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[jgs3820]

(This is a bit premature, as I am on the short list for a humanities-area post-doc but a hiring decision hasn't been made yet, but...)

I have no idea if there is generally room for negotiation about salary or other benefits when it comes to a humanities post-doc fellowship. The position is funded by an outside foundation, so I am guessing that there may not be room for salary negotiation. But what about other benefits, such as financial assistance with moving expenses, vacation, other benefits, or even specific aspects of the job? (The position has specific research and administrative requirements on behalf of the institution, but I'm wondering if one can stipulate a certain number of hours per week to work on one's own research.)

I realize that it may be difficult to answer my questions without knowing the specifics of the position, but I am hoping to get some general guidance based on others' experience.

Thanks!

[dellaroux]

I might be wrong, but when I was working as EA support for a prof in the sciences, post-docs weren't considered stars enough to negotiate for much.

I think it's WYSIWYG....but others might have more recent info.

[seniorscholar]

From the department's standpoint, at least for the more common humanities postdocs, one writes a very complete job description with everything -- and especially the balance between own research and departmental responsibilites -- spelled out in great detail, along with many pages of other stuff, and submits it to the foundation or agency in order to get permission for the postdoc and funding for it. Therefore the margin for negotiation (in ones we've been able to offer) is absolutely zilch. And if #1 doesn't want it under those circumstances, we have 375 other applications from outstanding candidates with completed doctorates from good programs and some publications that we can consider.

Not to say you couldn't try to negotiate. But realize you're in a position of weakness, and be polite enough that when you're told "there's nothing we can do" you can back off without anyone feeling upset and angry.

[klausk]

Think about the negotiation possibility when you get the offer.