Planning for Parental Leave as a Postdoc – PDA Podcast

Your host Jenny Hayward from the Postdoc Academy is joined by Diane Caldwell, Postdoc Careers Advisor, and Gina Warren from the University’s Equality and Diversity Section. Diane works as the Careers Adviser for postdocs and researchers in the arts, humanities, and social sciences at the University of Cambridge. She has studied (politics) and worked (in the Canadian Foreign Service and in Higher Education) in Canada, France, Russia, India and the UK.

Planning for parental leave as a postdoctoral researcher involves careful consideration and preparation. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Open Communication: It’s vital to have open and early conversations with your supervisor, colleagues, and institution. Discuss your intentions for parental leave well in advance (well as much as you can) to ensure a seamless transition and minimal disruption to your research projects.
2. Understanding Your Entitlements: Take the time to understand your institution’s policies regarding parental leave. Familiarise yourself with the duration, benefits, and necessary paperwork. This knowledge will help you plan effectively and ensure you receive the support you’re entitled to.
3. Timeline and Planning: Determine the timing of your parental leave. Consider your research schedule, important milestones, and any upcoming commitments like conferences or deadlines. Strive to plan your leave during periods that will cause the least disruption to your ongoing projects. But at the end of the day, there is only so much you can so, and YOU come first.
4. Delegation and Collaboration: Identify colleagues or collaborators who can help manage your projects in your absence. Delegating tasks and establishing collaborations can ensure your research continues progressing while you’re on leave.
5. Preparation: In the months leading up to your leave, focus on completing ongoing experiments, documenting your protocols, and organizing your lab notes. This will facilitate a smoother transition for whoever takes over your responsibilities during your absence.
6. Contingency Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan for how your ongoing projects will be handled while you’re on leave. Provide clear instructions, access to necessary data and resources, and contact details for collaborators.
7. Maintaining Communication: Stay in touch with your colleagues while on leave to stay informed about any developments. Set up a communication plan that works for both you and your team.
8. Balancing Work and Family: Consider how you’ll strike a balance between your return to work and your new family responsibilities. Setting realistic expectations and boundaries will help prevent burnout.
9. Support Network: Build a support network within your institution and beyond. Connecting with fellow postdocs, other parents, and support groups can offer valuable advice and emotional support.
10. Self-Care: Prioritise your well-being during this period. Parental leave can be demanding, so taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial.
11. Flexibility: Be prepared for unexpected changes. Parenting comes with surprises, so maintaining a flexible mindset will help you adapt to new situations.
12. There is no one-size-fits-all: whilst taking leave to have babies is pretty much essential, what happens after the baby arrives, or after the child or children (for those adopting), arrive in your life is up to you. You decide how much time to take off and how you manage child care and how much time you need away from work (or if you need to change your work pattern). Do what works for you!

Remember that successfully navigating a postdoc career alongside parental responsibilities is achievable with proper planning and support. By communicating effectively, preparing ahead of time, and seeking assistance when needed, you can ensure a smooth transition into parental leave and back to your research role.

If this was useful you may also enjoy this interview with Dr Gemma Lace.