Staff Resources

While all postdocs at Boston University are considered postdoctoral scholars, these positions are categorized differently based on how they are compensated. Below is information to help distinguish between the categories as well as information related to the benefits and tax requirements associated with those categories.

Employee Postdoc Scholars

Formally known as Postdoc Associates, employee postdocs are paid a salary. State and federal taxes, as well as Social Security and Medicare payments, are withheld, and a W2 form is issued by the University each January. If you are an employee, benefits are viewed as part of the University’s contribution to your health and financial welfare. The University pays for 75% of health care cost and you pay 25% of the cost. Monthly contributions are paid through pre-tax payroll deductions. Pre-tax payroll deductions can also be made for items such as retirement savings, flexible spending accounts, accident insurance, or payment for parking or MBTA passes.

Postdocs who are on NIH NRSA funded grants and fellowships (e.g., T32, TL1, F32, and grants/fellowships that are paid through the University) are also included in this category as Postdoc Associates NRSA with the same benefits, salary, and taxes as that of Postdoc Associates.

Onboarding

Employee Postdocs (including those on T32s, F32, appointed as a Postdoc Associate NRSA) should attend a New Employee Orientation organized by Human Resources. These sessions are held every Monday at 9:00 AM. To sign up for a session, contact your departmental administrator.

Non-Employee Postdoc Scholars

Formally known as Postdoc Fellows, non-employee postdocs are paid a stipend by an externally-funded training grant, or directly by a foreign country or institution of origin. Fellows are engaged in a temporary and defined period of mentored advanced training and professional development following completion of a doctoral degree program.

Hiring Procedure

Non-employee postdocs are added into the BUworks (SAP) payroll system, meaning that their benefits, reimbursements, and stipends do not need to be processed through Accounts Payable. The non-employee postdoc’s offer letter will be required to create the position in SAP as backup attachments on both the OM Create and PA Hire forms. The SAP hire must be completed before the postdoc is sponsored for an affiliate account. Once their BUID has been generated, the affiliate form can be started. This BUID should be used on the affiliate form to ensure a duplicate ID is not created. Offer letter templates for Postdoc Associates, Postdoc Associates NRSA, and Postdoc Fellows are available. Please email postdocs@bu.edu to request a template.

Non-Employee Benefits

Non-Employee Postdoctoral Scholars are eligible for health insurance coverage through Boston University. Postdocs can enroll in the Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan and dental plan.

For questions related to your eligibility for benefits, your existing benefits, policies in the employee handbook, or other HR-related concerns, contact the HR Service Center (hr@bu.edu, 617-353-2380) for assistance.