Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF), formerly referred to as a Postdoctoral Fellow Direct Pay, is in residence to conduct research supported by external fellowships paid directly to the fellow; these fellowships are normally stipend-based. PDRFs are not Brown employees, and their stipends do not run through Brown. Before appointing a PDRF, the appointing office must make sure that the stipend meets Brown’s pay minimums and supports the purchase of a health insurance plan. In most cases, PDRFs may not participate in the University's health and dental insurance plans. PDRFs are not union-eligible. Details on benefits concerning postdoctoral fellows can be found below.
It is recommended that Postdoctoral Research Fellows review the Benefits Summary Document for an overview of how benefits compare across appointment types.
Details on the benefits and services for Postdoctoral Research Fellows can be found below:
Because Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PDRFs) are not considered employees of Brown University, they should check their fellowship’s policies for guidance on vacation time, sick time, and parental leave.
With a Brown ID card, Postdoctoral Fellows 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. Learn more about using public transit with your Brown ID card via the University Human Resources website.
PDRFs are encouraged to review the Benefits Summary Document for a comparison of benefits across postdoctoral appointment types.
Additional benefits and services available to PDRFs include:
Because PDRFs are not employees, they should refer to their fellowship’s policies for information about:
- Vacation time
- Sick time
- Parental leave
Transportation Benefit
With a Brown ID card, PDRFs may ride any RIPTA bus or trolley within Rhode Island at no cost.
Please note:
- The RIPTA pass program does not include the Providence–Newport ferry
- Additional details are available on the University Human Resources website