UW postdocs are satisfied

While most postdoctoral scholars say they are satisfied with their overall experience at this institution, many cite concerns about employment and training, says a Graduate School report.

Almost 90 percent of postdoctoral scholars interviewed by the University of Wisconsin Survey Center report satisfaction with their overall UW–Madison experience. More than nine out of 10 say they’d take a postdoctoral position here again, and an equally high percentage are pleased with supervisors’ accessibility.

The university annually employs nearly 600 of these scholars, whose disciplines cover the biological sciences, physical sciences, social sciences and humanities. While postdoctoral scholars are considered “employees-in-training,” says Martin Cadwallader, interim dean of the Graduate School and interim vice chancellor for research, they contribute greatly to the advancement of knowledge and research.

To identify the strengths and weaknesses of the postdoctoral experience, a committee first conducted listening groups of postdoctoral scholars, principal investigators and faculty members. The survey center interviewed 461 scholars.

Scholars expressed some concerns, which the Graduate School intends to address. About 65 percent are dissatisfied with their salaries; 50 percent are uncertain about conditions of employment, such as vacation time, sick leave and grievance procedures; and more than 78 percent express interest in more training to find jobs, write grant proposals and teach more effectively.

“In response to the survey findings,” Cadwallader says, “the Graduate School is creating an infrastructure that departments can use to enhance both the postdoctoral experience and the research community.”

This infrastructure includes:

• A Web page for postdoctoral scholars that provides links to UW–Madison’s policies, procedures, services, research resources and funding opportunities and to sites for development, networking and outside resources. See: http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/partnerships/pd.html.
• Communication between the Graduate School and departmental administrators on policy changes, career services and professional development opportunities.
• The incorporation of training issues into the Graduate School’s seminar series.
• The adoption of appointment letter templates for postdoctoral research associates and fellows that provide accurate and complete information on conditions of employment.

The key to improving the postdoctoral scholars’ experience at UW–Madison is creating a community within the research enterprise where all members participate through sharing their knowledge, information and advice, Cadwallader says.

“By doing this,” he says, “we can offer even more postdoctoral scholars a fully satisfying experience.”