the office of postdoctoral affairs 2015 postdoctoral ... survey... · the 2015 survey was reviewed...

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs

2015 Postdoctoral Survey Report

In September 2014, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs conducted the first annual survey of postdoctoral scholars at

KUMC. The annual survey was conducted again in September of 2015. The 2015 Postdoctoral Survey was opened on

September 1 and closed September 25. The survey was administered via RedCap. Original development of the survey

contents took place with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, the Postdoctoral Advisory Committee, and the KUMC

Postdoctoral Association. The 2015 survey was reviewed by leaders from each of these groups and reissued with minor

changes. In 2014 109 individuals were invited to participate; 57 responses were received, of which 53 responses were

complete surveys. In 2015 96 individuals were invited to participate; 37 responses were received, of which 31 responses

were complete surveys. Responses are completely anonymous.

Contents Demographic Information ....................................................................................................................................................... 3

Self-Reported Salary Range ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

Communicating Expectations ................................................................................................................................................. 4

Postdoctoral Time ................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Postdoctoral Mentoring .......................................................................................................................................................... 6

Career Preparation ................................................................................................................................................................ 11

Professional Development .................................................................................................................................................... 12

Communications ................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Comments and Suggestions for Postdoc Press ................................................................................................................. 16

KUMC Postdoctoral Association ........................................................................................................................................... 18

Comments and Feedback for KPA ..................................................................................................................................... 19

Comments and Feedback ...................................................................................................................................................... 20

Services ............................................................................................................................................................................. 20

Information ....................................................................................................................................................................... 20

General Feedback ............................................................................................................................................................. 20

Demographic Information

2014 2015

Gender 34 male, 22 female 23 male, 14 female

Citizenship 17 US Citizens, 34 International Scholars

19 US Citizens, 19 International Scholars

Total postdoc years range 9 years to less than 1 year 10 years to less than 1 year

Average total postdoc years 2.1 years 2.5 years

Mode total postdoc years 1 1

KUMC postdoc years range 6 years to less than 1 year 5 years to less than 1 year

Average KUMC postdoc years 2.1 year 1.7 years

Mode KUMC postdoc years 1 1

Year PhD received 1997-2014 1997-2015

Self-Reported Salary Range

2014 2015

Number % Number %

$0-19,999 2 4% 0 0%

$20,000-29,999 2 4% 0 0%

$30,000-39,999 27 51% 8 26%

$40,000-49,999 18 34% 21 68%

$50,000+ 4 8% 2 6%

Communicating Expectations

When you began your KUMC postdoctoral appointment, did you receive an offer letter or contract?

2014 2015

Did receive an offer letter or contract at start of KUMC appointment

50 30

Did NOT receive an offer letter or contract at start of KUMC appointment

3 1

Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statement: I have a clear understanding of the

expectations for my postdoctoral appointment.

49%

52%

34%

35%

13%

10%

4%

3%

0

0

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

I have a clear understanding of the expectations of my postdoctoral appointment.

Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

Postdoctoral Time

Self-reported time off:

2014 2015

Avg Max Min Mode Avg Max Min Mode

Vacation Days in past year 8.3 40 0 0 7.6 25 0 0

Sick Days in past year 3.6 40 0 0 1.8 10 0 0

Reporting no vacation in past year 23% 16%

Reporting no sick time in the past year 43% 48%

The postdoc work week in hours per week:

2014 2015*

Avg Max Min Mode Avg Max Min Mode

Average work week 48.3 80 5 50 46 65 0 50

Planning research/ experiments 8.2 70 0 5 NA 16-20 1-5 6-10

Conducting research 22.3 54 0 20 NA 30+ 1-5 20-25

Documenting Findings 3.7 10 0 5 NA 20-25 1-5 1-5

Reading research literature 4.7 20 0 5 NA 11-15 1-5 1-5

Attending work meetings 2.3 10 0 2 NA 6-10 0 1-5

Teaching 0.2 5 0 0 NA 1-5 0 0

Supervising others 1.8 20 0 0 NA 6-10 0 0

Making presentations 1.1 5 0 1 NA 1-5 0 1-5

Working on committees or supporting the institution

0.4 2 0 0 NA 1-5 0 0

Professional training and development 0.4 2 0 0 NA 6-10 0 1-5

Reviewing papers 0.9 5 0 0 NA 1-5 0 1-5

Managing a lab 1.9 15 0 0 NA 16-20 0 1-5

Searching for a job 0.2 2 0 0 NA 1-5 0 0

*Format of responses for time spent at activities changed. In 2014 responses were provided in open text field, in 2015

radio buttons were selected for range of hours

Postdoctoral Mentoring

How often do you meet with your postdoctoral mentor?

2014 2015

Daily 38% 42%

Weekly 26% 42%

Bi-Weekly 13% 6%

Monthly 4% 3%

Other 8% 6%

Other Explained

Quarterly, NA, Once a year, Every 2 months

Every 3-4 months, whenever he wants to talk he’ll just check in

Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements: My postdoctoral mentor…

25%

13%

23%

32%

21%

49%

19%

6%

13%

0%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Encourages me to participate in formal training outside the lab


58%

61%

21%

29%

11%

7%

6%

3%

4%

0%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Understands my field


40%

42%

25%

39%

25%

13%

4%

6%

8%

0%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Guides my research


38%

29%

26%

39%

25%

23%

6%

6%

6%

3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Encourages me to utilize new technologies


57%

52%

15%

26%

23%

19%

2%

0%

4%

3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Co-authors papers with me


42%

52%

26%

32%

17%

7%

8%

6%

8%

3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Gives me appropriate credit


47%

48%

25%

35%

17%

14%

8%

3%

4%

0%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Gives me feedback on my work


32%

26%

23%

29%

27%

39%

9%

6%

9%

0%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Helps me make important professional decisions


25%

16%

21%

42%

19%

32%

25%

10%

11%

0%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Helps me network professionally


23%

13%

23%

32%

28%

39%

8%

13%

19%

3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Helps me manage time effectively


19%

13%

23%

35%

26%

36%

15%

13%

17%

3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Helps me balance professional and personal responsibilities


43%

35%

21%

35%

30%

24%

0%

3%

6%

3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Is supportive of my career path


36%

29%

23%

42%

19%

20%

11%

3%

11%

6%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Allows me the freedom to pursue independent projects


42%

26%

19%

42%

28%

23%

8%

6%

4%

3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Supports my attendance at meetings


32% 55% 10% 0%3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2015

Encourages/supports my attendance at research relevant seminars


Career Preparation

During your postdoctoral training have you been exposed to career opportunities outside academic research?

Career paths in order of interest (options provided):

2014 2015

1 Research University Research University

2 Government Industry

3 Industry Government

4 Consulting Undergraduate/Liberal Arts College

5 Nonprofit/NGO Nonprofit/NGO

6 Undergraduate/Liberal Arts College Consulting

7 Entrepreneurship/Self Employment Legal

8 Media/Communications Entrepreneurship/Self Employment

9 Legal Media/Communications

19%

81%

2014 EXPOSURE TO CAREERS OUTSIDE ACADEMIC RESEARCH

Yes No

43%

57%

2015 EXPOSURE TO CAREERS OUTSIDE ACADEMIC RESEARCH

Yes No

40%

60%

2014 CURRENTLY JOB SEARCHING

Looking for job Not looking for job

57%

43%

2015 CURRENTLY JOB SEARCHING

Looking for job Not looking for job

Professional Development

Training areas in order of interest (options provided):

2014 2015

1 Public Speaking Grant and proposal writing

2 Writing for Publication Writing for publication

3 Project Management Teaching

4 Grant and Proposal Writing Public Speaking

5 Teaching Project Management

6 Group or Lab Management Group or Lab Management

7 Intellectual property Intellectual Property

8 Conflict resolution Negotiating

9 Negotiating Conflict Resolution

Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements: I feel the resources at KUMC meet

my…

25%

29%

30%

52%

25%

10%

8%

10%

13%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Professional development needs


19%

10%

21%

52%

42%

26%

11%

10%

8%

3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Personal needs


30%

13%

42%

74%

25%

10%

2%

3%

2%

0%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Research needs


Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements: I feel my postdoctoral training is

providing me with the…

11%

10%

23%

13%

23%

23%

11%

42%

32%

13%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Teaching skills needed for my future career


19%

13%

28%

52%

27%

29%

15%

6%

11%

0%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Management skills needed for my future career


42%

45%

38%

48%

17%

6%

0%

0%

4%

0%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Research skills needed for my future career


23%

13%

36%

55%

28%

26%

20%

6% 0%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

Communication skills neede for my future career


Those who reported having attended and OPA training event: Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with

the following statement: The event(s) I attended was useful and appropriate.

Those who reported NOT having attended and OPA training event: What has prevented you from attending an event?

don't want to

Timing

hasn't been a priority

63%

37%

2015 OPA TRAINING ATTENDANCE

Have attended an OPA training event

Have NOT attended an OPA training event

37% 53% 11%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2015

The event(s) I attended was useful and appropriate.


Communications

Those who indicated familiar with Postdoc Press: Please indicate how strong you agree or disagree with the following

statements.

52%48%

POSTDOC PRESS

Familiar with Postdoc Press NOT Familiar with Postdoc Pres

13% 75% 13%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2015

I enjoy reading the Postdoc Press newsletter.


13% 75% 13%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2015

The content of the Postdoc Press is appropriate


Comments and Suggestions for Postdoc Press I like it. I think it's nicely put together.

I enjoy reading the Postdoc Press newsletter, it helps me to learn what is going on in the Postdoc society and

what resources are available for postdocs.

13% 6% 75% 6% 0%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2015

I would like the Postdoc Press to be issued more frequently.


13% 38% 50%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2015

The Postdoc Press is a useful source of information.


79%

21%

ADVERTISING ON CAMPUS

Yes, the current methods are effective

No, the current methods are NOT effective

Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statement.

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Email Announcements

Flyers

Digital Dislpays

Postdoc Press

Other

Visability of Advertising Methods on Campus

Visability of Advertising Methods on Campus

11%

13%

30%

42%

48%

45%

9%

0%

2%

0%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

The Postdoc Affairs website is useful and easy to navigate.


KUMC Postdoctoral Association

74%

26%

2014 AWARE OF KPA

Aware of KPA NOT Aware of KPA

100%

0%

2015 AWARE OF KPA

Aware of KPA NOT Aware of KPA

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Email

Flyer

Word of Mouth

Other

How have you heard of the KUMC Postdoc Association?

How have you heard of the KUMC Postdoc Association?

If participated in KPA event: Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statement.

If not participated in KPA event: Why not?

No time.

I'm new

Time

New arrival

In the past, few years back, the people holding honorable posts did not listen or took any steps to upgrade the

salaries of the post-doc community in KUMC.

Busy at work

Recently started

Comments and Feedback for KPA I was asked to speak in a symposium this year at a conference and couldn't go because I didn't have the funds

and neither did the postdoc office to support research travel. Very disappointing.

I appreciate their efforts to create a collegial atmosphere among the postdocs. We don't social very well as a

group so we need the help.

I agree that the KUMC postdoc association is better and better. And I have been benefited from the events

hosted by the postdoc association and the resources provided by postdoc association. I look forward to more

networking events in the future to help postdoc to look for new job opportunities, and job information shared in

the postdoc society.

I don't think they are doing much for postdocs. I know the issues that postdocs were discussing three years ago

are still the same.

Unable to attend Friday Mornings

62%

38%

2014 PARTICPATION IN KPA EVENT

Have participated Have NOT participated

63%

37%

2015 PARTICPATION IN KPA EVENT

Have participated Have NOT participated

32% 63% 5%0%0%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2015

The event(s) I attended was useful and appropriate.


Comments and Feedback

Services What type of services would you like the university, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and/or the KUMC Postdoctoral

Association to offer?

Teaching opportunities

Counselling regarding salary and benefits along with more information on university guidelines for pay-rate

determination

Childcare services

Resource sharing - common antibodies; mouse models; drugs; cell lines... It would be nice to have a network

such as this.

Any help with writing, public speaking, and networking is always appreciated.

Presentation and communication skill

networking events

Better career resources- such as website for job opportunities in the KC area. Currently, it's more focused on

academic opportunities, and I would like to more of non-academic jobs openings posted.

Better parking

Teaching training (Better parking)

Teaching counselling

summer camps for children of all ages, better parking, entrepreneurial-type information

Funding for individual research projects

Postdoctoral office should take issues like salaries and professional development pretty seriously. Why not

impose salary caps to hire postdoc. if faculty is hiring on NIH grant they get money to higher postdoc why not

ask them to pay the same amount to postdoc. That never happens. Policies should be imposed to pay amount

the funding agency pays for postdoc. So while hiring postdoc should be told you are hired on this grant and you

will be paid this much.

Information What type of information would you like to receive in an orientation or information session for postdoctoral scholars?

I was here for quite a while before I understood what the Research Institute is and how they help researchers.

That might have been nice to know sooner.

For the international postdocs, I would suggest the information on housing, shopping (food, clothes, car etc) and

traffic will be very helpful.

Jobs in universities

Carrier oriented skill

list of postdocs in my department, list of services provided by the office of Postdoctoral affairs

summary of resources available on campus

General Feedback The Office of Postdoc Affairs has done a great job in serving the postdoc society. I look forward to more success

coming in the future years!

Good work, seen improvement in the 2+ years I have been here

Try and get policies working for betterment of postdoc life on campus. They are not treated as employees at any

base such as salary, parking and a other. If we don't strengthen the program it’s just bunch of unhappy people

who won't help succeed KUMC much.

the office of postdoctoral affairs 2015 postdoctoral ... survey... · the 2015 survey was reviewed...

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