Postdoctoral Scholar Benefits
The University provides Post Doctoral Scholars with benefits to meet their needs and the needs of their families while employed with UNLV.
More information is available on the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs webpage.
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Health Benefits
Health coverage for postdoctoral scholars begins on the first day of the month concurrent with, or following, the effective date of your date of hire. If your position begins after the first day of the month, your coverage will not begin until the first day of the following month.
Family and dependents are eligible to be added to the plan at the same time an employee elects coverage. For additional eligibility guidelines, review the overview section.
Family and Dependent Eligibility Overview
Coverage ends the last day of the month in which your employment ends.
Voluntary Benefits
Benefits-eligible employees can elect to participate in voluntary benefit programs. Enrollment with Public Employee Benefits Program (PEBP) health insurance is not required to enroll in any of these products.
Medicare Plans
Individuals become eligible for Medicare coverage when they turn 65. Enrollment is not required if enrolled in a group medical plan with the Public Employee Benefits Program (PEBP).
Medicare and PEBP Coverage Overview
Additional Resources
Medical Plan Options
There are three medical plan options for you to choose from so you can find coverage that meets your needs.
Prescription Benefits
Prescription benefits differ based on the medical plan you choose. The Statewide CDHP - PPO and Low Deductible PPO plan use Express Scripts and the HMO plan uses OPTUM Rx to manage prescription benefits.
Vision Benefits
Vision benefits, copays, and coverages differ based on the health plan that you choose. Most plans cover all or part of the cost of prescription eyeglasses or contacts on a bi-yearly basis.
Dental Benefits
Dental coverages are the same for all three medical care plans. Coinsurance rates differ based on whether your provider is in-network or out-of-network.
Health Savings Accounts & Health Reimbursement Arrangements
If you select the PPO - Consumer Driven Health Plan, you may choose a health savings account or a health reimbursement account to assist you in overing medical bills.
Health Savings Accounts & Health Reimbursement Arrangement Overview
Time Off and Leave
Postdoctoral scholars receive annual leave and sick leave.
Annual Leave
Postdoctoral scholars receive 1.25 days of annual leave each month.
Requesting Leave
Time off requests are submitted through Workday for supervisor approval. The “manage your time off” job aid is available for those who need instructions.
Annual Leave Carryover
Fifteen (15) days of leave may be carried over each month.
Annual Leave Payout at Separation
Postdoctoral scholars are not paid for any unused annual leave upon termination of employment.
Sick Leave
Postdoctoral scholars receive fifteen (15) days of sick leave on the first day of employment. After one year, scholars accrue 1.25 days of sick leave each month. Sick leave is paid time off and may be used for:
- Personal illness
- Care of an ill family member
- Doctor appointments
- Death in the family
Requesting Leave
Time off requests are submitted through Workday.
Sick Time Carryover
Fifteen (15) days of leave may be carried over each month.
Sick Leave Payout at Separation
Postdoctoral scholars are not paid for any unused sick leave upon termination of employment.
Wellness
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a University of Nevada, Las Vegas sponsored program. The EAP is managed by ComPsych. The program provides all employees with assistance to address personal everyday challenges and obtain resources and information needed to support positive change and improve your well-being.
The program provides:
- Emotional support for issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief, loss, and life
- Qualified referrals and resources for finding child and elder care, hiring movers, home repair contractors, planning events and locating pet care
- Legal guidance and resources for divorce, adoption, family law, wills, trusts, and more
- Financial experts who can assist with retirement planning, taxes, relocation, mortgages, insurance, budgeting, debt, and bankruptcy
- Online information tools and support such as podcasts, articles, videos, slideshows
- On-demand training
The faculty/staff wellness webpage also provides on-campus resources based on the Eight Dimensions of Wellness.
Tuition Assistance and Professional Development
Postdoctoral scholars, their spouses, and dependent(s) are considered in-state residents for tuition purposes. There is no additional aid provided.
Learning & Development
A variety of personal and professional development opportunities are available to develop and enhance our workforce including:
- Virtual Professional Development Seminar series
- Management Training Academy
- Real Colors
- Leadership Coaching Program
These programs are available from our Learning & Development unit.
Retirement
University employees do not participate in Social Security. Instead, postdoctoral scholars are required to participate in a mandatory 403(b) retirement plan. Vesting is immediate.
- 6.2% of the employee’s gross salary is contributed, the university matches the contribution
- Contributions are automatically deducted from paychecks on a tax-deferred basis
- Both the employee and the employer contributions are invested, at the direction of each participant, into a 403(b) account
- Participants have the ability to choose the investments available within the plan
- TIAA is the sole record keeper for this plan
- To manage your account, login into the TIAA account portal
Withdrawal
Participants are eligible to withdraw funds from the plan when they:
- Separate employment
- Are age 59½ even if still employed
- Die (via designated beneficiary)
Voluntary Retirement Plans
Contact
If you have any questions about your benefits, please contact your HR business team representative.