Postdoctoral Compensation

Minimum compensation (salary or stipend) for July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024

$56,880

per year (defined as a 12-month period)

Washington University in St. Louis postdoctoral appointee minimum compensation (salary or stipend) is based on the NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Year 1 stipend amount.

Approved by the Vice Chancellor for Research, this measure acknowledges the highly specialized work and outstanding accomplishments of all Postdoctoral Research Associates and Scholars, whose passion and talent are central to the world-class research conducted at Washington University. Click here to read the announcement from February 14, 2023.

Important:

Note that the amount above indicates the minimum, that is, the lowest compensation required. The University does not define a compensation scale nor a maximum compensation amount for postdoctoral appointees. To maintain competitiveness and support recruitment and retention, the OPA recommends that PIs and postdocs negotiate compensations above the minimum.

Compensation for postdoctoral appointees at Washington University is competitive. The minimum compensation per year is established based on the postdoctoral stipend amount of the NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) program, with a delayed start to fit in Washington University’s fiscal year. Since July 1, 2023, the minimum compensation has been based on the year 1 NRSA program amount.

Following University policies, when extramural agencies set stipends for fellowships and training grants at a rate less than the University minimum, it is required that the principal investigator or department provide additional funding to bring the pay level of the postdoctoral appointee up to at least the established minimum.

Importantly, the University establishes only the required minimum compensation. Individual compensation should be discussed between the appointing faculty member and the postdoctoral appointee. It is expected that postdocs be reviewed annually and given raises as appropriate based on their experience and performance.

Contact the department or school administrator for information on compensation guidelines.

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