1 Survey

TRAINEE CLIMATE SURVEY
OMB Number: 0925-0299
Expiration Date: 31 May 2024
Burden Time: 20 minutes

Collection of this information is authorized by The Public Health Service Act, Section 410 (42 USC 285). Rights of participants are protected by The Privacy Act of 1974.
Participation is voluntary, and there are no penalties for not participating or withdrawing from the study at any time. The information collected in this study will be
kept private to the extent provided by law. Names and other identifiers will not appear in any report of the study. Information provided will be combined for all
participants and reported as summaries.
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching
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sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Send comments regarding
this burden 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 (0925-0299). Do not return the completed form to this address.

Q1 PERCEPTIONS OF YOUR RESEARCH GROUP Thank you for taking the time to fill out this survey. The survey should take
approximately 20 minutes to complete.
Your responses will be completely anonymous, and your identity will not be disclosed.
Feel free to reach out to Dr. Sharon Milgram ([email protected]) to discuss your experience at NIH. Also, visit
https://www.training.nih.gov to learn more about career and personal development resources for NIH trainees and
https://hr.nih.gov/working-nih/civil to learn more about the NIH Anti-harassment Program. Click on the forward arrow below to
continue.

Q2 Are you a trainee?
o Yes
o No
Q3 Who is your PI?
________________________________________________________________

Q4 The next set of questions pertain to you and your research or lab group. When answering the questions, please consider
your interactions and experiences within your research group. We will ask specific questions about your PI later, so just think about
your research group.

Q5 My research group has a collegial atmosphere.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable

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Q6 I understand the goals and mission of our research group.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q7 All members of the research group are encouraged to be actively involved in lab matters.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q8 My research group members are respectful of each other.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q9 My research group members are supportive of each other.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q10 I am able to work well with other members of my research group.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable

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Q11 Safety procedures are followed in my work area.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q12 My research group members are supportive of people of all backgrounds, races, cultures, genders, sexual orientations,
countries, and disabilities, etc.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Display This Question:
If Q12 = Slightly disagree
Or Q12 = Disagree
Or Q12 = Strongly disagree
Q13 You’ve indicated that your research group members are not supportive of people of all backgrounds, races, cultures, genders,
sexual orientations, countries, and disabilities, etc. Please select which group(s) is/are not supported: (select all that apply then click
on the forward arrow to continue.)
▢ Backgrounds
▢ Races
▢ Cultures
▢ Genders
▢ Sexual orientation
▢ Countries of origin
▢ Age
▢ Disability
▢ Other, please specify __________________________________________________
Q14 We have regular lab meetings (or regular branch meetings).
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable

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Q15 Our lab/branch meeting is a safe place to present and share ideas.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q16 I have been encouraged to present my work at group and/or Lab/Branch meetings.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q17 I have strong collaborations with others in my research group.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q18 I have been taught new skills and techniques in my research group.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q19 My research group has a culture that values a work-life balance.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable

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Q20 I have witnessed someone being bullied or harassed in my research group.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q21 Someone in my research group has bullied or harassed me.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q22 Someone in my group has inappropriately touched me.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q23 Someone in my research group makes inappropriate comments and/or jokes that make me uncomfortable.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q24 Someone in my research group sends or shares inappropriate texts, pictures, videos, or memes that make me uncomfortable.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable

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Q25 I feel like an outsider in my research group.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q26 I feel like my research group members accept me.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q27 For the next set of questions, consider your work. When answering the questions, please consider your perceptions of work.

Q28 I have enough resources (e.g., space, equipment, supplies) work effectively.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q29 I find my work to be interesting.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q30 I find my work to be challenging.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable

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Q31 I feel comfortable expressing my ideas in group meetings.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q32 My work deadlines are reasonable.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q33 I have some flexibility in my work schedule.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Display This Question:
If Q2 = Yes
Q34 I have been given adequate time to apply and interview for school/job positions.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q35 I have been given the opportunity to attend conferences (or workshops) on campus.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable

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Q36 I have been given the opportunity to attend conferences off campus (national or international research meetings).
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q37 I have been encouraged to take professional development trainings (if staff) or FAES or other courses (if trainee).
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q38 I am encouraged to attend seminars, lectures, and IC or campus-wide events.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q39 I have strong collaborations with others at NIH.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q40 For the next set of questions, consider your interactions and experiences your PI. When answering the questions, please
consider you and your PI only.

Q41 My PI encourages me to develop my own projects/ideas.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable

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Q42 My PI shows respect to other members of the research group.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q43 I am treated fairly by my PI.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q44 My PI provides me with the right amount of scientific direction. (for trainees and scientific staff)
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q45 My PI and I communicate effectively.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q46 My PI communicates with me about my strengths and weaknesses.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable

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Q47 My PI provides clear, helpful feedback.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q48 My PI provides guidance regarding my educational or future career goals.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q49 My PI helps me to set research goals.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q50 My PI helps me to reach my research goals.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q51 My PI provides help and guidance regarding my scientific progress. (or work process if non-scientific staff)
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable

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Q52 My PI gives me timely feedback on manuscripts, abstracts, and other written documents.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Display This Question:
If Q2 = Yes
Q53 My PI offered assistance with the school/job application process.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q54 My PI does NOT allow me to attend career development workshops.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q55 My PI has helped me set up collaborations with others outside of our group and Branch.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q56 I find my PI approachable.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable

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Q57 I feel comfortable expressing concerns and complaints to my PI.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q58 My PI helps the group resolve conflicts in a calm manner.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q59 I feel I can discuss personal issues or stresses with my PI.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q60 My PI is supportive of my personal and/or family needs.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q61 My PI yells and demeans individuals when upset.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable

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Q62 My PI has threatened me in some way (e.g., termination, recommendation letters or loss of authorship, etc).
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q63 My PI has bullied or harassed me.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q64 My PI has inappropriately touched me.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q65 My PI makes inappropriate comments and/or jokes that make me uncomfortable.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q66 My PI sends or shares inappropriate texts, pictures, videos, or memes that make me uncomfortable.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable

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Q67 I have witnessed my PI bullying or harassing someone in my research group.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q68 My PI is supportive of people of all backgrounds, races, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, countries, and disabilities, etc.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Display This Question:
If Q68 = Slightly disagree
Or Q68 = Disagree
Or Q68 = Strongly disagree
Q69 You’ve indicated that your PI is not supportive of people of all backgrounds, races, cultures, genders, sexual orientations,
countries, and disabilities, etc. Please select which group(s) is/are not supported: (select all that apply then click on the forward
arrow to continue.)
▢ Backgrounds
▢ Races
▢ Cultures
▢ Genders
▢ Sexual orientations
▢ Countries of origin
▢ Age
▢ Disability
▢ Other

Q70 I would recommend my PI to friends and colleagues who are seeking mentors.
o Strongly agree
o Agree
o Slightly agree
o Slightly disagree
o Disagree
o Strongly disagree
o Not Applicable
Q71 Almost there! This section asks about your overall experience at NIH.

Display This Question:
If Q2 = Yes

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Q72 How would you rate the overall quality of your research training at NIH?
o Excellent
o Very good
o Good
o Fair
o Poor
Q73 Overall, how would you rate your experiences at work/in lab?
o Very positive
o Positive
o Neither positive or negative
o Negative
o Very negative
Q74 How many hours per week do you work, on average? (please fill in the blank below with the number of hours)
________________________________________________________________

Q75 How often do you work weekends and Holidays in a typical month? (please fill in the blank below with days per month. If none,
enter 0)
________________________________________________________________

Q76 Do you ever feel pressured by your supervisor to work in the evenings, on weekends, or on holidays?
o Always
o Often
o Sometimes
o Occasionally
o Never
Q77 Do you feel that you are able to take sick and personal days as needed?
o Yes
o Maybe
o No
Q78 What are the most positive aspects of the mentoring you received at NIH? Or if staff, what is the most positive aspect of work
and work environment at NIH?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Q79 What aspects of the mentoring you received at NIH need improvement? Or if staff, what aspects of work and work environment
at NIH need improvement?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Q80 Please provide any additional comments relevant to your views of your research group and supervisor that you feel were not
covered or covered in sufficient depth. (This survey is anonymous and no identifying information will be disclosed)
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

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________________________________________________________________

Q81 This final section is optional. It contains 9 questions related to your mental health at work, and how work is making you feel. It
helps us understand trainees' stressors at work and the impact the work could have on you. Would you like to complete this
section?
o Yes
o No
Skip To: End of Survey If Q81 = No
Q82 The following questions concern the impact your work could have had on you. Please read each statement and indicate how
often you experienced the problems mentioned over the PAST TWO WEEKS. Use the scale provided to respond: 0 = never or almost
never1 = a few days only2 = more than half the days3 = nearly every day Here is an example:“I felt anxious because of my job.” • If
you did NOT feel anxious because of your job, select 0.• If you felt anxious for reasons that you consider UNCONNECTED TO YOUR
JOB (personal problems, marital problems, family problems, health problems, etc.), select 0 as well.• If you felt anxious but don’t
know why, again select 0.• If it is clear for you that YOUR JOB caused you to feel anxious, select 1, 2 or 3 to indicate how often that
happened.
Click on the forward arrow to continue.
Q83 Indicate how often you experienced the problems mentioned below over the past two weeks.
My work was so stressful that I could not enjoy the things that I usually like doing.
o Nearly everyday
o More than half the days
o A few days only
o Never or almost never
Q84 Indicate how often you experienced the problems mentioned below over the past two weeks.
I felt depressed because of my job.
o Nearly everyday
o More than half the days
o A few days only
o Never or almost never
Q85 Indicate how often you experienced the problems mentioned below over the past two weeks.
The stress of my job caused me to have sleep problems (I had difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, or I slept much more than
usual).
o Nearly everyday
o More than half the days
o A few days only
o Never or almost never
Q86 Indicate how often you experienced the problems mentioned below over the past two weeks.
I felt exhausted because of my work.
o Nearly everyday
o More than half the days
o A few days only
o Never or almost never

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Q87 Indicate how often you experienced the problems mentioned below over the past two weeks.
I felt my appetite was disturbed because of the stress of my job (I lost my appetite, or the opposite, I ate too much).
o Nearly everyday
o More than half the days
o A few days only
o Never or almost never
Q88 Indicate how often you experienced the problems mentioned below over the past two weeks.
My experience at work made me feel like a failure.
o Nearly everyday
o More than half the days
o A few days only
o Never or almost never
Q89 Indicate how often you experienced the problems mentioned below over the past two weeks.
My job stressed me so much that I had trouble focusing on what I was doing (e.g., reading a newspaper article) or thinking clearly
(e.g., to make decisions).
o Nearly everyday
o More than half the days
o A few days only
o Never or almost never
Q90 Indicate how often you experienced the problems mentioned below over the past two weeks.
As a result of job stress, I felt restless, or the opposite, noticeably slowed down―for example, in the way I moved or spoke.
o Nearly everyday
o More than half the days
o A few days only
o Never or almost never
Q91 If you have encountered at least some of the problems mentioned above, do these problems lead you to consider leaving your
current job or position?
o Yes
o No
o I don't know

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