The Cornell Postdoc Parental Leave Support (PD PaLS) program is designed to assist postdoctoral associates in balancing professional and personal responsibilities, appreciating the impact of this duality on the postdoctoral researcher and on the research leader and team in which they work. Cornell PD PaLS offers Cornell-internal funding (up to $10,000 per applicant) when postdoctoral researchers require leave or other work adjustments for the birth or adoption of a child.
PD PaLS is co-funded by the Office of the Vice President for Research & Innovation (OVPRI) and colleges with 50% cost-shared between OVPRI and the college of the postdoc's faculty mentor, up to 10 slots per year. Proposals are developed jointly by the postdoc and the faculty mentor; the provisioned funding is distributed to the postdoc mentor because the use period generally occurs during the postdoc leave period.
Program Eligibility
The PD PaLS program provides financial assistance (up to $10K per applicant) when postdoctoral researchers require leave or other work adjustments for the birth or adoption of a child, allowing the project team to adapt during the postdoc’s extended absence. Eligibility includes those on parental leave through Academic Medical Leave and/or Federal Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
The preferred use of program funds is for those working on sponsored projects and programs who can provide clear evidence of need, allowing the project team to adapt during the postdoc’s leave period.
This program is for postdoctoral associates working in Ithaca-based departments.
- Contact: Questions about the Cornell PD PaLS program should be directed to Sally Blinn (sgb93@cornell.edu or 607-255-7200), Senior Administrative Assistant and Event Coordinator in OVPRI.
- How to apply: Faculty mentors may apply to this program and should coordinate the application with their postdoctoral associate. Postdoctoral associates should not apply directly to the program. It is expected that the faculty mentor will submit the application after consultation with the postdoctoral associate.
- Timing: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. However, award notifications will be announced quarterly, with reviews conducted in March, June, September, and December.
NOTE: During the first review period with awards announced by or in December 2024, there will be rolling awards to allow participation for those not previously aware of the new quarterly award structure. Starting in 2025, applications will be compiled and considered on the quarterly basis to allow mindful assessment of needs in balance with limited funds to award.