Federal Research Updates: Please see Federal Research Updates 2025 for the latest updates on executive orders and policies impacting federally funded research.
Do postdocs get USERRA leave?*
Postdoctoral associates are eligible for USERRA leave if they meet the eligibility requirements under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). USERRA outlines the protections afforded to service members called into military service or certain types of service in the National Disaster Medical System, voluntarily or involuntarily. USERRA guarantees a postdoctoral associate returning from qualified service or training the right to be reemployed at their former job (or as nearly comparable a job as possible) with the same benefits. Your Rights Under USERRA (PDF) summarizes the employment and reemployment rights for uniformed service members. USERRA leave is unpaid; however, postdoctoral associates may elect to use their accrued annual or sick time during USERRA leave.
*Please note: Postdocs, primarily postdoctoral scholars, who receive funding via externally sponsored projects are subject to and must comply with policies outlined by the terms and conditions of the sponsor if different than GW policy.
- NIH NRSA recipients must comply with NIH leave policy.