Telework

Telework is a flexible work arrangement where non-FTE fellows perform fellowship responsibilities at an approved alternate location, typically from home. Telework is not an entitlement and may not be appropriate for all fellows or for all situations.

This policy applies to all IRTAs, CRTAs, or visiting fellows appointed as postbacs, predocs, or postdocs. It does not apply to clinical or research fellows who follow telework guidelines for NIH FTE staff. The policy also does not apply to summer interns or part-time student IRTAs/CRTAs in the academic internship program.

Current guidance from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) applies to all NIH non-FTE fellows and limits telework availability. Therefore, telework is only allowable under the following limited circumstances:

• Situational (also called ad hoc) telework, which occurs sporadically and without a regular schedule.
• Weather-related or for other adverse situations upon notification by NIH, IC, or OITE leadership.
  • If the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) places Federal employees on situational telework due to a weather-related or other emergency, and you do not wish to telework, you may take leave.
  • If you not provided with a government-issued laptop, you may not be required to take leave during weather (or other) emergencies.

Non-FTE fellows are not permitted to telework:

• From outside the U.S. or U.S. territories.
• When on leave (in excused absence with or without stipend).
• While providing dependent care.

Furthermore, under no circumstance may non-FTE fellows be appointed into a fully remote position regardless of the type of research work to be performed.

Telework is at the discretion of the PI or daily supervisor and is not an entitlement of the fellowship position. You should discuss telework requirements with your PI and/or daily supervisor at the outset of your fellowship:

• Confirm who in the group should be emailed when making telework requests. This individual (a designated agency official, DAO) is responsible for approving or denying your telework requests.
• Discuss telework expectations including availability for meetings, tasks to be completed, clear plans for communication, and evaluation of your productivity when teleworking. A failure to meet expectations during telework, can lead to revocation of telework privileges in the future.

With the exception of emergency situations and illness, you are expected to request telework in advance.

• The request should be via email with the date of proposed telework and information on the times you will be available for work.
• Retain copies of telework requests and the response from your PI.

Full-time telework is not allowed but may be approved under exceptional, time-limited circumstances, such as family emergencies or medical needs. Requests must be submitted in writing to [email protected] and approved by OITE, who will consult with your PI and IC leadership.

Medically-related telework requires proper documentation and coordination with the reasonable accommodation process, coordinated by OITE.

Predoctoral IRTA/CRTA fellows who are graduate students in either institutional or individual partnerships who need to return to their universities for academic requirements (e.g., courses, committee meetings, etc.) or collaborations may have their university designated as an approved alternate fellowship site and thus do not require a telework approval while they are expected to be at their university. Email GPP leadership with questions.