Postdoctoral scholars are Ph.D.'s who receive a stipend or fellowship from an outside agency that is distributed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on behalf of the sponsor. Their actual job title depends on the funding source. Fellows are not considered employees of MIT because they are paid from outside MIT, while associates are paid by the institute and may be eligible for staff benefits.
Salaries
As of July 2011, according to Claude R. Canizares, the Vice President for Research and Associate Provost, the postdoctoral rates start at $37,740 per year for new graduates and are based on the postdoctorate's years of experience. For example, those with three years get $44,304 per year, and those with seven years of work make $52,068 per year. The maximum rate is $78,000 per year. These amounts are based on those developed by the National Institute of Health. Departments, laboratories and centers can establish their own rates, as long as they are within these guidelines.
Conditions
A postdoctorate appointment is not considered long-term, indefinite or used as a career. It typically lasts one term, but can be renewed for not more than a total of four years. The position is meant for recent graduates, and is a way to develop "scholarly competence, working under the supervision of MIT faculty members," according to the MIT website. An extension for a fifth year is possible with the approval of the appropriate dean. However, extensions beyond that year are only possible under extraordinary circumstances.
Termination
Though the appointment letter specifies the end date of an appointment, postdoctorate scholarships may end sooner because of reduced funding, changes in the scope or work, or other reasons outside the control of the scholar. In such cases, she must receive a three-month notice, if the appointment is for at least 50-percent time and less than three years of service. Six months are required for more than three years of service. Appointments for under 50-percent time and less than three years are considered temporary, and require no notice.
Benefits
Postdoctorate fellows must enroll in the MIT Affiliate Health Plan, if their appointment lasts five months or longer. If they already have an equivalent health plan they must sign a waver. They can also enroll in dental, vision, backup child and adult care, and the childcare scholarship program. Postdoctorate associates receive the same benefits as any MIT employee including basic retirement, life insurance, disability and accident insurance. They can also enroll voluntarily in health, dental and vision programs, open a flexible spending account, get supplemental insurance, receive tuition assistance, scholarships for their children, and an educational loan.
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