Teaching FAQ for Postdoctoral Researchers 


Introduction

Postdocs interested in pursuing academic careers often seek teaching experience. These guidelines are intended to support opportunities for postdocs to engage in teaching activity as part of their appointment and/or as part of their professional development.

Teaching might not always be a formal part of a postdoctoral appointment, but it is permitted outside the scholar's usual responsibilities. The faculty mentor decides if teaching duties fit within the scope of the appointment based on the terms outlined in the offer letter.


Eligibility and Approval

A Postdoc’s eligibility to teach is determined in part by the type of sponsor that supports them. Sponsors include external agencies (such as NSF, NIH) and Lehigh’s departments or colleges. Postdocs are generally in these categories:

  • Postdocs whose duties include teaching as part of their training program: Postdocs may have teaching responsibilities included in the terms and conditions of their appointment. In this case, no additional salary should be paid for teaching on top of their postdoc salary.
     
  • Postdocs funded by sponsored research, including federal grants: Teaching may be approved if it aligns with the terms of the grant and does not exceed the combined 100% effort allocation. Department approval and adjustments to research effort will be required.
     
  • Postdocs funded by a fellowship: Teaching is allowed if the fellowship terms permit it, generally on a limited, part-time basis that does not take away from the fellowship’s primary commitment.
     
  • Institutional Approval: All teaching roles require PI and departmental approval to ensure teaching does not conflict with core research duties.
     
  • International Postdocs: International postdocs must consult with Lehigh’s Office of International Students & Scholars  to verify that additional teaching activities comply with visa regulations.


Teaching Scope and Limitations

Postdocs who are approved to teach will be given a temporary instructional title, such as Lecturer or Adjunct Faculty, within the department for the duration of the course.

Teaching roles may include leading or co-teaching a for-credit course, conducting lab sessions, or advising on independent projects.


Time Commitment and Compensation

Typically, the teaching should be no more than one class at a time, ensuring their primary focus remains on research.

If teaching is part of the position’s defined responsibilities, no extra pay is provided.  Postdocs whose primary appointments do not include teaching may receive additional compensation for teaching. However, in some cases where compensation may not exceed 100%, effort distribution will be adjusted to accommodate the teaching time.


Teaching Outside of Lehigh

Lehigh postdocs may teach at nearby community colleges or universities while maintaining their full-time commitments at Lehigh. Typically the teaching should be no more than one class at a time. Please discuss any outside teaching with your PI to ensure it does not conflict with your Lehigh responsibilities.

  • U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents: Teaching on a temporary, short-term basis does not require Lehigh's approval, provided it does not impact your commitment to Lehigh. Postdocs should consult with their advisors when considering applying for or taking such positions. 
     
  • International Scholars (J-1, H-1B): Teaching outside of Lehigh may be allowed for J-1 scholars with PI and OISS permission.  Approval for external teaching for postdocs on an H-1B visa is much more difficult.  If you wish to pursue external teaching opportunities, you should consult with Lehigh’s Office of International Students and Scholars prior to applying for these opportunities to learn about regulations governing off-campus activity for your specific immigration status.
     
  • Conflicts of Interest: The Lehigh University Conflict of Interest policy and the Lehigh University policy on Financial Conflicts of Interest Related to Research both apply to postdocs. Pursuant to these policies, outside professional activities, e.g. adjunct teaching, and any other required disclosures must be submitted in LIRA. The university actively solicits disclosures annually each November, and individuals are required to update disclosures within 30 days when new financial interests (e.g. income from adjunct teaching) is obtained throughout the year.


Professional Development and Support

 

May 12, 2025: This FAQ was drafted following questions from PIs and postdocs about whether Lehigh had guidelines about postdocs participating in teaching, both on and off campus.  This was written in consultation with the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance and the Office of International Students and Scholars.