Postdoctoral Scholars
Postdoctoral Scholars at The University of Iowa are engaged primarily in research, unique from either students or faculty members. There are two classifications:
- Postdoctoral Research Scholars (appointment code FP01)
- Postdoctoral Research Fellows (appointment code FP02)
For more information on these classifications and other benefits associated with them, go to the Graduate College web site.
Insurance
As a Postdoctoral Research Scholar/Fellow, you are eligible to receive a contribution towards medical and dental insurance plans for you and your family if you receive compensation from the University. This contribution is equal to that provided to permanent Faculty/Professional & Scientific staff. You have the option of choosing either UIGRADCare and student dental or one of the medical and dental plans available to Faculty/P&S staff. Any remaining cost(s) will be deducted from your monthly paycheck on an after-tax basis. Coverage begins the first of the month following your appointment and will terminate on the last day of the month in which your appointment ends.
The University Benefits Office will send you a packet of materials at the time you begin your appointment. This will include rates, information, and an enrollment form to complete and return. Information on the plans can also be reviewed at the insurance section of this web site.
If you do not receive a salary with your fellowship, you are still eligible to purchase coverage at your own expense. Contact the University Benefits Office for the necessary application forms once your appointment has been entered on the University’s payroll system by your department.
Disability and Workers’ Compensation
Postdoctoral Scholars are covered by Workers’ Compensation. If you are a Postdoctoral Fellow, however, you are not covered. Since you are not classified as a University employee, you will not be entitled to disability insurance.
Paid Leave
Postdoctoral Scholars at The University of Iowa are entitled to annual paid leave of 15 working days and annual sick leave of 18 working days but do not accrue vacation and are not entitled to vacation pay. The agency supporting a Postdoctoral Fellow may require different policies. The appointing department is responsible for arranging and accounting of leave for Postdoctoral Scholars.
Access to University Facilities and Activities
As a Postdoctoral Scholar, your University identification card will reflect your training status. This status provides extended access to library and information resources and the ability to charge items to your University billing account. This status also provides reduced admission fees for certain University recreational facilities and cultural and athletic events.
Social Security and Retirement
Postdoctoral Research Scholars (FP01) who are U.S. citizens are required to participate in the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) retirement plan (except those considered to be foreign scholars). You will be required to contribute 3.9% of each paycheck (4.1% after 07/01/08); while the University will contribute 6.05% (6.35 after 07/01/08). This deduction will automatically come out of your paycheck on a pre-tax basis. For further information on IPERS, go to www.ipers.org.
The University Benefits Office will send you a memo regarding this along with a beneficiary designation form. When you receive this information, complete the form and return it either to IPERS or to the University Benefits Office.
Upon termination of your appointment, if you do not continue as a regular State of Iowa employee, you may request a refund of your contribution in one of two ways. If your appointment is less than six months, contact the University Benefits Office for a “Wage Adjustment Request.” If your appointment is greater than six months, you should complete an IPERS refund form which can be found at the above website or by calling them at 800-622-3849. This refund form gives you the option of either rolling over your funds into another retirement plan or receiving the money yourself. If you receive a check, you will be liable for state and federal taxes along with a 10% tax penalty for withdrawal prior to age 59-1/2.
Postdoctoral Research Scholars also have the option to participate in a Group Supplemental Retirement Annuity (GSRA) if they have taxable income. Information on this program is available under the retirement section of this web site under 'saving extra for retirement.'
Postdoctoral Research Fellows (FP02) and Predoctoral Research Fellows (FP04) are exempt from payment of FICA (Social Security) and Medicare taxes; therefore, they are also exempt from the payroll deduction for IPERS. Federal and State tax deductions will not be withheld from paychecks; however, the individual may still be responsible for payment of taxes.
More information for Postdoctoral Scholars/Fellows can be found on the Graduate College web site.