University-wide Postdoctoral Fellow Policy

This University-wide policy sets forth minimum requirements for the official appointment of postdoctoral fellows and the salary, benefits, leave, and accommodation requirements for all postdoctoral fellows. School of Medicine-specific policies for appointments, vacation, leave, etc. are detailed in the links below.

School of Medicine Postdoctoral Code of Conduct Statement

As members of the Johns Hopkins University community, postdoctoral fellows are expected to maintain high standards of integrity, honesty, and ethical and professional conduct and to maintain a safe, respectful training and workplace environment. Failure to comply with these standards; institutional policies and other requirements; and/or laws may be reviewed and adjudicated by the Associate Dean for Postdoctoral Affairs, in consultation with the Vice Dean for Education, and can result in sanctions, up to and including termination of the postdoctoral appointment.

Process & Policies for Postdoctoral Appointments

Stipends & Benefits

All postdoctoral research fellows are compensated at a level at least equal to the minimum NIH NRSA stipend level (PGY0). NIH stipend levels are listed here.

View the Current Policy

View a summary of benefits for postdoctoral research fellows.

SOM Benefits for Postdocs Information Session. The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs hosted a virtual information session on SOM postdoc benefits in collaboration with the Registrar's Office on December 7, 2021. Access to slides from the session require a JHED ID and are available here.

Leave Policies

New: A reference guide for taking a leave of absence can be found here

Family and Medical Leave Act:

For Postdocs
Contact your PI and department administrators to request leave under FMLA.

For Department Administrators
The FMLA notification letter and medical forms can be found at this link.

Research Policies

The Office of Policy Coordination website contains updated information on policies and procedures related to:

• Research Integrity
• Outside Interests and Conflict of Interest
• Interaction with Industry
• Sunshine Act
• Additional policies and regulations

You may view and download an overview of Responsible Conduct of Research resources at this link. (JHED log-in information required.)

Equal Opportunity

The Office of Institutional Equity provides equal opportunity policies, procedures, and resources for:

• Discrimination and Harassment
• Sexual Misconduct
• Disability Accommodations and ADA Compliance
• Religious Accommodations
• Diversity
• Confidential Resources

View the Equal Opportunity and Title IX Notice for Students Faculty, Staff, and Applicants.

Workplace Conflict

Postdoctoral fellows who have a dispute with a mentor or colleague may bring complaints to their PI, department director, or to the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. When appropriate (excluding matters of workplace safety, forms of harassment, legal matters, etc.), the Office will attempt to counsel and aid conflict mediation through informal discussion, decision-making, and goal-setting. In the event that a dispute cannot be solved by informal discussions described in the previous section, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs can advise on more formal avenues for addressing disputes, such as the Grievance Procedure for Faculty, Fellows and the Student Body.

Reporting Learner Mistreatment
If you have experienced or witnessed mistreatment and/or disruptive behavior, you can submit complaints through the Resources for Reporting Mistreatment webpage.

Additional Training and Research Policies
JHU SOM Guidelines for Conduct in Teacher/Learner Relationships

JHU Mentoring Expectations (issued 2021)

JHU Ombuds Office
The JHU ombudsperson (Annalisa Peterson) for postdoctoral fellows and graduate students and serves as a confidential resource for work-related concerns, including mistreatment, lab issues, and navigating peer conflict.
JHU Ombuds Office Website

Family Programs

Health & Wellness