Human Resources for Postdocs
All postdocs are expected to read and abide by organizational policies (VU or VUMC as determined by the postdoc’s classification) on the appropriate human resources website:
Questions about benefits should be directed to either the VU or VUMC human resources postdoc representative:
A postdoctoral appointment is a full-time position. Activities are determined by the department/program. Requests to reduce from 100% FTE must be approved by the faculty advisor, dean of the school/college, and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. Reduction of effort could impact benefits eligibility.
Benefits Overview
Eligibility for benefits is determined by postdoctoral classification as summarized below. A listing of postdoctoral classifications can be found here.
Click on the arrow for detailed information for each category.
The benefits below are for Research Fellows (9132) and Postdoctoral Scholars, Research (9145), who are classified as employees. Health Insurance The following additional benefits are available These additional benefits are provided through either VU or VUMC Human Resources Department. Questions? Contact the appropriate human resources department
Coverage beginning August 12, 2023 2023-2024 Plan Highlight Flyer (VUnetID Required) 2023-2024 Plan Orientation Video Non-employee postdocs (i.e., VU Postdoctoral Scholar, Trainee) on training and fellowship grants (for whom no FICA is withheld) are eligible for the VU Postdoc Trainee Health Insurance Plan. The health insurance plan is administered by Academic Health Plans and is Affordable Care Act compliant. Dates of coverage are August 12, 2023 to August 11, 2024. VU Postdoctoral Scholar Trainees have access to Lyra Mental and Behavioral Health telehealth services and Virgin Pulse wellness service. VU Postdoctoral Scholar Trainees also have access to the Occupational Health Clinic and the Faculty/Staff Express Care Clinic. Additional information can be found on the Postdoc Health & Wellness Resources page. Postdocs are not eligible to use the services at the Student Health Center (SHC) or Work/Life Connections – VUMC EAP. Postdocs may enroll their eligible dependents with an additional cost. Eligible dependents include: Coverage for eligible dependents must be purchased for the same time period as the postdocs’ period of coverage and cannot exceed coverage purchased by the postdoc. For example, an individual enrolled for annual coverage has to purchase annual coverage for a dependent unless a qualifying event occurs (see Qualifying Events section below) Programs/departments are billed for postdoc health insurance on a quarterly basis. The quarters and rates* are broken down as follows: Trainee – $994/quarter Postdoctoral Scholar Trainees can also add eligible dependent(s) if they experience one of the following qualifying events: (a) marriage, (b) birth of a child, (c) divorce, (d) if the dependent is entering the country for the first time, or (e) the dependent loses coverage under another health insurance. Dental & Vision Insurance Eligibility
Postdoc Enrollment
Enrolling Dependents
Benefits & Premium
2023-2024 Postdoc Rates
Spouse – $994/quarter
Dependents under 18 – $1003/quarter (2x max)To Terminate Coverage
Qualifying Events
Questions?
Coverage starts October 1, 2023 Non-employee PostDocs (VUMC Research Fellow Trainee’s) on training and fellowship grants (for whom no FICA is withheld) are eligible for the VUMC Postdoc Trainee Health Insurance Plan. The health insurance plan is administered by Gallagher. For additional information, see 2023-2024 Health Insurance Plan Design Changes below. Dates of coverage are October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024. VUMC Postdoctoral Research Fellow Trainees have access to the Postdoc Wellness Program of Work/Life Connections-EAP, as well as Occupational Health. Detailed information is located at: Vanderbilt University Medical Center Postdoctoral Trainee Benefits Program All postdoctoral trainees enrolled in this benefits package are given the option of buying-up into the Aetna PPO 90/70 Health Insurance Plan for a small monthly premium. Many postdocs have asked if their grant/department will pay for the buy-up premiums, if the funds are available. Since the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs cannot be invoiced for postdoc buy-up premiums, you must discuss this option with your respective department. If approved, each department will determine how they wish to handle payment. Please note: If Gallagher does not receive payment for the buy-up premium by the scheduled due dates, the trainee’s benefits will terminate, and they will not be able to re-enroll until the next open enrollment period in the fall. Reimbursement/payment of the postdoc premium on behalf of the trainee is to be negotiated between the department and the trainee. (Postdoc responsible for enrolling and making payments) (Postdoc responsible for enrolling and making payments) If a postdoctoral trainee chooses to participate in the optional vision plan or Aetna Buy-up plan, they are responsible for enrolling and making payments as necessary to Gallagher. Eligibility
Postdoc Enrollment
Postdoc Monthly Rates
Monthly Gallagher AETNA Medical Rates: 2023-2024
Coverage Tier
Benefits Plan Cost
Postdoc Only
$834.80
Postdoc + Spouse
$1,936.83
Postdoc + Child
$1,711.42
Family
$2,771.69
AETNA Dental Plans
Coverage Tier (HMO)
Monthly Premium
Postdoc Only
$19.91
Postdoc + Spouse
$39.19
Postdoc + Child
$50.05
Family
$74.55
Coverage Tier (PPO)
Monthly Premium
Postdoc Only
$35.26
Postdoc + Spouse
$69.38
Postdoc + Child
$88.53
Family
$132.00
Optional Monthly Aetna Buy-Up PPO 90/70
Coverage Tier
Monthly Buy-Up Premium
Postdoc only
$45.54
Postdoc + Spouse
$105.63
Postdoc + Child
$93.32
Family
$151.12
Optional Vision
Coverage Tier
Monthly Premium
Postdoc only
$8.93
Postdoc + Spouse
$17.86
Postdoc + Child
$19.64
Family
$28.57
Life, ADD Coverage
$6.82
LTD Coverage
$4.30
Leave and Time Off Policies
Postdocs have policies that differ from the HR policies at VU or VUMC.
You can view details and a chart based on your job code on the Leave and Time Off page.
Accommodations
Vanderbilt University is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action. Persons with disabilities who have requests for reasonable accommodations should contact the Office for Equal Access.