Benefits and Support

Benefits & Support for Postdocs

- Below contains links and information to general benefits and support resources at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

Harvard University's Benefits for Postdocs
-Outlined on the HMS Human Resources webpage. Click on the link above to navigate to the page.
Please note: Harvard Benefits information only pertains to postdocs hired and paid by HMS/Harvard. If you were hired by one of the affiliate hospitals your benefits derive from that institution.
For specific questions regarding your benefits contact the Benefits Office:
Phone: 617-496-4001
Email: benefits@harvard.edu
Website: https://harvie.harvard.edu

2024 Benefits Slide Presentation
Paid Family Medical Leave

Changing and Updating Benefits Coverage: Qualifying Life Events | Dependent Loss of Benefits

Child Care @ Harvard | Child Care Scholarships
- Whether you are new to Harvard or new to parenthood, you may have questions about child care. As a general matter, there are three main options – center-based care, family day care, and in-home providers, as well as combinations of the above. These pages will give you detailed information about child care centers on or near Harvard’s campuses, as well as provide you with resources for finding other types of child care.

Harvard University Health Services Insurance for Affiliates
- Postdocs with a current appointment through HMS/HSDM who are ineligible for employee benefits either through the university or another employer may be eligible for enrollment in the Harvard Student Health Plan. There is no limitation to the number of years that postdocs may be enrolled in the Harvard Student Health Plan as long as he/she remains an eligible Harvard Postdoctoral Fellow. Health insurance premiums are paid for "out-of-pocket", so postdocs receiving their pay directly from an outside funding agency are strongly recommended to obtain additional funds for the purchase of this insurance.

Harvard's Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Harvard has contracted with the nationally recognized Wellness Corporation (known within the University as Harvard's EAP) to connect faculty and staff with a rich network of resources that can help employees manage the competing demands of work and life. Meanwhile, Harvard still provides extensive services internally. Visit HARVie to learn about Harvard's Office of Work/Life Resources, and how to access additional services at Harvard (Harvard University username and password are required).

Harvard University Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Policy
- The Harvard Medical School (HMS) and School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment in which no member of the HMS/HSDM community is,on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any University program or activity. Gender-based and sexual harassment, including sexual violence, are forms of sex discrimination in that they deny or limit an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from University programs or activities. Harvard University has adopted a new Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Policy, which applies to all Harvard students, faculty, staff, postdocs, Harvard appointees, and third parties.
Title IX Coordinator for HMS Staff and Quad-based Postdocs: José Martinez, Senior HR Compliance Manager

Office for Community Support, Non-Discrimination, Rights and Responsibilities (CSNDR) - CSNDR brings together the former Office for Gender Equity (OGE) and the Office for Community Conduct (OCC) under one umbrella and provides for greater efficiency, access, and integrated resources for the entire Harvard community – students, staff, faculty, and postdoctoral fellows. It is important to highlight that all the resources and supports formerly available through OGE and OCC remain and in some cases are expanded under the new CSNDR umbrella.

CSNDR is comprised of three teams – the confidential SHARE Team (Sexual Harassment/Assault Resources and Education), the Prevention Team, and the NDAB (Non-Discrimination and Anti-Bullying) and Title IX Compliance Team. Community members are welcome to reach out to these teams for support at any time. University Resources for Faculty, Staff, and Postdoctoral Fellows.

The confidential SHARE Team continues to be a survivor-centered, confidential resource dedicated to supporting Harvard community members who may have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, abusive relationships, or discrimination on the basis of gender or sexual orientation. Additionally, the SHARE Team offers confidential accountability support for individuals and communities who may have caused harm.
The Prevention Team now has an expanded mission of creating collaborative learning, development, and outreach initiatives to reduce harm, improve systems and structures, and catalyze culture change related to all types of discrimination.
The NDAB and Title IX Compliance Team serves as a direct line of support and an expanded central hub of information regarding the University's Policies and Procedures for Non-Discrimination, Anti-Bullying, Sexual Harassment, and Other Sexual Misconduct. To better serve our community, we hired a new staff member this summer who serves as the University’s Title VI Coordinator and Deputy for Compliance. We are also bringing on a Deputy for Title VI and Title IX Compliance, who will who support our network of local Title IX Resource Coordinators and Local Designated Resources and serve as a facilitator of informal resolutions, and a Deputy Title VI Coordinator and Case Manager, who will consult on complaints of antisemitism and other forms of discrimination. Each of these new roles provide additional support and expertise to the NDAB and Title IX Compliance Team.

HMS/HSDM/HSPH Ombuds Office
- The Harvard Ombuds Office provides an impartial, confidential and informal forum where HMS, HSDM and HSPH trainees (on campus or with an affiliate institution) can discuss their concerns. No records are kept and the office is independent of any existing administrative or academic structures in order to help you comfortably talk through your issues and goals and the options available to you. We’re here to help you do you own best thinking about your situation so that you can make your own decisions about your next steps. The Ombuds Office provides coaching in written and verbal communications, one-on-one and group meeting facilitation, shuttle diplomacy, upward feedback, information about policies/procedures and resources, and training. Any issue may be brought to the Ombuds Office. Link to video

Harvard Information and Cyber Security
- The University Information Security program aspires to make everyone at Harvard a good steward of the institution's information, including information entrusted to us by others. Program elements include policy development and an Information Security Awareness program that customizes outreach and education for Harvard's diverse communities.

Harvard Research Data Security Policy (HRDSP)
Harvard University’s Information Security Policy effectively addresses the need to protect confidential and sensitive information that is maintained in the various spheres of University administration. The research setting poses particular information security risks and challenges, including regulatory and contractual constraints that require additional policy provisions and protective measures. While following the Policy Statements of the Harvard Information Security Policy, this policy provides specific guidance for managing research data.

Tax Information Website
- Contact the Harvard Tax Services Office for information regarding the tax obligations of postdocs working at Harvard. Foreign nationals can find out more about their tax status, exemptions and obligations on the HIO website.
For foreign nationals: as a Harvard postdoc you have access to the Sprintax software to help you prepare your tax return - You will need your Harvard Key, information is available via HIO.
The Harvard International Office also has a section on taxes and social security. Their website includes links to tax preparers that specialize in international returns as well as contacts for state and federal government resources to help answer your questions about how to declare fellowship income, reimbursements, etc.
If you move from Internal Postdoc to Stipendee Postdoc there are tax and benefits implications, please discuss with your lab or department administrator if you unsure whether this applies to your situaiton.

Harvard International Office
- The Harvard International Office (HIO) is part of Central Administration of Harvard University and offers services to foreign students and scholars at Harvard College and the ten graduate or professional schools, as well as the numerous research centers and affiliated teaching hospitals. It provides information on a wide range of topics, including visas (work permits, travel), financial questions, social and cultural differences, and personal concerns.

Undocumented at Harvard
Resources and information for undocumented members of the Harvard University community

Harvard's International SOS Travel Assistance Program
- Harvard's International SOS (I-SOS) provides 24-hour, worldwide emergency medical care and security evacuation services when traveling abroad. Postdocs traveling on University/School business or related activities to their professional work at HMS are covered. Please note, personal travel, including vacations or travel home to visit family is NOT covered. Visit Harvard's Risk Management site for more information and to sign-up. This program is part of Harvard's Global Support Services (GSS) Office.

Travel Tools at Harvard
Register your itinerary, learn about Harvard Travel Assist and find visa requirements & application assistance (for US citiizens). International travel requires careful planning, even for seasoned travelers. Use our tools and resources to inform your pre-departure planning and ensure you have a safe and rewarding trip abroad. Review the Travel Tools "A Checklist Before You Leave" to make sure you're prepared for your international travel.

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
- Harvard encourages lifelong learning by helping to cover the cost of undergraduate or graduate courses. The Tuition Assistance Plan (TAP) assists with classes taken at Harvard. The Tuition Reimbursement Plan (TRP) assists with classes taken at other accredited schools. Please note: there are eligibility guidelines for Tuition Assistance, please download the TAP/TRP Booklet for complete details.
Please contact Benefits at 617-496-4001, or by email at benefits@harvard.edu if you have further questions, or visit the Tuition Assistance page on HARVie.

Commuting Programs - HLC
HMS partners with CommuteWorks of the Medical Academic and Scientific Community Organization (MASCO) to provide MBTA, rideshare, shuttle, walking and biking options in order to make commutes stress free and cost efficient.

MASCO has the following CommuteWorks Programs, which are free benefits available to all LMA employees.
CommuteWorks
Commute Fit Program
BLUE BIKES - Bike Share Program
Emergency Ride Home Program
CommuteSwap
Personalized Commuting Assistance
Karma Commuting
Benefit of Payroll Deduction
Rideshare Loyalty Program
Bay State Commute
Hourly Car Rental
Zimride
Vanpools
Vanpool Subsidies
MASCO Carpool Program
HLC Carpool Program
Link to all HLC commuting programs: https://campusplanning.hms.harvard.edu/campus-services/parking-commuter-services/commuting-programs

Do you travel abroad often for the University? Go through U.S. Customs faster with Global Entry Trusted Traveler! To save you time and hassle, Harvard Global Support Services (GSS) has arranged to host a special enrollment event for faculty and staff to apply for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry program. Global Entry enables expedited passage through customs at U.S. airports. Visit the Global Entry Program's website for details on enrolling.