine Additional Guidelines
  • Request for Extension of Postdoctoral Appointment (PDF)
  • Temporarily Reduced Schedule (PDF)
• Postdoctoral Appointments in Arts & Sciences
• WU Employee Handbooks
• WU Institutional Policies

The above policies include what to do when there is a conflict or issue during postdoc training. Postdocs can also access the confidential services of the Ombuds Office.

Training Completion

Postdocs must complete the Exit Surveys prior to the end of their appointment.

• Exit Survey 1 – Postdoc Experience Survey
• Exit Survey 2 – Postdoc Career Outcomes

Human Resources has information summarizing benefits status when leaving the university.