Policies & Procedures
Salaries & Taxes
Summary information related to salary and stipend thresholds and tax obligations for postdocs.
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Policies & Procedures
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Policies & Procedures
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Policies & Procedures
Postdoctoral Classifications at Penn
Policies & Procedures
Stipend Levels
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I address stipend and salary issues?
The minimum compensation level for postdocs at Penn is published on annual basis by the OVPR, in consultation with the Provost’s Council on Research, representing all of the schools of the University. When a funding sponsor mandates stipend levels higher than the University minimum, mentors are obligated to pay the higher amount. Postdocs with prior postdoctoral experience at another institution should receive compensation that reflects their expertise and prior years of experience.
What does “minimum stipend level” mean?
It means all postdocs have to be paid a minimum stipend amount based on their total postdoctoral years of experience. Postdocs and PIs or faculty mentors can negotiate a higher stipend amount but the total stipend amount needs to meet or exceed the minimum stipend level established by Penn.
I have more than four years of experience, what will my stipend be?
For postdocs with more than four years of experience, any stipend increase is at the discretion of the PI or faculty mentor.
Am I eligible for the Penn merit plan?
Postdocs are not eligible for the Penn employee merit increase program. A faculty PI or mentor is allowed to increase the postdoc’s stipend for merit purposes. Those decisions are made at the discretion of the PI or faculty mentor.