Why Work at CWRU?

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Note: The CWRU Postdoctoral Association is here to answer questions for anyone looking to do a postdoc at CWRU. Email postdoc@case.edu or any of the individual members


Where do I Find Postdoc Positions at CWRU?

Prospective postdocs can find out more information on applying here.

Already been offered a position at CWRU? Fill out the Postdoc Data Form so we can get started on your appointment. 


Current CWRU Postdoc Population

* as of January 2024

postdoc population count

226 total

52% males / 47% females / 1% Other

77% International / 23% U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

40+ countries represented

60% Asian, 31% White, 5% Black, 4% Hispanic

2.6% Underrepresented Minorities (URM)


CWRU Postdoc Scholar & Fellow Benefits

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs hires both Postdoctoral Scholars and Postdoctoral Fellows. See the difference between the two categories. Currently there are 225+ postdocs employed at CWRU.

Download the Postdoc Guide Flyer

The Postdoc Guide Flyer is a comprehensive document outlining the benefits and resources available to CWRU postdocs. 

 

  Postdoc Scholar Postdoc Fellow
Office Oversight Office of Postdoctoral Affairs in the School of Graduate Studies
University Employee Special class employees No
Domestic or International Either
CWRU Expense Class 513200 572500
Funding Source Funded by the PI's grant, CWRU, or an individual fellowship (internal funding) Funded by an individual federal fellowship obtained by the postdoc (e.g. NRSA F32, T32, or NSF) (external funding)
Mentored Training Relationship Yes
Subject to Fringe No
Salary or Stipend Salary Stipend
Salary Structure Based on the annual National Research Service Awards (NRSA) levels
Exempt or Non-Exempt Exempt (salary) Exempt (salary)
Pay days per month One; last working day of the month
Appointment Length One (1) year
Term Limit Generally five (5) years of combined postdoc experience
Teaching Permitted Yes
Taxes Federal, state, and local taxes. Postdoc Scholars also pay FICA taxes (Medicare and Social Security) Federal, state, and local taxes. Postdoc Fellows are exempt from paying FICA taxes (Medicare and Social Security)
Visa Issuance Issued through CWRU Immigration & HR Services
Visa Length J1 visas are issued for 5 years, H1Bs for 3 years. 
  Scholars Fellows
Benefits Package The Postdoc Benefits Program includes medical (Aetna), dental (MetLife), vision (EyeMed), life insurance (The Standard), and the Employee Assistance Program (Impact Solutions)
Monthly Benefits Costs Per the Postdoc Insurance Coverage Policy, it is the responsibility of the faculty mentor, department, and/or college/school to pay for 100% of the monthly benefits program premiums for postdocs and their dependents.
Life Insurance $20,000 Basic and $20,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains (J visa holders) Yes
Monthly Benefits Costs Covered by PI The postdoc's PI is required to pay for the monthly costs of the Single coverage plan on the Postdoc Benefits Program. * Discuss insurance coverage with your PI. Depending on funding availability, some PIs may be able to cover Dependent or Family costs.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Included in Postdoc Benefits Package through Impact Solutions. 24/7 assistance available for mental Health counseling, financial consultation, legal consultation, life coaching, referrals, and medical advocacy. 
Sick and Vacation Leave

Sick: 10 days / year

Vacation: 16 days / year (accrued at 1.33 days / month)

Floating Holiday: 1 day / year

* Scholars can be paid out unused vacation leave upon leaving CWRU.

* See the policy here

Sick: 10 days / year

Vacation: 16 days / year (accrued at 1.33 days / month)

Floating Holiday: 1 day / year

* Fellows cannot be paid out unused vacation leave upon leaving CWRU.

* See the policy here

University Holidays

Eleven (11) University Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve. 

Postdocs also follow the Appreciative Time Off Policy as it relates to Take 2, Holiday Early Dismissal, Winter Recess, and Dangling Holidays. 

Paid Parental Leave 8 weeks (40 days) of Paid Parental Leave after the birth, adoption, or foster care of a child.
Tuition Discount Yes, Postgrad Audit Program allows you to pay 10% of the tuition cost to audit a course. 
Gym Facilities Free access to the Veale Recreation Center and Wyant Athletic & Wellness Center
Childcare Resource No on-site childcare available. Drop-in childcare, childcare discounts, childcare support during travel, paid parental leave
University Technology

Access to 24/7 Tech Support via email, phone, or chat. The CARE Center offers in-person support for your work or personal devices. 

Access to programs like Box, Zoom, Microsoft 365, and Adobe Acrobat

Retirement Eligible to contribute to an IRA through Vanguard or TIAA-Cref. Not eligible to participate in a 403b. No matching funds contributed towards retirement.
Discounts Discounts available including cell phone plans through AT&T and Verizon, rental cars, airport parking, Cleveland Cavaliers tickets, movie tickets, and Playhouse Square.
Free National Postdoc Association (NPA) membership Yes, see NPA information
Eligible for COBRA Yes, when your postdoc appointment terminates and you leave the university, you may continue (and pay for) your insurance coverage for any of the medical or dental plans in which you and your family members are enrolled by electing COBRA Continuation Coverage
Eligible for Unemployment No
  Scholars Fellows
Orientation Yes, half day on-site Orientation
Postdoc Association Yes, see the CWRU PDA website
Professional Development Center Yes
Professional Development Opportunities Yes, see the Professional Development site
Spoken English Language Program Yes, see SELP resources
Annual Reviews Yes, Annual Reviews are required as part of the annual reappointment process
Safety Training Provided by Environmental Health & Safety
Social Events with Postdocs See the Events page
Social Media Yes, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook
Participation in Intramural Sports Yes, anyone with a CWRU ID can participate in intramural sports
Campus Offices / Centers

CWRU Benefits Compared to Peer Institutions

The National Postdoc Association (NPA) publishes their annual report which includes illustrations on postdoc benefits offered across US institutions. See what we offer and how CWRU compares to our peer institutions. 

View the Benefits Comparison Chart