A.1.4 Policies for Institutional Funding of MBL Resident Scientists
Marine Biological Laboratory
Policy No. A.1.4
Initiated by: MBL Director
Approved by: MBL Director
Date: May 28, 1993
Current Revision: May 12, 2016
Distribution: MBL Scientific Staff
Active MBL Scientists, as defined in Policy A.1.3, are eligible for institutional support at levels determined by the MBL Director.
1.0 Definition of Institutional Funds
For the purposes of this Policy, Institutional Funds are defined as general MBL operating funds or any endowments, restricted or unrestricted funds allocated to a particular Center, scientist, project, or category of support, in the name of the MBL. Any exception to this definition must be approved by the MBL Director.
2.0 Support for MBL Active Scientists
Active resident scientist appointments are the principal track for professional-level, independent scientists at the MBL, approximating an academic appointment at a research university or professional school. Such appointments carry salary and/or other financial commitments, as approved by the MBL Director. The MBL does not award tenure, and all scientific appointments are conditional on continued external funding at levels specified by the MBL Director, in consultation with Director’s Council, the Director of the Division of Research, the Director of the Division of Education, and the director(s) of any Center(s) with which the scientist is affiliated, if any (see Policies A.1.1 and A.1.2).
3.0 Institutional Support for MBL Active Scientists
When consistent with the MBL’s financial status, the MBL Director may approve use of institutional funds to cover a designated percentage of active scientists’ annual salary. Such a percentage will be announced prior to the beginning of the MBL’s fiscal year and will be prorated for active scientists who are employed at less than 100% effort.
The MBL may also provide designated institutional funds to an active scientist in the case of startup funds for a new appointment at the MBL or for other circumstances as approved by the MBL Director.
4.0 Policies and Procedures for Unfunded Scientists
Beyond any level of institutional support provided as outlined in the previous section, it is expected that all active scientists will obtain coverage for the remainder of their salary from extramural sources or from any approved sources of additional institutional funding for administration, teaching, or other service to the MBL.
Notwithstanding this expectation as a condition of employment, it is recognized that on occasion active scientists will be without the expected level of extramural financial support because a grant may not be funded or other applications for funds may not be awarded. It is further recognized that providing space and services for these individuals represents a real cost to the MBL.
- 4.1 Grace Period
To balance the financial needs of the MBL and the institution’s desire to allow scientists to continue to conduct research and other scholarly activities, including seeking research funding, active scientists who lose a significant amount of their extramural funding may be granted a twelve-month grace period during which he/she will be allowed to occupy space at the MBL and maintain their appointment.
During this grace period, it is expected that the MBL Scientist will exercise all due diligence in attempting to obtain funding. Indications of this diligence will include applications to federal and private organizations for research support, including support for salary. - 4.2 Vacating Lab
If at the end of this twelve-month period, the unfunded scientist has not received funding to pay the expected amount of salary, he/she may be asked to vacate his/her laboratory and may undergo a formal review, as outlined in section A.1.4.5.
5.0 Review and Termination
After a twelve-month period without significant extramural research support and/or without support for full salary, the MBL Director may call for a review and potential termination of the active scientist’s appointment at the MBL, following procedures outlined in Policy A.1.3.7.
6.0 Policy Clarification and Updates
Policy clarification and periodic updates are available from the Office of the MBL Director.