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Aspects of postgraduate researchers experience scale NIST survey
Aspects of postgraduate researchers experience
scale NIST survey
We invite you to consider participating in a survey about your experiences as a
Postgraduate Researcher at NIST.
For the purpose of this work, Postgraduate Researchers are defined as early-career researchers no more than 7 years
from receiving their final degree. 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 Postgraduate 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, [email protected]
or 301.975.0527.
OMB Control # 0693-0033 [to be updated]
Expiration Date 09/30/2025 [to be updated]
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.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1WDOuBb72DuFFmg1fm_jiguCSLLo0yozbS9V82kLK2fE/edit
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Aspects of postgraduate researchers experience scale NIST survey
* Indicates required question
Demographic questions
For the purpose of this survey, Postgraduate 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.
Q0. Have you taken this survey previously? *
Mark only one oval.
Yes
No
2.
Q1. What type of appointment at NIST do you currently hold? *
Mark only one oval.
Federal employee (e.g., NRC postdoc or term appointment)
Non-federal appointment (e.g., PREP postdoctoral researcher)
3.
Skip to question 3
Skip to question 4
Q1a. Have you been a non-federal employee postgraduate researcher at NIST prior to your current
*
appointment?
Mark only one oval.
Yes
No
Skip to question 5
4.
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 5
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5.
Aspects of postgraduate researchers experience scale NIST survey
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
6.
Q3. How long have you been at NIST as a Postgraduate Researcher?
Mark only one oval.
Less than 1 year
1-2 years
More than 2 years
7.
Q4. Have you had prior postgraduate 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 postgraduate researcher position outside of NIST.
Yes, I had two or more other postgraduate researcher positions outside of NIST.
8.
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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9.
Aspects of postgraduate researchers experience scale NIST survey
Q6. What is your Operating Unit (OU) at NIST? *
Dropdown
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)
10.
Q7. Which NIST site are you affiliated with? *
Mark only one oval.
Gaithersburg
Boulder
Other:
11.
Q8. What is your sex?
You may skip this question if preferred.
Mark only one oval.
Male
Female
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12.
Aspects of postgraduate researchers experience scale NIST survey
Q9. What is your race and/or ethnicity?
Select all that apply and enter additional details in the spaces below.
Check all that apply.
American Indian or Alaska Native (For example, Navajo Nation, Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian
Reservation of Montana, Native Village of Barrow Inupiat Traditional Government, Nome Eskimo Community, Aztec,
Maya, etc.)
Asian (For example, Chinese, Asian Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, etc.)
Black or African American (For example, African American, Jamaican, Haitian, Nigerian, Ethiopian, Somali, etc.)
Hispanic or Latino (For example, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, Cuban, Dominican, Guatemalan, etc.)
Middle Eastern or North African (For example, Lebanese, Iranian, Egyptian, Syrian, Iraqi, Israeli, etc.)
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (For example, Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Chamorro, Tongan, Fijian,
Marshallese, etc.)
White (For example, English, German, Irish, Italian, Polish, Scottish, etc.)
Skip to question 13
Mentoring and research experience
13.
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:
Rate the following statements based on 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.
1
2
3
Strongly Disagree
4
5
Strongly Agree
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15.
Aspects of postgraduate researchers experience scale NIST survey
R2. My mentor(s) helps me in selecting research projects and developing my academic plans. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
16.
Strongly Agree
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.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
17.
Strongly Agree
R4. My mentor(s) helps me integrate into the group and the division community. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
18.
Strongly Agree
R5. My mentor(s) teaches me what it means to be an independent researcher and a scholar. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
19.
Strongly Agree
R6. My research/project group meets at least once per week. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
Strongly Disagree
4
5
Strongly Agree
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20.
Aspects of postgraduate researchers experience scale NIST survey
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.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
21.
Strongly Agree
R8. I have regular meetings with my research mentor and receive feedback on a regular basis. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
22.
Strongly Agree
R9. The research project I am working on matches my research interests. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
23.
Strongly Agree
R10. I have presented/am planning to present my research at a group meeting or in a journal club. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
Strongly Disagree
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 postgraduate researchers 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.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
25.
Strongly Agree
D2. I was offered help when working on my personalized performance plan. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
26.
Strongly Agree
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.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
27.
Strongly Agree
D4. I attend mini-conferences where post-docs from nearby institutions can share research progress and *
learn networking skills.
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
28.
Strongly Agree
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.
1
2
3
Strongly Disagree
4
5
Strongly Agree
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29.
Aspects of postgraduate researchers experience scale NIST survey
D6. My Division/OU provides training opportunities that focuses on time management skills. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
30.
Strongly Agree
D7. Senior researchers in my division are available to meet when I need help with my research project. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
31.
Strongly Agree
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.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
32.
Strongly Agree
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.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
33.
Strongly Agree
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.
1
2
3
Strongly Disagree
4
5
Strongly Agree
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34.
Aspects of postgraduate researchers 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.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
35.
Strongly Agree
D12. I attend training on organizing and managing a research group. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
36.
Strongly Agree
D13. I attend activities where I can learn about effective networking. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
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.
37.
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.
1
2
3
Strongly Disagree
4
5
Strongly Agree
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38.
Aspects of postgraduate researchers experience scale NIST survey
E2. The division offered a space where post-docs can build an academic and social community. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
39.
Strongly Agree
E3. People in my division were supportive and caring about my accommodation needs when I first moved *
into town.
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
40.
Strongly Agree
E4. A senior peer mentor(s) provided invaluable resources and inducted me into division and/or
*
laboratory cultures.
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
41.
Strongly Agree
E5. I had or have support and flexibility from my division in finding my research interests. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
42.
Strongly Agree
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.
1
2
3
Strongly Disagree
4
5
Strongly Agree
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43.
Aspects of postgraduate researchers experience scale NIST survey
E7. I attend(ed) a research seminar surveying the areas of expertise within the division. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
44.
Strongly Agree
E8. My research mentor was very flexible with my research assignments when I was struggling with
*
alternative post-doc responsibilities.
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
45.
Strongly Agree
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.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
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.
46.
F1. There is secured funding, internal or external to my OU, for the duration of my entire appointment. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
Strongly Disagree
4
5
Strongly Agree
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47.
Aspects of postgraduate researchers experience scale NIST survey
F2. My appointment comes with health benefits. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
Strongly Disagree
48.
Strongly Agree
F3. I have no financial concerns about completing my postgraduate training. *
Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
Strongly Disagree
4
5
Strongly Agree
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Aspects of postgraduate researchers experience scale NIST survey
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| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | [dev] Aspects of postgraduate researchers experience scale - Google Forms |
| File Modified | 2025-09-15 |
| File Created | 2025-09-15 |