Research Associate (Post-Doc) Benefits and Fringe Costs
Research associates are those MSU employees who have earned PhDs or other terminal degrees and are gaining additional educational experience but who have not been appointed to tenure system, specialist, instructor, or similar positions. Historically, research associates have stayed at MSU between 3-5 years. In order to attract the best research associates, MSU has provided the same health coverage as that provided to faculty and academic staff. With limited exception, research associates are supported from grants and contracts. Due to the highly competitive nature of grants and contracts and the high costs of MSU’s generous benefits program, it has been decided to treat research associates as a separate group for benefits purposes. While the cost study supporting this decision found that research associates have comparable coverage, i.e. number of dependents, they are, on average, notably younger. Accordingly, their actual health costs, based on utilization, were lower.
Based on the above, the following changes to the research associate position have been approved by the Office of the Provost and the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies.
A person may be employed in a research associate position for a maximum of 5 years. Upon completion of 60 FTE service months, a research associate may be reappointed as a senior research associate or other appropriate rank/title.
A person in a research associate position is eligible for the University’s 10% retirement match after completing 3 years of university employment (after 36 FTE service months MSU retirement match is possible at the beginning of year 4). This extends the eligibility period by one year over the previous system. This change was effective for all new hires appointed on or after October 1, 2006; it will not apply to individuals appointed prior to October 1, 2006.
The health, dental and prescription drug component of the fringe assessment for research associates will continue at $5,500 for the 2007-08 year. This amount will be inflated in future years at the same rate as for other University employees. This will result in a significant reduction in health care charges applied to research associates and brings the costs of research associates in line with those of our peers who offer far less health coverage. There will be no change in the health, dental and prescription drug coverage for Research Associates.
A new position title of Senior Research Associate will be established that may be used for individuals who complete five years of service as a Research Associate, or at any time the hiring department feels a person meets the requirements of a Senior Research Associate. Senior Research Associates would be eligible for the same benefits as fixed term faculty, including the University’s 10% retirement matching contribution upon appointment, and will be assessed the normal costs of fringe benefits.
Position Descriptions
· RESEARCH ASSOCIATE – In addition to the current HR website position information, see below, research associates will participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of research studies. Collects data and develops data collection instruments and procedures; trains and supervises data collection personnel. Designs, organizes, and implements project database; analyzes data. Collaborates on reports and publication of findings. Expected to participate intellectually with faculty and graduate students. PhD with no experience is required.
· SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE - Designs, implements, evaluates, and analyzes research projects. Publishes research findings. Participates in relevant professional societies and organizations. May develop and assist in the writing of research proposals. The senior research associate is distinguished from the research associate by a substantial research publication record and scholarly recognition in the field and is expected to participate intellectually with faculty and graduate students. A PhD is required with experience to develop a substantial research and publication record.
From the HR website at http://www.hr.msu.edu/HRsite/Documents/Faculty/Handbooks/Hiring/academicpositions:
Research Associates are appointed on a
fixed-term basis to work on research projects with MSU faculty; they are
members of the academic staff of MSU. Employment as a Research Associate is
limited to a maximum of five years.
Research associates must have a doctoral degree. (Ph.D., Ed.D., M.D., D.O.,
D.V.M.) or its equivalent. Exceptions will be considered for the
following:
1. Individuals without a doctoral degree may be appointed with the title
of research associate for nine months provided the following condition is
satisfied:
Satisfactory completion of the Ph.D. dissertation defense/orals with minimal revisions needed that are expected to be completed within three to six months. A letter from the chairperson of the department/school in which the Ph.D. work is being taken indicating the nature of the work to be completed and an estimated time-frame for completion must be submitted with the appointment form.
Any reappointment beyond nine months requires proof of degree or a statement from the Dean of the Graduate School, or other appropriate University official, that the requirements have been completed.
2. Individuals who have completed all requirements for the doctoral degree, but the degree has not been formally awarded, may be appointed for up to twelve months. A letter from the Dean of the Graduate School or other appropriate University official must be submitted with the appointment form.
Exceptions require approval of the Office of the Provost.