# Postdoctoral Researchers

**Source**: https://chemistry.mit.edu/postdoctoral-researchers/
**Parent**: https://chemistry.mit.edu/academic-programs/undergraduate-programs/chemistry-biology-major/

## Our Postdoctoral Researchers are supervised by faculty members as they develop their scholarly competence.

Postdoctoral Researchers are an important part of the Department of Chemistry, which includes approximately 120 Postdoctoral Fellows and Associates. The Postdoctoral appointment is reserved for those who have recently obtained their PhD.

### Postdoctoral FAQs

**What is the difference between a postdoctoral associate and a postdoctoral fellow?\**A Postdoctoral Associate is an employee paid by a sponsored research grant administered through MIT.  Postdoctoral Fellows typically receive a stipend from an outside agency, whose funds sometimes are administered through MIT.  Postdoctoral Fellows are not employees of the Institute. For more information, please see [http://web.mit.edu/policies/5/5.3.html](https://policies.mit.edu/policies-procedures/50-research-appointments/53-academic-research-staff-appointments#5.3.3).

**As a Postdoctoral Associate, what health insurance options do I qualify for?\**Postdoctoral Associates holding appointments of at least 3 months or greater qualify for the [MIT Traditional](http://hr.mit.edu/benefits/health/traditional) and [MIT Choice](http://hr.mit.edu/benefits/health/choice) health plans, in addition to other [employee benefits](http://hr.mit.edu/benefits).

**As a Postdoctoral Fellow, what health insurance options do I qualify for?\**Postdoctoral Fellows holding appointments of at least 3 months or greater qualify for the [MIT Affiliate health plan](http://medweb.mit.edu/healthplans/affiliate/).  In cases where the Fellow is on the Affiliate single or spouse plan, the Vice President for Research asks that faculty cover the difference in cost between the MIT Traditional and Affiliate health plans.

**What happens if I change status from a Postdoctoral Associate to a Fellow, or vice versa?\**Changing from one postdoctoral status to another can have a number of implications, including eligibility for benefits, eligibility for certain visa types, tax implications, insurance rates, and more.  Please see the [Office for the Vice President for Finance’s notice](https://vpf.mit.edu/sites/default/files/downloads/HR%20Payroll%20forms/PDA%20to%20PDF%20Appointment%20Switch%202018.pdf) detailing some of these changes.  If you will be changing status, it is important to be sure to speak with Shannon Wagner, Senior Human Resources Representative, to discuss your particular change in benefits and tax status.

**What are the salary levels for Postdoctoral Associates and Fellows at MIT?\**Postdoctoral salary levels are set by the Vice President for Research based on years of experience in accordance with the NIH stipend rates.  Please consult the [Vice President for Research’s webpage](http://postdocs.mit.edu/home/postdoctoral-position/vice-president-research-statement-salary-and-benefits) for more information on the current minimum salary levels.

**What are the policies regarding paid time off?\**Postdoctoral Associates with at least one year appointments accrue 15 days of vacation time during their first year, and 20 days each year thereafter.  All vacation time must be reported in the SRS Vacation Tracker within 30 days of the trip.  Postdoctoral Associates should consult with their supervisors prior to taking time off from the laboratory.  Postdoctoral Fellows do not formally accrue vacation time.  However, MIT expects that fellows receive the same vacation time as associates.  Postdoctoral Fellows should consult with their supervisors prior to taking time off from the laboratory.

**When do I get paid?\**Postdocs who receive payment through MIT are paid twice per month, on the 15th and on the last business day of each month.

**How long do postdoctoral appointments at MIT last?\**Postdoctoral Researchers are typically appointed on one-year terms renewable by mutual agreement and funding availability.  The maximum length of a postdoctoral appointment at MIT is 4 years.

**I will be leaving prior to my appointment end date.  Whom do I notify?\**Please notify your supervisor and group administrative assistant as soon as possible in advance of your departure date.  Please also be sure to email [Deborah Obanla](mailto: dobanla@mit.edu)[,](mailto:wagners@mit.edu) Senior Human Resources Representative, to notify her of your ending appointment.

**How do I get card access for my laboratory?\**Please ask your advisor, laboratory safety contact, or laboratory administrative assistant to request laboratory access for you.  (Note:  this request most come from one of the aforementioned parties, and not from the postdoc him or herself).

**I am an international postdoc and will be traveling.  What do I need to do?\**At least 30 days prior to traveling, it is important to discuss your travel plans with the [International Scholars Office](http://web.mit.edu/scholars/intlscholars/travel/index.html), so that they may advise you on any additional steps to prepare for your trip.

### Annual Development Reviews

Postdoctoral Researchers complete development reviews on a yearly basis as part of their continued growth and mentorship as a scholar at MIT.  These reviews are opportunities for you and your faculty mentor to discuss your progress, career plans, publications, professional goals, and experience working in the laboratory.

Chemistry Human Resources will contact you  when your review has come due.  However, for reference, you may consult the [Annual Development Form](https://chemistry.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/PD_Review_Template-1.pdf) at any time.

Please return completed forms to [Deborah Obanla](mailto: dobanla@mit.edu) or 18-392.

### Postdoctoral Resources

The following information and organizations are intended to serve and assist our postdoctoral community.

- [Career Services and Resources](https://postdocs.mit.edu/career-development/career-services-and-resources)\
  MIT postdocs benefit from career guidance and strategies for industry, academic, and other tracks, thanks to a collaboration between the Office of the Vice President for Research and Career Services, Career Advising & Professional Development (CAPD).
- [Postdoctoral Funding and Benefits](http://postdocs.mit.edu/home/postdoctoral-position/vice-president-research-statement-salary-and-benefits)\
  Summary information related to salary/stipend thresholds, health benefits for postdoctoral fellows, mentoring requirements, and individual development plans.
- [The MIT Postdoctoral Association (PDA)](https://pda.mit.edu/)\
  A Postdoc-led organization supported by the Office of the Vice President of Research (VPR) with the goal of providing support for >1500 postdoctoral trainees appointed in 25 departments at MIT.

### Contact

Postdoctoral Researchers are encouraged to contact Senior Human Resources Representative [Deborah Obanla](mailto: dobanla@mit.edu) with questions regarding appointments, visas, benefits, health insurance, and more.

[Deborah Obanla](dobanla@mit.edu)\
Senior Human Resources Representative\
Building 18 Room 397\
617.258.7492

## NIH Postdoctoral Fellows: Responsible Code of Conduct

### *These trainings are applicable for Department of Chemistry NIH Postdoctoral Fellows only.*

The format for the Responsible Conduct of Research Course at MIT consists of five two-hour sessions, each of which is attended by an MIT faculty member. Each session features a fellow-lead presentation focused on a particular topic or topics related to the ethical practice of scientific research. Each presentation is followed by the presentation of case studies and a fellow-lead discussion. Prior to each session, readings are assigned both from the primary course text, “Scientific Integrity: Fourth Edition” by Francis Macrina, as well as from current journal articles and other relevant literature. Below are links to PDFs of the presentations created for previous course sessions.

### Session 1: Authorship and Peer Review

[2018 Presentation Session 1](https://chemistry.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Session1.pdf)

Assigned Reading: Macrina Ch. 3, 4; [Strange, K. “Authorship: why not just toss a coin?” *Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.***2008**, *259,*567.](https://www.dropbox.com/s/bp5lwihkj33xrbt/Authorship_Why%20not%20just%20toss%20a%20coin.pdf?dl=0)

### Session 2: Conflicts of Interest, Error and Negligence

[2018 Presentation Session 2](https://chemistry.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Session2-compressed.pdf)

Assigned Reading: Macrina Ch. 1,2; [Kevles, D. “The Assault on David Baltimore,” *The New Yorker*, May 27, **1996**, 94.](https://www.dropbox.com/s/s1iq5sy2pw8uwvt/The%20Assault%20on%20David%20Baltimore.pdf?dl=0)

### Session 3: Mentoring, Scientific Data Handling, Record Keeping, and Analysis

[2018 Presentation Session 3](https://chemistry.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Session3-compressed.pdf)

Assigned Reading: Macrina Ch. 10; [Shankar, Kalpana “Remembering and Forgetting: Exploring the Role of the Record in the Conduct of Scientific Research”.](https://www.dropbox.com/s/4xr3trp3f88m4lt/Remembering%20and%20Forgetting_Exploring%20the%20Role%20of%20the%20Record%20in%20the%20Conduct%20of%20Scientific%20Research.pdf?dl=0)

### Session 4: Human and Animal Experimentation, Collaborative Research

[2018 Presentation Session 4](https://chemistry.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Session4.pdf)

Assigned Reading: Macrina Ch. 5, 6, 8; [Jones, B. *et al.*“Multi-University Research Teams: Shifting Impact, Geography, and Stratification in Science” *Science***2008**, *322,*1259.](https://www.dropbox.com/s/1i4kuiwel65rk9y/Multi-University%20Research%20Teams_Shifting%20Impact%2C%20Geography%2C%20and%20Stratification%20in%20Science.pdf?dl=0)

### Session 5: Intellectual Property, Gene Patenting

[2018 Presentation Session 5](https://chemistry.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Session5.pdf)

Assigned Reading: Macrina Ch. 9,11; [Fox, J. “Mixed Messages from Washington”*Nature Biotechnology***2011**, *29*, 303; Simon, B.; Scott, C. “Unsettled Expecations: How Recent Patent Decisions Affect Biotech” *Nature Biotechnology***2011**, *3,*229.](https://www.dropbox.com/s/ui68zpaelxqwcaf/Mixed%20Messages%20from%20Washington_And_Unsettled%20Expectations.pdf?dl=0)

### Additional Online Requirements

In addition to the above discussion sessions, the fellows are also required to complete two online courses:

<http://osp.mit.edu/compliance/responsible-conduct-of-research-rcr/register-for-rcr-training> *(MIT’s comprehensive course on research using human subjects)*

[http://responsibleresearch.org](http://responsibleresearch.org/) *(review on all material regarding ethical research)*