Form Attachment A3.3 Attachment A3.3 Screenshots of Customer Satisfaction Online Survey: PI (

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY FOR APPLICANTS
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Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including the time for
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estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: NIH, Project
Clearance Branch, 6705 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7974, Bethesda, MD 20892-7974, ATTN: PRA (0925-0476). Do not return the
completed form to this address.
If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this survey, please email
NIH-EIA-applicants-survey@mail.nih.gov
Introduction
Thank you for accessing the customer satisfaction survey for junior scientists who have applied to the Early Independence
Award Program (EIA) as announced in RFA-RM-11-007 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-11-007.html). The
purpose of this survey is to gather opinions about the EIA program. This is an opportunity for you to share your experiences and
provide feedback. The information collected may be used to make adjustments to the EIA program in subsequent
announcements.
The survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. There are no right or wrong answers, and you may skip any
questions that you do not wish to address.
The website for the survey will be open from [INSERT START DATE] to [INSERT START DATE] (11:59 pm Eastern
Daylight Time).
Privacy and Participation
Your participation is voluntary and non-participation will have no impact on you or your institution. Your responses will be kept
private. If you choose to participate, your privacy will be protected to the extent permitted by law, and will not be disclosed to
anyone but the researchers conducting this study, except as otherwise required by law. You will not be identified by name and
information from the study will only be reported in the aggregate. Your responses will be combined with those of other
respondents in the final report. Responses will be used solely for the purpose of program improvement. Any identifiers (e.g.,
names, institutions, e-mail addresses, etc.) will be removed when responses are compiled. No proprietary, classified,
confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your responses.
Agree to Participate
Press "START SURVEY" if you agree to participate. Your participation is greatly appreciated.

Start Survey

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY FOR APPLICANTS
OMB# EXP. DATE:
Please note that you can stop at any time and return to complete the survey at a later day. The submission deadline is (insert
date) (11:59pm EST).
If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this survey, please email
NIH-EIA-applicants-survey@mail.nih.gov
Section I. Background
1. How did you first learn about the Early Independence Award (EIA) program? Please check all that apply
The NIH website (webpage, e-newsletter posting, blog, etc.)
An NIH-sponsored listserv email or notice
Your institution's listserv email or notice
A notice from a professional society
A faculty mentor
Other (please specify):
2. Which option below best describes your situation? Please note that "current institution" refers to the institution at
which you are completing your doctoral degree or medical residency, or have a position/appointment. Please select
only one option.
A. The institution with which I applied for the NIH EIA program was the same as my current institution at the time of
application
B. The institution with which I applied for the NIH EIA program was different from my current institution at the time of
application
3. Which option below best describes your degree status at the time of application? Please select only one option.
A. Within the following 12 months, I will complete all the requirements for a doctoral degree
B. Within the following 12 months, I will complete my medical residency
C. Within the preceding 12 months, I received my terminal doctoral degree
D. Within the preceding 12 months, I completed my medical residency

Save and Continue

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY FOR APPLICANTS
OMB# EXP. DATE:
VERSION A: APPLICANTS WHO ARE COMPLETING THEIR DEGREE
STOP: Only continue if you WILL COMPLETE your medical residency or all the requirements for a doctoral degree within the
following 12 months. If this is not the case, please return to Question 3 and select either C or D.

Back to Question 3
4. Since the EIA grant application must be submitted by the institution hosting the Early Independence Awardee, how
many institutions did you apply to in order to be selected as Principal Investigator for the EIA application? Please
note that "current institution" refers to the institution at which you are completing your doctoral degree or medical
residency. Please select only one option.
A.

I ONLY applied to my current institution

B.

I applied to institution(s), INCLUDING my current institution
Please indicate the number of institutions (including your current institution) you applied to

(Please

provide only numeric values)
C.

I applied to institution(s), and DID NOT apply to my current institution
Please include the number of institutions you applied to

(Please provide only numeric values)

Section II: Seeking an Institution to receive support for the EIA Program
5. Please indicate how you would prioritize each of the following factors when seeking an institution to receive
support through the NIH EIA program.
Factors

High
Priority

a. Scientific fit to my own research at the institution
b. Familiarity with program and faculty at the institution
c. Access to collaborators at the institution
d. Reputation of the institution
e. Clear and comprehensive picture of support environment
from the institution
f. Financial support from the institution
g. Likelihood of being accepted at the institution
h. Confirmed appointment/position at the institution
i. Desirability of geographic location
j. Personal, family reasons
k. Other (please specify):

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Medium
Priority

Low
Priority

Not a Priority/ Not
Applicable

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY FOR APPLICANTS
OMB# EXP. DATE:
6. If you ONLY applied to receive support for consideration as a candidate for the NIH EIA program at your current
institution, which of the following factors were considered in your decision process?
Factors

Yes

No

Not Applicable

Beneficial to research goals to stay at current institution
Resources (staff, equipment, etc.) provided by my current institution meet the needs of my
research
Access to collaborators at my current institution
Established relationships at my current institution
Already have a position at my current institution
Insufficient time to search for other institutions
Not sure how to go about finding other institutions
Other (please specify):
7. What difficulties did you encounter due to the time allowed after the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)
RFA-RM-11-007 was released to actually submit an application?

8. What was the process you went through to be selected/nominated by the institution(s)?
I DID NOT undergo a competitive selection process
Please explain:

I DID undergo a competitive selection process
Please describe the review/approval process, including the selection criteria and materials requested:

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CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY FOR APPLICANTS
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Section III. NIH EIA Grant Application
9. What challenges did you encounter in preparing the content of the NIH grant application to comply with the RFA
instructions for the EIA program?

Section IV. Plans
10. In addition to submitting the NIH grant application for the EIA program, have you applied for other
position(s)/appointment(s)? For example, postdoctoral position, faculty position, fellowship for a medical specialty,
etc.
I have NOT applied for any other position/appointment
I have applied for other position(s)/appointment(s). Please list the types of appointments below:

11. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of "skipping the post-doc or clinical fellowship" in
terms of your career?

Section V. Suggestions
12. What are alternative methods for matching host institutions and candidates that might be more effective than the
current method? Examples may include, awarding grants to institutions which then find suitable candidates, or
allowing NIH to match host institutions and candidates.

13. How could NIH improve the EIA program (e.g., eligibility requirements, RFA instructions, letters of
recommendations, review criteria and process, length of time, size and number of awards, etc.)?

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CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY FOR APPLICANTS
OMB# EXP. DATE:
VERSION A: APPLICANTS WHO ARE COMPLETING THEIR DEGREE
STOP: Only continue if you WILL COMPLETE your medical residency or all the requirements for a doctoral degree within the
following 12 months. If this is not the case, please return to Question 3 and select either C or D.

Back to Question 3
4. Since the EIA grant application must be submitted by the institution hosting the Early Independence Awardee, how
many institutions did you apply to in order to be selected as Principal Investigator for the EIA application? Please
note that "current institution" refers to the institution at which you are completing your doctoral degree or medical
residency. Please select only one option.
A.

I ONLY applied to my current institution

B.

I applied to institution(s), INCLUDING my current institution
Please indicate the number of institutions (including your current institution) you applied to

(Please

provide only numeric values)
C.

I applied to institution(s), and DID NOT apply to my current institution
Please include the number of institutions you applied to

(Please provide only numeric values)

Section II: Seeking an Institution to receive support for the EIA Program
5. Please indicate how you would prioritize each of the following factors when seeking an institution to receive
support through the NIH EIA program.
Factors

High
Priority

a. Scientific fit to my own research at the institution
b. Familiarity with program and faculty at the institution
c. Access to collaborators at the institution
d. Reputation of the institution
e. Clear and comprehensive picture of support environment
from the institution
f. Financial support from the institution
g. Likelihood of being accepted at the institution
h. Confirmed appointment/position at the institution
i. Desirability of geographic location
j. Personal, family reasons
k. Other (please specify):

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Medium
Priority

Low
Priority

Not a Priority/ Not
Applicable

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY FOR APPLICANTS
OMB# EXP. DATE:
6. If you sought support through institutions other than your current institution, what strategies did you use to seek
an institution to receive support through the NIH EIA program? Please select all that apply.
I focused on institutions where I had long-term relationship with mentor(s) and/or collaborator(s)
I focused on institutions based on my personal and family situation
I focused on institutions based on networking with other colleagues
I focused on institutions that advertised an open position
I focused on institutions that were specifically recruiting for the EIA program
I focused on the institutions where I have been offered a position
I focused on the institution where I have accepted a position
Other (please specify):
7. What difficulties did you encounter due to the time allowed after the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)
RFA-RM-11-007 was released to actually submit an application?

8. What was the process you went through to be selected/nominated by the institution(s)?
I DID NOT undergo a competitive selection process
Please explain:

I DID undergo a competitive selection process
Please describe the review/approval process, including the selection criteria and materials requested:

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CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY FOR APPLICANTS
OMB# EXP. DATE:
Section III. NIH EIA Grant Application
9. What challenges did you encounter in preparing the content of the NIH grant application to comply with the RFA
instructions for the EIA program?

Section IV. Plans
10. In addition to submitting the NIH grant application for the EIA program, have you applied for other
position(s)/appointment(s)? For example, postdoctoral position, faculty position, fellowship for a medical specialty,
etc.
I have NOT applied for any other position/appointment
I have applied for other position(s)/appointment(s). Please list the types of appointments below:

11. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of "skipping the post-doc or clinical fellowship" in
terms of your career?

Section V. Suggestions
12. What are alternative methods for matching host institutions and candidates that might be more effective than the
current method? Examples may include, awarding grants to institutions which then find suitable candidates, or
allowing NIH to match host institutions and candidates.

13. How could NIH improve the EIA program (e.g., eligibility requirements, RFA instructions, letters of
recommendations, review criteria and process, length of time, size and number of awards, etc.)?

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CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY FOR APPLICANTS
OMB# EXP. DATE:
VERSION B: APPLICANTS WHO RECEIVED THEIR DEGREE AND HAVE A POSITION OR APPOINTMENT
STOP: Only continue if you HAVE COMPLETED your medical residency or RECEIVED your terminal doctoral degree within the
preceding 12 months at the time of application. If this is not the case, please return to Question 3 and select either A or B.

Back to Question 3
4. What position/appointment do you have at your current institution at the time of application? For example,
postdoctoral position, tenure-track faculty position, non-tenure track faculty position, etc.

5. Did you seek to receive support for the NIH EIA program through an institution other than your current one?
A.

I ONLY sought support through my current institution

B.

I sought support through institution(s), INCLUDING my current institution
Please indicate the number of institutions (including your current institution) through which you sought support
(Please provide only numeric values)

C.

I sought support through institution(s), but NOT my current institution
Please include the number of institutions through which you sought support

(Please provide only numeric

values)

Section II: Seeking an Institution to receive support for the EIA Program
6. Please indicate how you would prioritize each of the following factors when seeking an institution to receive
support through the NIH EIA program.
Factors

High
Priority

a. Scientific fit to my own research at the institution
b. Familiarity with program and faculty at the institution
c. Access to collaborators at the institution
d. Reputation of the institution
e. Clear and comprehensive picture of support environment
from the institution
f. Financial support from the institution
g. Likelihood of being accepted at the institution
h. Confirmed appointment/position at the institution
i. Desirability of geographic location
j. Personal, family reasons
k. Other (please specify):

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Medium
Priority

Low
Priority

Not a Priority/ Not
Applicable

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY FOR APPLICANTS
OMB# EXP. DATE:
7. If you ONLY applied to receive support for consideration as a candidate for the NIH EIA program at your current
institution, which of the following factors were considered in your decision process?
Factors

Yes

No

Not Applicable

Beneficial to research goals to stay at current institution
Resources (staff, equipment, etc.) provided by my current institution meet the needs of my
research
Access to collaborators at my current institution
Established relationships at my current institution
Already have a position at my current institution
Insufficient time to search for other institutions
Not sure how to go about finding other institutions
Other (please specify):
8. What difficulties did you encounter due to the time allowed after the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)
RFA-RM-11-007 was released to actually submit an application?

9. What was the process you went through to be selected/nominated by the institution(s)?
I DID NOT undergo a competitive selection process
Please explain:

I DID undergo a competitive selection process
Please describe the review/approval process, including the selection criteria and materials requested:

Previous Page Save for later and logout Next Page

For technical support, please contact NIH-EIA-applicants-survey@mail.nih.gov

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY FOR APPLICANTS
OMB# EXP. DATE:
Section III. NIH EIA Grant Application
10. What challenges did you encounter in preparing the content of the NIH grant application to comply with the RFA
instructions for the EIA program?

Section IV. Plans
11. In addition to submitting the NIH grant application for the EIA program, have you applied for other
position(s)/appointment(s)? For example, postdoctoral position, faculty position, fellowship for a medical specialty,
etc.
I have NOT applied for any other position/appointment
I have applied for other position(s)/appointment(s). Please list the types of appointments below:

Section V. Suggestions
12. What are alternative methods for matching host institutions and candidates that might be more effective than the
current method? Examples may include, awarding grants to institutions which then find suitable candidates, or
allowing NIH to match host institutions and candidates.

13. How could NIH improve the EIA program (e.g., eligibility requirements, RFA instructions, letters of
recommendations, review criteria and process, length of time, size and number of awards, etc.)?

Previous Page Save for later and logout Next Page

For technical support, please contact NIH-EIA-applicants-survey@mail.nih.gov

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY FOR APPLICANTS
OMB# EXP. DATE:
VERSION B: APPLICANTS WHO RECEIVED THEIR DEGREE AND HAVE A POSITION OR APPOINTMENT
STOP: Only continue if you HAVE COMPLETED your medical residency or RECEIVED your terminal doctoral degree within the
preceding 12 months at the time of application. If this is not the case, please return to Question 3 and select either A or B.

Back to Question 3
4. What position/appointment do you have at your current institution at the time of application? For example,
postdoctoral position, tenure-track faculty position, non-tenure track faculty position, etc.

5. Did you seek to receive support for the NIH EIA program through an institution other than your current one?
A.

I ONLY sought support through my current institution

B.

I sought support through institution(s), INCLUDING my current institution
Please indicate the number of institutions (including your current institution) through which you sought support
(Please provide only numeric values)

C.

I sought support through institution(s), but NOT my current institution
Please include the number of institutions through which you sought support

(Please provide only numeric

values)

Section II: Seeking an Institution to receive support for the EIA Program
6. Please indicate how you would prioritize each of the following factors when seeking an institution to receive
support through the NIH EIA program.
Factors

High
Priority

a. Scientific fit to my own research at the institution
b. Familiarity with program and faculty at the institution
c. Access to collaborators at the institution
d. Reputation of the institution
e. Clear and comprehensive picture of support environment
from the institution
f. Financial support from the institution
g. Likelihood of being accepted at the institution
h. Confirmed appointment/position at the institution
i. Desirability of geographic location
j. Personal, family reasons
k. Other (please specify):

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Medium
Priority

Low
Priority

Not a Priority/ Not
Applicable

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY FOR APPLICANTS
OMB# EXP. DATE:
7. If you sought support through institutions other than your current institution, what strategies did you use to seek
an institution to receive support through the NIH EIA program? Please select all that apply.
I focused on institutions where I had long-term relationship with mentor(s) and/or collaborator(s)
I focused on institutions based on my personal and family situation
I focused on institutions based on networking with other colleagues
I focused on institutions that advertised an open position
I focused on institutions that were specifically recruiting for the EIA program
I focused on the institutions where I have been offered a position
I focused on the institution where I have accepted a position
Other (please specify):
8. What difficulties did you encounter due to the time allowed after the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)
RFA-RM-11-007 was released to actually submit an application?

9. What was the process you went through to be selected/nominated by the institution(s)?
I DID NOT undergo a competitive selection process
Please explain:

I DID undergo a competitive selection process
Please describe the review/approval process, including the selection criteria and materials requested:

Previous Page Save for later and logout Next Page

For technical support, please contact NIH-EIA-applicants-survey@mail.nih.gov

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY FOR APPLICANTS
OMB# EXP. DATE:
Section III. NIH EIA Grant Application
10. What challenges did you encounter in preparing the content of the NIH grant application to comply with the RFA
instructions for the EIA program?

Section IV. Plans
11. In addition to submitting the NIH grant application for the EIA program, have you applied for other
position(s)/appointment(s)? For example, postdoctoral position, faculty position, fellowship for a medical specialty,
etc.
I have NOT applied for any other position/appointment
I have applied for other position(s)/appointment(s). Please list the types of appointments below:

Section V. Suggestions
12. What are alternative methods for matching host institutions and candidates that might be more effective than the
current method? Examples may include, awarding grants to institutions which then find suitable candidates, or
allowing NIH to match host institutions and candidates.

13. How could NIH improve the EIA program (e.g., eligibility requirements, RFA instructions, letters of
recommendations, review criteria and process, length of time, size and number of awards, etc.)?

Previous Page Save for later and logout Next Page

For technical support, please contact NIH-EIA-applicants-survey@mail.nih.gov