Reader Survey: The Postdoc Experience

Complete Survey Results

Graphics: Cathleen Heard

The Scientist conducted a survey on the postdoc experiences of selected subscribers via E-mail and the Web from December 20, 2000 through January 3, 2001. Of the 156 readers who completed the questionnaire, respondents ranged from those currently holding postdoc positions to those who completed their postdocs 15 or more years ago. Readers reported holding an average of about 1.5 postdoc positions and the readers' average number of years in postdoc positions is about four. Survey highlights are presented here, and complete results are available on The Scientist Web site (www.the-scientist.com/yr2001/jan/survey_010122.html).

More than two-thirds of the respondents rated the overall postdoc experience to be either very good or excellent. Also, more than two-thirds chose their lab based on the type of work they would be doing, with the principal investigator (PI) a strong second factor. Readers responded that better mentoring and employment...