Two Postdoc Job Titles – What is the Difference?

9Since eligibility for benefits and aspects of compensation and taxation differ between the two Ohio State postdoctoral job titles, it is important to understand what distinguishes a Post Doctoral Scholar from a Post Doctoral Scholar-NRSA. The postdoc’s source of funding, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and grantor’s guidelines concerning that funding ultimately determine which job title is appropriate. Note that postdocs who change job titles while at Ohio State will experience a change (gain or loss) in some of their benefits, as well as possible compensation and tax changes.

  • Post Doctoral Scholar (job code 8806)

    • An employee of the university pursuing continued education and specialized research training and experience.
    • Receives a salary (wages).
    • Supported by funding that does not prohibit the postdoc from having an employee designation. Typically performs services on a grant or contract in exchange for compensation during postdoctoral training.
    • Common funding sources are research grants awarded to the faculty advisor.
    • The majority of postdocs at Ohio State are in this job title.

See more extensive definition here

  • Post Doctoral Scholar-NRSA (job code 8818)
    • Trainee, not an employee. Pursuing specialized research training and experience.
    • Receives a stipend.
    • Supported by an NIH fellowship, such as: F32, T32, TL1, etc.