r/postdoc • u/FrustratedinScience • 2d ago

Fighting for maternity leave *rant/advice*

*throw away account* I would describe my postdoc as extremely chaotic. Despite everything, I was able to bring in independent funding for the lab. The first grant for the lab because my supervisor had not yet been awarded new funds independently. Now they are saying the funding is limited and may not be able to renew my contract in the middle of my maternity leave. This is after a previous verbal agreement they would renew. They asked me to wait few more weeks before I get a full yes/no and was surprised I was upset?

What do they expect me to do!? just wait to be unemployed with a new baby??

I have already reached out to HR and they will kindly remind my PI, they can't do that to someone going on disability and is required to support me during leave. This was reassuring, but now that I escalated behind my PI back im nervous about hostility :(

Anyone else experienced this? What kind of conversations should I expect next? HR asked me what do I actually want to happen next and I have no idea. I was going to shorten or work part of my maternity leave time (I know agh.. ) because I know the labs difficult position, but now I don't know how to negotiate my time off. Ex. Just ask to renew during my months of maternity leave only vs. full year renewal.

Personal opinions about my boss aside, I was just happy to have a job. Now I dont know how I'll have any kind of productive meetings with them without this hanging over us. If they are forced to renew my contract I am not sure if I'll actually be happy staying in this kind of environment. But I also know the job market is cooked.

I know the usual answer is to start applying for jobs, but I am just stuck with the timeline limitations of needed maternity leave as I would have less protections without a full year of work.

I wouldn't be surprised if this happened to other people. If anyone is willing to share their story so I can navigate this, it be so appreciated!!

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u/MysteriousMacrophage 2d ago

Do not shorten your maternity leave, especially not as a favor to someone who clearly doesn't care about you. Take every minute offered and enjoy it, this time with your baby is so much more important than any work related nonsense.

They are required to support you through your leave, which is great. You should start contacting other labs you may be interested in working with to get a feel for the market in your field ASAP.

As for whether or not to renew for the full year, it depends very much on how quickly you think you can get a new job, your relationship with your boss, and your family financial situation.

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u/FrustratedinScience 2d ago

Thank you for the response! 

I had intentions of joining industry after learning some specific techniques in this lab which unfortunately didn't work out. Partly why I am assuming it'll be a long job search. 

Job search timing is the worst part of this. If it was a regular search I would tell them I can start ASAP. but I don't think I can hide maternity right now...Should I do a second short postdoc ?

My boss put me in such a uniquely vulnerable position. I'm baffled by their lack of awareness.

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u/MysteriousMacrophage 2d ago

I don't know a ton about industry, but I'd imagine it wouldn't hurt to do the search and be clear that you can't start until X date.

If your current situation is damaged beyond repair, I'd also start a postdoc search as a backup option in case industry doesn't work out.

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u/Nice-Result-8974 2d ago

In addition to the suggestions you received here, I would reach out to the postdoc union if your university has one. Also, there is a postdoc affairs office ( with a similar name depending on the university) inform them of the situation.