Candidate Terms of Appointment

The Penn State President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP) awards a number of postdoctoral fellowships annually in all academic fields for research conducted under faculty sponsorship. The annual award provides a salary of $50,000-$60,000, depending on the field and level of experience, and $5,000 for research, professional development, and moving expenses. The award also includes enrollment in a health plan for the fellow and dependents (with some contribution from the fellow), and other benefits as included at the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs website. Penn State also has guidelines for postdoc parental leave. (Please note: Departments and mentors will make appropriate arrangements for space and other necessary resources).

Renewal

Each award is for a 12-month period. A renewal of the fellowship for one additional term may be granted upon demonstration of successful research productivity and participation in program events. All renewal terms will terminate twelve months after the renewal date. If an awardee has received an offer for a tenure track faculty position at the time of selection or has other postdoctoral fellowship awards, the fellowship may be awarded for one year without renewal.

Expectations

President’s Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to:

• Establish residence and participate in academic life at the campus of their postdoctoral appointment.
• Focus full-time on research and avoid other commitments such as teaching or additional employment.
• Meet regularly with their faculty mentor.
• In consultation with their faculty mentor and department head, develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP).
• Participate in the PPFP professional development programs.