Implementation of Use of
New Research Associate/Postdoc Employee Types
Office of the Provost
Effective September 1, 2003


• As of September 1, 2003, no new employee will be classified in employee types Research Associate (04), Other Fellows (15) or Postdoc Non-degree (18), and no new trainee on a postdoctoral training grant will be classified in Other Trainees (14).

• As of September 1, 2003, new employees who are appointed to engage in full-time research or scholarship and who have earned the Ph.D. degree, or equivalent, will be placed on the payroll in one of three employee types, whose definitions are attached.  They will be called Postdoctoral Associates, Postdoctoral Scholars, or Research Associates.  (Referred to as A, B, and C, respectively.)  The definition of each is attached.  The bolded sentences highlight the differences among the definitions and do not mean added emphasis.

• The fringe rate charged for persons in A or C will be the same as the current Research Associate rate and the benefits will be the same as that of the current Research Associate (employee type 04).

• Each person in B on a full appointment will be eligible to enroll in the medical insurance plans available to staff and faculty employees.  The dean of the school (or director of a center that does not report to a dean) is responsible for implementing a plan to pay for the University’s contribution to this health insurance.

• Persons in A and C will be issued an ID card giving them the same privileges as staff and faculty.  A person in employee type B will be issued an ID card that will permit usage of the PAT bus system and the University’s libraries.  The dean of each school (or director of a center that does not report to a dean) will implement a plan to pay for the PAT bus system benefit.  Persons in B will be eligible for use of appropriate computer facilities.

• Persons currently classified as Research Associate (04), Other Fellows (15) or Postdoc Non-degree (18) will be shifted gradually to one of the new classifications or to staff positions, as contracts and grants are renewed.
 
 

Definition of
New Research Associate/Postdoc Employee Types
Office of the Provost
Effective September 1, 2003


The following are descriptions of proposed Employee Types for those working at the University of Pittsburgh with Ph.D. degrees (or the equivalent), who are appointed to engage in full-time research or scholarship.  The responsibilities and degree of supervision of persons in these types differ from those of staff in research positions and of faculty.  Usually these appointees are funded by external grants or awards.  The bolded sentences highlight the differences among the definitions and do not mean added emphasis.

A.  Postdoctoral Associates. (Currently has been usually classified as Research Associate, type 04, 15, 18.)  The appointment involves substantially full-time research or scholarship.  It is a transitional position and is viewed as preparatory for an academic and/or research career.  The appointee is not part of a clinical training program.  The appointee:
• was recently awarded the Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate.
• works under the supervision of a faculty member.
•  has the freedom and is expected to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship during the period of the appointment.
is supported on research funds in return for duties performed to meet the goals for which the funds were awarded and is an employee of the University, paid through the University, with a fringe rate collected on the salary.

B.  Postdoctoral Scholars:  (Currently has usually been classified as employee type 14).  The appointment involves substantially full-time research or scholarship.  It is a transitional position  and is viewed as preparatory for an academic and/or research career.  The appointee is not part of a clinical training program. The appointee:
• was recently awarded the Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate.
• works under the supervision of a faculty member.
• has the freedom and is expected to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship during the period of the appointment.
• is paid from a University grant that prohibits the individual from being considered an employee (as determined by Sponsored Research or other entity), or from a grant whose funding source does not permit collection of a fringe rate, or is being paid a stipend by an agency outside the University.  For example, this includes persons on training grants or postdoctoral fellowships.

C.  Research Associate:  (Currently normally classified as Research Associate, type 04.)  The appointment involves substantially full time research or scholarship.  It is a renewable appointment, and not viewed as preparation for another position.  The appointee is not part of a clinical training program. The appointee:
• has earned the Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate
• works under the supervision of a faculty member.
• has the freedom and is expected to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship during the period of the appointment.
is supported on research funds in return for duties performed to meet the goals for which the funds were awarded and is an employee of the University, paid through the University, with fringe rate collected on the salary.
experience and quality of research may justify appointment or promotion to Senior Research Associate