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 parental leave?*
Yes. Postdocs are eligible to receive paid parental leave beginning the first of the month following their appointment date or on their appointment date if it is the first of a month.
Paid parental leave covers up to six (6) continuous weeks for the birth mother and/or the partner, adoptive or foster parent. In most cases, paid parental leave must be taken immediately following the birth or placement of a child and may not be taken intermittently. If a postdoc does not begin leave immediately following the birth, or returns to work within the first six weeks following the birth, any remaining unused Paid Parental Leave will not be available should the postdoc wish to take further leave later.
*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.