Advocacy

The PEC aims to identify the most crucial needs of ISMMS postdocs, to voice postdoc concerns and improve policy governing postdocs, to maintain close relationships with ISMMS and Graduate School leadership, and to promote postdoc diversity.

Working groups and subcommittees

To improve working conditions for postdoctoral fellows at Mount Sinai we are working with the OPA to find solutions. We find a way!

Live polling during the town hall on June 16th 2021 indicates that the majority of postdocs support:

  1. Raising the minimum salary of postdocs to $70,000/ year.
  2. Establishing a yearly increase in salary in line with NIH % increase.
  3. Expanding housing eligibility to 5 years.
  4. Expanding postdocs eligibility for a 403 (b) retirement program with combined employer- and self- contribution.
  5. Enforcing a half day per week for personal work (writing and securing grants)
  6. Postdocs right to 8 weeks of paid parental leave
  7. Financial assistance to cover childcare expenses

Other issues we are working on with OPA: Visa issues, Diversity issues, Sustainability issues

Annual Survey

Created by the PEC in 2012, participation has grown steadily and reached a record of 67% in 2016. The survey data ensures that we represent all postdocs in determining our course of action and supporting PEC advocacy efforts. We have just completed the annual survey for 2022 (January) and we will discuss the results with the authorities and community soon after analysing the data.

Postdoctoral Advisory Committee (PAC)

The PAC is a monthly advisory meeting with representatives from the Office Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA), the PEC, and ISMMS faculty.

Liaison Positions

The PEC has established postdoc representatives in the Diversity Council for Mount Sinai Health System, the Women in Science and Medicine, and the LGBTQ People in Medicine groups at ISMMS as well as representatives in the different Core meetings.

Mental Health Task Force

This Task Force brought together a broad cross-section of ISMMS and Health System constituents to propose enhancements to mental health and well-being services and to redefine the academic culture in the ISMMS learning environment. Find out more here.