Here, you’ll find essential information on employment policies that apply to postdoctoral researchers, including leave, vacation, holidays, working hours, benefits and more. These policies are designed to support you in balancing your research, career development, and personal needs during your time here.


Table of Contents

  1. Leave Policies
  2. Vacation and Holidays
  3. Compensation
  4. Payroll Information
  5. Working Hours and Flexibility
  6. Health and Wellness Benefits
  7. Retirement and Financial Contributions
  8. Contacts and Resources

 


1. Leave Policies 

Postdocs are eligible for several types of leave to support work-life balance and address personal and family needs. Please review the main categories below:

  • Sick Leave/Excused Absence : Sick leave is available and can be used for personal illness, medical appointments, and caring for a sick family member. Illness/injury requiring absence beyond 10 continuous work days may be covered by the Short Term Disability Plan.
     
  • Paid Parental Leave - Postdocs are eligible for paid parental leave in the event of childbirth, adoption, or foster care placement. To be eligible, you must have worked in a full-time, benefits-eligible position for at least one year (at least 75% effort per year) by the time of the birth or adoption. 
     
  • Family and Medical Leave (FMLA): Lehigh grants eligible postdocs up to 12 weeks of family and medical leave for serious personal health conditions, family illness, or family care responsibilities during any twelve month period, in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA). The leave may be paid, unpaid, or a combination of paid and unpaid, depending on the circumstances.
     
  • Bereavement/Funeral Leave:  Lehigh provides postdocs with up to five days paid leave in the event of the death of an immediate family member. 
     
  • Jury Duty: If a postdoc is called for Jury Duty, Lehigh will pay their base salary for up to two full weeks of jury service.
     
  • Leave of Absence: Postdocs who have been employed for at least a year may be eligible to take unpaid leaves of absence for up to six months to attend to personal matters.
     
  • Military Leave: If a postdoc is an active member of the National Guard or military reserve, Lehigh will pay the difference between the employee's base salary and his/her military pay and allowances during the annual encampment, active-duty training, or call up.
     

For detailed information, consult the Lehigh HR Time Away Policy Page.


2. Vacation and Holidays 

Postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to take advantage of designated vacation days to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

  • Annual Vacation Days: As research staff, postdocs receive 10 days of paid leave that must be taken within their appointment period.  They can manage that two week leave any way they'd like, provided they have their supervisor's approval.  See Paid Annual Leave In Lieu of Vacation
     
  • Holidays: Postdocs receive 12 paid holidays each fiscal year.  The schedule varies annually, and includes several floating holidays. Postdocs are eligible to take these holidays off unless critical research responsibilities require otherwise. 
     

Note: Vacation days do not carry over from one year to the next. For specific holiday schedules, view the 2024-2025 Holiday Schedule.


3. Compensation & Paychecks

 

Compensation: Postdoc compensation is designed to be competitive and reflect the experience and qualifications of each researcher. Salary levels are typically determined based on funding sources, institutional guidelines, and the field of research.

  • Salary Scale: Lehigh's Postdoc Compensation Policy aligns with NIH NRSA guidelines, which are updated annually. Salaries may vary based on the postdoc’s experience, discipline norms, and funding arrangements.
     
  • Stipend vs. Salary: Depending on the funding source, postdoc support may come as a stipend (not subject to standard payroll deductions) or as a salary (subject to taxes and payroll deductions).
     
  • Annual Review and Adjustments: Compensation may be reviewed annually on the postdoc's contract start date, and salary adjustments are considered to account for experience, performance, and funding availability.
     


4. Payroll Information

Payroll and administrative information is essential to ensure accurate and timely payment processing.

  • Payroll Schedule: Postdocs are paid monthly. Paychecks are issued on the last working day of each month. 
     
  • Deductions: Your paycheck will automatically have deductions for taxes (federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare) as well as benefits and any charges to your personal accounts.
    • To change federal tax withholding, submit a new W-4 to Payroll.  
    • For specific deductions (like Credit Union or United Way), contact Payroll directly
       
  • Direct Deposit: Enroll in direct deposit for automatic paycheck deposits to your checking or savings account. Notify Payroll if you close or change your bank account.  
     
  • Payroll Advances: In emergencies, you may request a payroll advance to help with unexpected expenses, such as a family death or uncovered medical costs. Complete the Emergency Salary Advance form from the Controller’s Office for processing within five business days.
     


5. Working Hours and Flexibility

Postdocs typically have a flexible work schedule, but expectations vary by research group and project needs.

  • Standard Work Hours: Regular university work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, your department may modify this schedule if necessary. As exempt staff, postdocs work a minimum of 40 hours per week, and do not receive overtime pay nor compensatory time off. Please discuss specific expectations with your supervisor.
     
  • Remote Work Options: Some research responsibilities may be completed remotely with prior approval from your supervisor. Lehigh's Flexplace Policy allows employees to work remotely from 1-3 days a week.  Employees must use university-owned computers, and maintain internet connectivity that meets the university's minimum specifications. Employees must also follow all university policies and rules.
     
  • Time Reporting: Unlike other exempt staff, postdocs do NOT use the TimeClock timekeeping system. Time off is tracked at the department level between postdoc and supervisor.
     


6. Health, education and Wellness Benefits 

Postdocs have access to a range of health, education and wellness benefits, designed to support both personal and family needs.

  • Health Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision and more, is available for postdocs and their dependents. Postdocs are eligible to participate in the plan if you are a salaried exempt staff member who is scheduled to work 75% full-time in a benefits-eligible position. Enrollment options vary by employment type and funding source.
     
  • Education Benefits for Postdocs: 
    • Tuition benefits available to postdocs include undergraduate and graduate study at Lehigh (100% percent tuition remission)
    • LVAIC Tuition Exchange Program
    • BEST Program provides funding to support faculty and staff learning and development.
    • Career Enrichment @ Lehigh: HR offers ongoing learning and training opportunities to employees on a wide range of topics. 
       
  • Education Benefits for dependents: Lehigh offers tuition benefits for postdocs' spouses/partners and dependent children. 
     
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and wellness resources are available through the EAP. Services include counseling, financial advice, and wellness coaching.
     

For details on health plans, premiums, and enrollment deadlines, visit Lehigh Benefits.


7. Retirement and Financial Contributions 

Postdocs are eligible for retirement contributions to help build financial security for the future.

  • Retirement Plan: Lehigh offers a retirement plan for benefits-eligible salaried staff, managed by TIAA. This plan includes contributions from both Lehigh and employees - you are automatically enrolled in the plan with a 3% contribution that Lehigh will match. You can opt out within 60 days. Vesting occurs after three years.
     
  • In addition, you’ll contribute to Social Security, a federal program providing retirement income, disability, and healthcare benefits under Medicare. The university matches your contributions to Social Security.


Explore retirement options in the Lehigh Retirement Plan.


8. Contacts and Resources 

 

Coming soon
 

We’re here to support you!
For any additional questions, please contact Jenny Chao, Program Manager of the Postdoc Office at jcc410@lehigh.edu or 610-758-2585.