Penn Green Labs Program
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Description
Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows are eligible to participate in Penn’s Green Labs Program which aims to improve safety and sustainability through educating and empowering lab personnel on best practices in labs. The Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety and the Penn Sustainability Office collaboratively support the Green Labs Program at Penn.
Penn has over 676 labs in over 30 buildings and has an expanding lab footprint, including Chemistry, Engineering, and Medicine. Each of these labs presents significant opportunities to optimize labs for safety and sustainability. Penn’s Green Labs Program aims to support the lab community in achieving these savings.
The Green Labs Program can provide support and resources for the following:
- Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Program
- Penn Freezer Challenge
- Reusable Sharps Container Program
- Lab Supplies and Equipment Disposal
- EHRS Chemical Inventory
- Green Labs Working Group
Related FAQs
Am I eligible for commuter benefits?
Eligibility for commuter benefits depends on your postdoctoral classification:
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Postdoctoral researchers (paid as full-time employees through Penn) are eligible for both the Commuter Program (which includes pre-tax deductions and transit subsidies through WageWorks/HealthEquity) and the parking benefit (post-tax payroll deductions).
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NRSA postdoctoral fellows, however, are not eligible for the Commuter Program and cannot use pre-tax deductions for transit. They are eligible only for the parking benefit, which may be paid through post-tax payroll deduction, if applicable.
If you are unsure of your classification or payroll setup, please consult your department’s business administrator.
How do I know if I’m eligible for the Penn Postdoc Benefits Plan?
All postdoctoral researchers and fellows are required to have health insurance. Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows are eligible to enroll in health through the Penn Benefits Plan for Postdocs. Postdocs have three options for health insurance plans. Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans will mirror options available to faculty and staff. Exceptions to this eligibility rule are rare. If you are uncertain of your funding source, please contact your department or the school’s business administrator.
Is benefits enrollment required for all postdocs?
Yes. You must participate by either enrolling or waiving benefits in Workday. This is required during your onboarding process and each year during open enrollment.
What benefits are available to postdocs?
Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows are eligible for the Penn Postdoc Benefits plan.
What happens to my benefits if funding for my postdoc position changes?
If your funding changes from NRSA to non-NRSA funding (or vice versa), you will need to switch benefits plans. You will be contacted by Penn HR through Workday to determine whether your support will be from NRSA or non-NRSA funds.