ladyscientist

Science + Baby = ?

Last month, Dr. Julie Brill from the Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics joined us for our lunch meeting. As Julie was quite pregnant at the time with her second child we all had lots of questions and concerns about the issue of balancing an academic career with a family life that includes children. Some of us weren't even sure that was possible, but as our last two lunch guests have shown, it's a reality for many women scientists. We discussed the maternity leave benefits (or lack thereof) for graduate students and postdocs.

Graduate students do not have maternity leave benefits, despite the fact that we are entitled to purchase health insurance for our children. Postdoc benefits are also inconsistent--whether you have maternity leave benefits or not depends on which institute you work in. Some of those at the Hospital for Sick Children get benefits, those working at U of T do not.

The lack of maternity leave benefits for these positions could be due to several factors, such as the perception that women do not have children at these stages of their academic careers (if at all). As well, it may be perceived that these positions are transient, and therefore not entitled to the same benefits as those afforded to people in more permanent positions.

What do you think? We welcome you to add your opinion on these matters by clicking on the Comments link below.

In addition to the baby talk, a couple of new websites were recommended: The Journal of Cell Science has a Women in Cell Science section that contains interviews with successful women academic scientists where they talk about their experiences as women in science.

Also, The American Society for Cell Biology website has a Women in Cell Biology section that contains reading lists and career resources, including a career book for women life scientists that is available to download for free (chapter 8 is entitled "Parenthood and Science Careers").

Posted by Susan at September 20, 2004 01:30 PM