Postdoctoral Compensation Policy

New NIH FY2026 Postdoctoral Stipend Rates 

April 9, 2026
 

On March 18, 2026, the NIH released NOT-OD-26-044, establishing updated stipend levels for Kirschstein-NRSA trainees. To maintain alignment with Lehigh University’s postdoc compensation policy, we are implementing a 2% increase to our institutional minimums to match these federal standards.

All PIs with postdocs have been contacted individually to coordinate the necessary adjustments. For the broader research community, here is a summary of the implementation plan:

• Effective Date: The new rates are effective May 1, 2026.
• Federal Alignment: In compliance with NIH guidelines, NIH-funded postdocs will receive a one-time adjustment backdated to October 1, 2025.
• Scope: These adjustments apply to all active postdoctoral researchers currently earning below the new minimums, regardless of their contract end date.
• Funding: PIs are responsible for covering these mandated increases from available project funds.
   

FY2026 NIH Postdoctoral Stipend Levels:

College and Center Business Managers are currently facilitating the paperwork for the May pay cycle. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Best regards,

Jenny Chao
Program Manager
Postdoctoral Affairs Office

New Postdoctoral Compensation Policy

June 11, 2024

Lehigh University Postdoctoral Compensation Policy

We are pleased to announce a new compensation policy for Lehigh’s Postdoctoral Scholars. Effective July 1, 2024, Lehigh will initiate a phased increase in minimum postdoctoral salaries to align with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) NRSA guidelines, with annual adjustments thereafter. These guidelines establish fair compensation levels for postdoctoral scholars across research institutions. This policy applies to all postdoctoral titles at Lehigh, including Postdoctoral Research Scholars, Associates, and Fellows.

Our decision is informed by data from the National Postdoctoral Association, insights from our peer and aspirational institutions, and extensive engagement with Lehigh's postdoctoral community, faculty, and senior leadership.  This process has been supported by the Provost, the Deans, the Associate Deans of Research of each college, and the Research Advisory Council.  The change reflects our ongoing commitment to cultivating an inclusive and vibrant research environment, nurturing the professional growth and well-being of our early career researchers, attracting and retaining top talent, and ensuring competitive compensation.

The implications for new (hired as of July 1, 2024) and current postdocs are different:

For New Postdocs:

• All postdocs hired on or after July 1, 2024 will earn a minimum of the FY2025 (or most current) stipend rate.
• From this point forward, all grant and contract submissions must budget postdoctoral salaries at the current NIH rate.

For Current Postdocs:

• All current postdoctoral scholars earning below the FY2024 stipend rate will receive an adjustment to meet the FY2024 salary level.
• PIs impacted by this new policy will receive additional information in the coming days.

Funding Sources:

To align current postdocs' salaries with the FY2024 minimum rates, the VPR Office will cover half the cost of the salary increase. This support will last up to one year for internally funded postdocs and up to the life of the grant for externally funded postdocs. After this date, PIs will be expected to cover the additional costs without VPR or College level support, either through applicable grant funding or with other local resources. While the VPR Office's commitment is limited to meeting the FY2024 rate, we encourage PIs to raise their postdocs' salaries to meet or exceed the FY2025 rate if feasible and if resources permit.

NIH NRSA Table:  FY24 vs. FY25 Rates

We believe this policy change is a significant stride towards enriching our research environment and supporting the invaluable scholars who contribute to our academic and research missions. Your cooperation and support in implementing this new policy are appreciated. Should you have any questions, please contact Jenny Chao in Postdoctoral Affairs.

Thank you for your attention to this very important update.

Sincerely,

Anand Jagota
Vice Provost for Research