New Postdocs

Contact Visa and Immigration Services

All international Postdoctoral Scholars must visit the Office of Visa and Immigration Services within the first few days of their arrival to campus.

Get a U.S. Bank Account

To easily receive your paycheck, opt for direct deposit into a U.S. bank account. Consider the Island Federal Credit Union at Stony Brook University. You can often open an account without a Social Security Number. Provide your bank details to payroll for bi-weekly automatic paycheck deposits.

Learn About Taxes

If you are hired as an employee by Stony Brook, you may be liable to pay income tax during your postdoc. The details of your situation will depend upon a number of factors, including your appointment type, your country of citizenship, and any tax treaties that may apply to you.

Information and resources on taxes are available for postdocs each year around tax time (January through April). Additional resources are available through the National Postdoctoral Association.

Get a Social Security Number

To receive a paycheck in the U.S., obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) is crucial. Start by contacting the Office of Visa and Immigration Services for an authorization letter. International postdocs should promptly initiate the SSN request process, but note that payment is possible even during this period. Consult your department during onboarding for guidance.

Driving in New York

You do not need to be a New York resident to register a car in New York State, and you may drive in New York on a foreign or international driver license. You also can obtain a New York driver license as a non-U.S. citizen; see the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Web site for more information on Moving to New York.

International Postdoc Survival Guide

The National Postdoctoral Association maintains an International Postdoc Survival Guide with tips on things like your visa status, getting a credit card, and general aspects of living in the United States, like health insurance and taxes.

Family Leave Resources

Postdocs at Stony Brook planning for children should review their leave options based on their employment type.

Both RF and State employees might qualify for New York State's Paid Family Leave. The 2023 UUP contract introduces a new leave policy for State postdocs. Additionally, eligible RF and State employees can access unpaid leave under the FMLA. Postdoc Fellows should check their fellowship or grant terms for leave possibilities. For detailed information, contact the HR office.

Child Care

Stony Brook University offers on-campus childcare at Stony Brook Child Care Services, accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. Located at West campus at the corner of Stony Brook Road and South Drive:

• It's open weekdays from 7 am to 6 pm
• Has a student-teacher ratio of 7:1 for ages 3-5 and 4:1 for infants
• Provides catering to university and hospital affiliates
• Fees vary based on family income

More information can be found at Stony Brook Child Care Services.

Dual Career Households

Stony Brook University is a member of the northeastern region of the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC). which provides resources for employees seeking nearby jobs for their spouse or partner.  The HERC site offers information and dual-career job searches in the metro New York and southern Connecticut area with links to other regional coverage areas. Many local universities and organizations belong to the consortium and share their employment opportunities.

Overview

Stony Brook is approximately halfway between New York City and Montauk Point. The East End of Long Island forks at Riverhead and then leads to either the South Fork - Montauk Point - or the North Fork - Orient Point.

Five minutes away from SBU by car is Port Jefferson, home to the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company that provides ferry rides to and from Bridgeport, Connecticut daily. On the North Fork there is also Cross Sound Ferry that runs from Orient Point to New London, Connecticut. 

Stony Brook is one of the three villages in the Three Village School District along with Setauket and Old Field. It is located on Long Island’s north shore in the Town of Brookhaven in Suffolk County on the coast of the Long Island Sound. Local area beaches that are open to Brookhaven residents with proof of residency are West Meadow Beach and Cedar Beach. The south shore of Long Island is about 45 minutes away and has many Atlantic Ocean beaches that are open to the public including Smith Point County Park, Robert Moses State Park and Jones Beach State Park.

For additional information in things to do within the local area, visit:

Beyond the Brook

Local History

Stony Brook and the surrounding towns are steeped in history. The Three Village area was the site of the Culper Spy Ring during the time of the Revolutionary War. Area museums and historical societies provide insights into the community’s history. 

• Long Island Museum of American Art, History and Carriages
• Smithtown Historical Society
• Three Village Historical Society
• Miller Place - Mount Sinai Historical Society

Eateries

Restaurants of all ethnic backgrounds are everywhere on Long Island. To get you started in the immediate area, here is a sample listing - most of which are accessible by the county bus system. Mention of these resources is for information only and is not intended as an endorsement. The following is listed solely for your convenience and their inclusion implies no recommendations or guarantee on the part of the University.

• Smith Haven Mall
• Green Catcus Fresh Mexican Grill
• Druthers Coffee
• Tara Inn
• Curry Club at SaGhar
• Crazy Beans
• Salsa Salsa
• Eastern Pavilion
• Slurp Ramen

Airports and Hotels

The closest airport to Stony Brook is Long Island MacArthur Airport (Islip), which is about 30 minutes away by car. John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport are each about 1-1.5 hours away by car. Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey is about 2-3 hours away (depending strongly on traffic).

There are many hotels on Long Island. The closest ones to campus are listed here: Mention of these resources is for information only and is not intended as an endorsement. The following is listed solely for your convenience and their inclusion implies no recommendations or guarantee on the part of the University.

• Stony Brook Hilton Garden Inn
• Three Village Inn
• Holiday Inn Express
• Danfords Hotel and Marina