Policy on PhD student employment
PhD students should typically not work more than 20 hours per week during any academic period in which they are classified as full-time students, inclusive of the work performed in their Research Assistant (RA), Teaching Assistant (TA), and Teaching Fellow (TF) positions. This policy is designed to protect a student’s time available for scholarly activities such as coursework, reading, research and writing that are a part of graduate training.
Students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States may be compensated by Brandeis for occasional work beyond the 20 hours per week limit described above. Such additional work should not exceed 10 hours per week during the academic year, and must not otherwise interfere or conflict with RA, TA, or TF appointments, academic work, or progress towards the doctorate.
Limitations on work hours for international students sponsored by Brandeis on F-1 and J-1 visas are determined by federal regulations governing those visa programs. Please see Brandeis ISSO for regulations governing on-campus employment.
It follows, therefore, that full-time PhD students cannot be employed by Brandeis in full-time staff positions. Whenever possible, PhD students should be hired into Student Employment positions. Exceptions may be granted by the applicable School Dean, but only if the student has completed all coursework and passed all degree milestones, including an approved dissertation proposal, and is no longer receiving any fellowship, teaching assistantship, teaching fellowship, research assistantship, or any combination thereof. If the student’s full-time employment at Brandeis predates their matriculation into the PhD program as a full-time student, then they will need to reduce their employment to conform to this policy and their primary status will be as a part time employee.
Disclaimer
This policy is for general guidance only. It does not create an employment contract or any right to continued employment at Brandeis University. Brandeis University reserves the right to modify, revoke, suspend, terminate and/or change any and all policies and procedures at any time, with or without notice.
Office of the Provost
October 2024