Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PDRFs) are not considered employees of Brown University. As such, the University does not provide vacation leave, and fellows should consult their fellowship’s policies for guidance on time away from work.

As a best practice, fellows are encouraged to plan personal time during the year. It is recommended that this time generally align with the number of vacation days provided to Postdoctoral Research Associates. For administrative tracking purposes only, Brown assigns vacation days in Workday for each Postdoctoral Research Fellow; however, these entries do not signify that the University provides vacation as a benefit.

Postdoctoral Research Fellows should coordinate their work schedules with their principal investigator (PI) and department and ensure that any time away is consistent with the terms and conditions of their funding source.

If a Postdoctoral Research Fellow or PI would like assistance in establishing an equitable plan for time away from work, they are encouraged to contact the Office of University Postdoctoral Affairs at postdoc-affairs@brown.edu, Employee and Labor Relations at employeeandlaborrelations@brown.edu, or the Brown Postdoc Labor Organization (BPLO) at info@bplounion.org.

Last updated: January 16, 2026

Because Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PDRFs) are not considered employees of Brown University, they should check their fellowship’s policies for guidance. For reference, the guidelines below are from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Per NSF guidelines, the NSF allows 30 days of paid maternity or family leave. 

Last Updated: July 16, 2026

Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PDRFs) who are paid directly by an external fellowship are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy for Medical Students and Postdoctoral Fellows only if they are working at least 67% time on the Brown payroll.

Brown University's Child Care Subsidy helps eligible employees with the costs of child care expenses for eligible dependents ages 0 to 6. The subsidy provides a potential annual award of $1,000-$4,000.  

Tax information related to the Child or Dependent Care Credit for Postdoctoral Appointees

• Publication 503 Child and Dependent Care Expenses (in particular, see the earned income test)
• IRS Form 2441, Dependent and Child Care Expenses, Instructions

Last updated: January 16, 2026

Tax Withholding and Estimated Taxes

Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PDRFs) might find this tax guide from the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) helpful. It is recommended that you consult your personal tax advisor to figure out whether or not you need to pay estimated taxes on a regular basis during your fellowship.

Tax information related to the Child or Dependent Care Credit for Postdoctoral Appointees

• Publication 503 Child and Dependent Care Expenses (in particular, see the earned income test)
• IRS Form 2441, Dependent and Child Care Expenses, Instructions

Although Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PDRFs) are not considered employees of Brown University, they are eligible for Spring Health Brown's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This program exists to assist employees and their immediate families in coping with personal problems. Spring Health, Brown's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) administers counseling, coaching, and support services for employees, including up to 10 therapy sessions, legal assistance, financial services, child and elder care, travel, and more. Click here to learn more about the available services.

Last updated: January 16, 2026

Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PDRFs) are eligible to pay for additional voluntary benefits, including mortgage assistance, automobile and/or homeowners insurance, commuter choice spending accounts, long-term care insurance, and pet insurance. Click here to learn more from University Human Resources.

Last updated: January 16, 2026

Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PDRFs) may join the Brown Recreation Center at the same rates as Brown University employees. To learn more, visit the Brown Recreation website and click on "Membership Services."

Last updated: January 16, 2026

With a Brown ID, Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PDRFs) can ride any RIPTA bus or trolley anywhere in the state free of charge. Please note that the RIPTA pass program does not include the Providence-Newport ferry. Click here to learn more about the RIPTA UPass program.

Last updated: January 16, 2026

Because Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PDRFs) are not employees of Brown University, they may be unlikely to qualify for unemployment benefits related to Brown at the end of their appointment. However, individuals who believe they may be eligible can submit a claim, and eligibility is determined by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT).

While OUPA and Brown cannot advise postdoctoral appointees on their potential unemployment benefits, postdoctoral appointees or department staff with general questions may email Employee & Labor Relations within University Human Resources at laborandemployeerelations@brown.edu.