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Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars
experience scale NIST survey
We invite you to consider participating in a survey about your experiences as a Postdoctoral
Researcher at NIST.
For the purpose of this work, Postdoctoral Researchers are defined as early-career
researchers no more than 7 years from receiving their Ph.D. This includes NRC postdocs,
federal term employees, and guest researchers (US citizens and foreign nationals) supported
via the PREP program or other agreement with external institutions.
The purpose of this survey is to assess how Postdoctoral Researchers find themselves at
NIST and to identify areas where their experiences need improvements. The results of this
survey will be shared with NIST leadership and will be used to inform training programs and
policies.
No identifying information about you will be collected. Survey data will be summarized, and
aggregated results will be included in presentations and publications which may be shared
with NIST management, staff and the public. The raw, individual data will be accessed only
by the team administering this survey, which is led by Justyna Zwolak.
The survey is completely voluntary. If you have any questions, please contact Justyna
Zwolak, PhD, jpzwolak@nist.gov or 301.975.0527.
OMB Control # 0693-0033
Expiration Date 09/30/2025
A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor
shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with an information collection
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 unless the information
collection has a currently valid OMB Control Number. The approved OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 0693-0033. Without this approval, we could not conduct
this survey/information collection. Public reporting for this information collection is
estimated to be approximately 15 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed,
and completing and reviewing the information collection. All responses to this information
collection are voluntary. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect
of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden to the NIST at:
100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, ATTN: Justyna Zwolak.
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Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
* Indicates required question
Demographic questions
For the purpose of this survey, Postdoctoral Researcher is defined as an early-career
researcher no more than 7 years from receiving their Ph.D. This includes NRC postdocs,
federal term employees, and guest researchers (US citizens and foreign nationals) supported
via the PREP program or other agreement with external institutions.
All demographic data will be aggregated to prevent identification of respondents.
1.
Q1. What type of appointment at NIST do you currently hold? *
Mark only one oval.
Federal employee (NRC postdoc or term appointment)
Skip to question 2
Non-federal appointment (e.g., PREP postdoctoral researcher)
2.
Skip to question 3
Q1a. Have you been a non-federal employee postdoctoral researcher at NIST prior
to your current appointment?
*
Mark only one oval.
Yes
No
Skip to question 4
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3.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
Q1b. Are you interested in applying for an NRC postdoctoral researcher
*
appointment at NIST?
Mark only one oval.
Yes
No
I am not eligible (e.g., a foreign national or my PhD is more than 5 years old).
I did not know that is an option.
Skip to question 4
4.
Q2. How long ago did you earn your PhD degree? *
Mark only one oval.
Less than 1 years ago
1-3 years ago
3-5 years ago
More than 5 years ago
5.
Q3. How long have you been at NIST as a Postdoctoral Researcher?
Mark only one oval.
Less than 1 year
1-2 years
More than 2 years
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6.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
Q4. Have you had prior postdoctoral experience? *
Mark only one oval.
No, I came to NIST after graduating with my Ph.D.
No, but I spent some time working in the industry.
Yes, I held one other postdoctoral researcher position outside of NIST.
Yes, I had two or more other postdoctoral researcher positions outside of NIST.
7.
Q5. Are you interested in becoming a federal employee at NIST once your current
appointment comes to an end?
*
Mark only one oval.
Yes, I would like to become a full-time federal employee.
No, I would rather go to a different government laboratory/institution.
No, I am more interested in a position in academia.
No, I am more interested in a position in industry.
Other:
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8.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
Q6. What is your Operating Unit (OU) at NIST? *
Mark only one oval.
BPEP (Baldrige Performance Excellence Program)
CTL (Communications Technology Laboratory)
DO (Director's Office)
EL (Engineering Laboratory)
HMEPP (Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program)
IIS (Innovation and Industry Services)
ITL (Information Technology Laboratory)
LP (Laboratory Programs)
MML (Material Measurement Laboratory)
MR (Management Resource)
NCNR (NIST Center for Neutron Research)
OAAM (Office of Acquisition and Agreements Management)
OAM (Office of Advanced Manufacturing)
OFPM (Office of Facilities and Property Management)
OFRM (Office of Financial Resource Management)
OHRM (Office of Human Resource Management)
OIS (Office of Information Systems)
OSHE (Office of Safety, Health and Environment)
PML (Physical Measurement Laboratory)
9.
Q7. Which NIST site are you affiliated with? *
Mark only one oval.
Gaithersburg
Boulder
Other:
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10.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
Q8. What is your sex? You my skip this question if preferred.
Mark only one oval.
Male
Female
11.
Q9. What is your ethnicity? You my skip this question if preferred.
Mark only one oval.
Hispanic or Latino
Not Hispanic or Latino
12.
Q10. What is your race? Please select one or more. You may skip this question if
preferred.
Check all that apply.
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
White
Skip to question 13
Mentoring and research experience
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13.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
The person (or people) I mostly identify as my mentor(s) is/are [select all that
apply]:
*
Check all that apply.
Current research advisor
Researcher from my division
Researcher from another division
Former advisor (prior to joining NIST)
I do not have a mentor
Other:
Skip to question 14
Rate the following statements based up to the degree you agree with each of the following
statements. This should reflect your experience as a post-doc at NIST.
14.
R1. I have frequent meetings with my mentor to discuss my research progress and *
any challenges I face.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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15.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
R2. My mentor(s) helps me in selecting research projects and developing my
*
academic plans.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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16.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
R3. I have informal meetings with my mentor(s) where I get assistance/support
with any issues I face (for example, on issues such as life-work balance, develop
*
social network, set future goals, access health care resources, etc.).
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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17.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
R4. My mentor(s) helps me integrate into the group and the division community. *
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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18.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
R5. My mentor(s) teaches me what it means to be an independent researcher and *
a scholar.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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19.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
R6. My research/project group meets at least once per week. *
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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20.
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R7. In my research group meetings, we devote time to reading and discussing
*
about the current state of knowledge in the field.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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21.
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R8. I have regular meetings with my research mentor and receive feedback on a
regular basis.
*
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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22.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
R9. The research project I am working on matches my research interests. *
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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23.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
R10. I have presented/am planning to present my research at a group meeting or
*
in a journal club.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
Professional and academic development
Rate the following statements based up to the degree you agree with each of the following
statements. This should reflect your experience as a post-doc at NIST.
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24.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
D1. At the beginning of my appointment, it was made clear to me the expectations *
of my incoming preparation and was given resources to succeed.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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25.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
D2. I was offered help when working on my personalized performance plan. *
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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26.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
D3. Senior researchers and/or experienced post-docs lead guided group-work
*
sessions to encourage post-docs to work collaboratively on core concepts
relevant to their projects.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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27.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
D4. I attend mini-conferences where post-docs from nearby institutions can share *
research progress and learn networking skills.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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28.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
D5. At the beginning of each fiscal year, my research advisor(s) and I develop a
time-management plan that help me identify areas where my time could be used
*
more effectively.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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29.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
D6. My Division/OU provides training opportunities that focuses on time
management skills.
*
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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30.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
D7. Senior researchers in my division are available to meet when I need help with
*
my research project.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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31.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
D8. I attend activities for post-docs that include trainings or professional
development on best practices for effective mentoring in my current role
*
(mentoring of SURF students or junior post-docs).
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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32.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
D9. I attend activities for post-docs that include trainings or professional
*
development on the role of an independent researcher/PI.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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33.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
D10. I attend trainings that focus on how to maximize my chances of finding a
*
career that is a good fit for my interests and skills.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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34.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
D11. I attend training or professional development on learning about mentoring
*
skills for my future role as a faculty or researcher.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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35.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
D12. I attend training on organizing and managing a research group. *
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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36.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
D13. I attend activities where I can learn about effective networking. *
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
Social and scholarly exploration support
Rate the following statements based up to the degree you agree with each of the following
statements. This should reflect your experience as a post-doc at NIST.
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37.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
E1. The division hosts social activities (e.g., teatime, regular lunches) that are
*
valuable in allowing me opportunities to share my thoughts and struggles with my
peers and discuss research areas.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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38.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
E2. The division offered a space where post-docs can build an academic and
social community.
*
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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39.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
E3. People in my division were supportive and caring about my accommodation
*
needs when I first moved into town.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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40.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
E4. A senior peer mentor(s) provided invaluable resources and inducted me into
*
division and/or laboratory cultures.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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41.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
E5. I had or have support and flexibility from my division in finding my research
*
interests.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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42.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
E6. I had or have the opportunity to collaborate on projects with different groups,
*
divisions, and/or OUs without making a commitment in order to find my research
match.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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43.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
E7. I attend(ed) a research seminar surveying the areas of expertise within the
division.
*
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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44.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
E8. My research mentor was very flexible with my research assignments when I
*
was struggling with alternative post-doc responsibilities.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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45.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
E9. Whenever I face(d) a challenge with my responsibilities outside of research,
someone from my division helps(ed) me overcome it.
*
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
Financial Support
Rate the following statements based up to the degree you agree with each of the following
statements. This should reflect your experience as a post-doc at NIST.
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46.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
F1. There is secured funding, internal or external to my OU, for the duration of my *
entire appointment.
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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47.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
F2. My appointment comes with health benefits. *
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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48.
Aspects of postdoctoral scholars experience scale NIST survey
F3. I have no financial concerns about completing my postdoctoral training. *
Mark only one oval.
Strongly Disagree
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Agree
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| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Modified | 2023-07-14 |
| File Created | 2023-07-14 |