evolscientist

"NIH provides stipends to NRSA fellows and trainees as a subsistence allowance to help defray living expenses during the research training experience. NIH does not provide stipends as a condition of employment ..."

This is the NIH officially stating that postdocs really don't deserve any better.

https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-23-111.html

NOT-OD-23-111: Reminder NIH Policies for NRSA Stipends, Compensation and Other Income

NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts: Reminder NIH Policies for NRSA Stipends, Compensation and Other Income NOT-OD-23-111. NIH

Apr 22, 2023 at 1:02pmWeb
Show threadevolscientistApr 22, 2023

Note that this comes right on the heels of an RFI:

https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-23-084.html

NOT-OD-23-084: Request for Information (RFI): Re-envisioning U.S. Postdoctoral Research Training and Career Progression within the Biomedical Research Enterprise

NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts: Request for Information (RFI): Re-envisioning U.S. Postdoctoral Research Training and Career Progression within the Biomedical Research Enterprise NOT-OD-23-084. OD

Show threadevolscientistApr 22, 2023

A system designed to leave trainees without monetary resources before mid-30s/40s creates huge financial risks. Even more so with a tight faculty market.

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/040315/why-save-retirement-your-20s.asp

Why Save for Retirement in Your 20s?

You are probably paying off your student loans and retirement is 40 years away. Shouldn't you focus on eliminating debt and, maybe, saving for a home?

Investopedia
Show threadevolscientistApr 22, 2023
I recognize there are limits on funding and budgets. But the statement that trainees don't get to earn more than subsistence seems callous and tone-deaf. Even more so as many of us work towards better DEI within science.