FUNDING AND BENEFITS
Stipends
Stipends are set by the National Institutes of Health and can be found on the NIH NRSA website.
Stipends are based on the number of full years of postdoctoral experience and/or training you have at the time your fellowship begins - parts of a year are not prorated.
Stipends are paid on the 10th and the 25th of each month via the UW payroll system. You will receive your first paycheck on July 25. Social security is not deducted from your stipend. Stipends are not subject to self-employment tax (FICA), but are subject to federal taxes. If you are not in a degree program, the Internal Revenue Service requires that you also report course tuition as income.
Benefits Medical & Dental Benefits
Trainees in the NRSA program are eligible for medical and dental insurance, for both themselves and their families, commencing the first day of their fellowship. There is sometimes a charge for this coverage, depending upon the plan selected. Trainees will attend or participate online in a benefits orientation sponsored by the UW Benefits Office. If you have specific benefits-related questions, please contact the UW Benefits Office at 206- 543-2800.
Tuition
The training grant can only cover up to 60% of tuition and fees (UW tuition rates). Trainees are responsible for utilizing the University's Tuition Exemption Program by completing a Faculty/Staff Tuition Waiver Form each semester to ensure that they have enough tuition funds. It is your responsibility to register for the appropriate classes for your degree program. If you have questions about your coursework, please discuss with the appropriate department director or your degree program.
Out-of-State tuition
For non-residents of Washington State, your out-of-state tuition will be waived for the first four semesters that you are a trainee. After your first year, you can apply for Washington State residency and you will be eligible for in-state tuition rates. The program does not have funds to pay out-of-state tuition, thus all trainees must be Washington State residents by their second year. You should submit your Washington State Residency Application 6-8 weeks before your 5th semester of coursework.
As an out-of-state resident, you are not eligible for the Tuition Exemption Program, but you will be eligible once you have achieved residency status.
Travel Funds
Trainees are allocated $1,000 per year for to attend national and/or regional scientific meetings.
"Miscellaneous" Funds
Trainees are allocated $1,000 per year to spend on miscellaneous fellowship and research expenses, such as books, software, copying, registrations, dues, subscriptions, postage, and the like. More details will be provided by Elena Schroeder on allowable expenses if you are accepted into the fellowship.
Leaves Holiday
Trainees are paid for all University of Washington recognized holidays. Please note that summer quarter is not considered a holiday and trainees are in work status during this time.
Vacation
In line with University of Washington policies, trainees are eligible for 30 days of paid vacation per year. This time is not tracked by the University, but please notify your department director before taking a long vacation.
Sick
Trainees are eligible for up to 15 days per year of sick leave with pay. Sick leave may be used for the medical conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth.
Parental Leave
Trainees may also receive stipends for up to 60 calendar days of parental leave per year for the adoption or the birth of a child when pre-approved by the program director, Chris Bryson.
Additional sick leave or other leaves must have prior approval of the program director, Chris Bryson, and our grant sponsor, HRSA, and are without pay.