Current University of California Office of the President, UCSF Graduate Division, and UCSF Graduate Council policies require that postdoctoral scholars receive a minimum compensation equal to $37,400 (effective 10/1/09). This salary level is established by the UC Office of the President and is actually now just over the the NIH/NRSA scale for postdocs. (For FY 2009, the NIH/NRSA minimum is $37,368. For more information go to:

The Graduate Division and Graduate Council also strongly encourage Principal Investigators to increase postdoc salaries annually according to the current NIH scale as postdocs gain experience if funding sources permit.  See Stipend Recommendations: NRSA Fiscal Year 2009.

The current maximum annual compensation is $80,880 as set forth in Table 24 of the UC Academic Salary Scales, effective October 1, 2009.

Under the current system, Postdoctoral Scholars appointed with their own fellowships or through extramurally-funded training grants are not paid through the University payroll system. These Postdocs are paid through the UCSF stipend desk. In most instances, the amount of the stipend is stipulated by the grantor and not by the University. However, non-payroll appointment stipends must be consistent with those for payroll appointments ($37,400 minimum). If the funding is below this amount, the University sponsor must supplement the stipend at least up to the minimum level.

In certain circumstances, this may not be possible due to lack of funds or requirements of the extramural fund source. If the stipend level does not meet the minimal expectation, the principal investigator must send the Graduate Division a written justification of the compensation, signed by the Postdoctoral Scholar, for Graduate Division approval.

In the case of scholars on visas, justification and signature may be provided after arrival. Supplements for Postdocs on stipends are done through payroll appointments. These supplements would have a proportional percent time from a department fund source.

You can download more information about the forms required to set-up stipend payments for training grants and fellowships.