Parental Leave

For Postdoctoral Associates and Postdoctoral Fellows

Postdoctoral Associates and Postdoctoral Fellows (PDAs/PDFs) have the option of choosing one of two parental leave options depending on their eligibility. The two options are outlined below. PDAs/PDFs may not take additional paid parental leave outside of the options below.

Regardless of the option selected, during the parental leave period, PDAs/PDFs may postpone research and academic activities but remain active full-time postdoctoral appointees, with access to University facilities (including health insurance, library privileges, and housing) and to University faculty and staff.

While PDAs/PDFs will be excused from regular teaching or research duties, it is the PDA’s/PDF’s professional responsibility to work with their Advisor to prepare for the absence in advance of the leave. This includes reviewing the status and continuation of research projects, adequately preparing those who will assume teaching responsibilities during the PDA’s/PDF’s absence, and arranging for a smooth transition of any other responsibilities.

Eligible PDAs/PDFs are required to notify their Advisor of the date of their intended time away at least 60 days prior (when possible) to the expected date of childbirth. There are eligibility requirements for the leave benefits afforded by the benefit programs referenced below (DBL, PFL and FMLA) which are set forth in the University’s policies governing those benefits.

Note: These guidelines are consistent with the NIH Grants Policy Statement – parental leave. For those on NIH training grants, the use of parental leave must be approved by the Training Grant PD/PI.

Option #1: NYS Statutory Disability, Paid Family Leave, Family and Medical Leave

This option allows PDAs/PDFs eligible for NYS Statutory Disability (DBL) due to childbirth to elect DBL benefits during the time period in which they are disabled (generally six weeks for uncomplicated births) followed by NYS Paid Family Leave (PFL) for bonding. The maximum PFL entitlement is 12 weeks. The individual’s entitlement to leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (if eligible) will run concurrently with both the DBL and PFL leave (where leave is taken in a block of time). The individual selecting Option #1 must meet the eligibility requirements for DBL and PFL. More information about DBL, PFL, and FMLA, including eligibility criteria and application requirements, can be found on the Leave Administration website.

Option #2: UR Postdoc Parental Leave, Paid Family Leave, Family and Medical Leave

Option #2 is available to all PDAs/PDFs who welcome a new child through birth or adoption, whether or not the PDA/PDF has given birth. Under this option, PDAs/PDFs are entitled to up to 12 weeks of leave in total. The PDA/PDF will receive their full pay for the first eight weeks of leave using a combination of Paid Family Leave (PFL) (where eligible for PFL) and UR Postdoc Parental Leave (UR-PPL). To initiate this leave, the PDA/PDF must apply for PFL by initiating a claim with the University’s PFL carrier, The Hartford, at 1-866-548-3101 at the outset of the leave. The individual’s entitlement to leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (if eligible) will run concurrently with the leave under Option #2 (where leave is taken in a block of time). More information about PFL and FMLA, including eligibility criteria and application requirements, can be found on the Leave Administration website.

For Visiting Postdoctoral Fellows

Visiting Postdoctoral Fellows are not eligible for parental leave.