Phase 1 studied the gaps between postdoc data needs and existing resources. It concluded in a Design Options Report that made suggestions for the next stage of the PDP. The Design Options Report described four possible approaches:
Design Options
| Integrated Postdoc Information Strategy |
Use existing SRS surveys and supplement with new surveys |
| Nonintegrated SRS Postdoc Survey |
Create a new SRS Postdoc Survey that does not make use of existing SRS surveys |
| Meta-analysis |
SRS-sponsored clearinghouse for postdoc data |
| Case Studies |
Design and implement case studies that fill data gaps |
Integrated postdoc information strategy
The PDP chose the integrated strategy to take advantage of existing SRS survey architecture. This option was considered the best compromise between economical constraints and the need for improved postdoc data and offers an analytical benefit: researchers could use the same instrument to compare career outcomes for postdocs and non-postdoc PhDs.
Suggestions for Phase 2
The final recommendation for implementing the integrated design option includes several steps:
Comprehensive population statistics:Get comprehensive statistics on the postdoc population by
- Collecting more detail about foreign-degreed postdocs through the GSS
- Conducting an establishment survey of non-academic institutions that hirepostdocs
Postdoc sample frame improvement: Update SED to include residency status and post-graduation plans Add supplemental frames for foreign-degreed and professional postdocs.
Sample data: Select and screen a sample of postdocs from the aggregate reference frame. Be alert for ineligible and duplicate cases.
Entry survey: Interview postdocs to learn their reasons for taking a postdoc, expectations from the position, and initial experiences.
Longitudinal data: Collect longitudinal data on from postdocs through SDR or other surveys. Focus on postdoc experiences and career progression.
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