(Dis)satisfaction of female and early-career researchers with the academic system in physics

Abstract

Modern physics encompasses theoretical and experimental research divided into subfields with specific features. For instance, high energy physics (HEP) attracts significant funding and has distinct organizational structures, i.e., large laboratories and cross-institutional collaborations. Expensive equipment and large experiments create a specific work atmosphere and human relations. While the gender imbalance is characteristic for STEM, early-career researchers are inherently dependent on their supervisors. This raises the question of how satisfied researchers working in physics are and how different subgroups−female and early-career researchers−perceive their work environment. We conducted a survey to measure job satisfaction and satisfaction with the academic system among physicists (N = 122) working in large laboratories, universities, and independent institutes. For this we used Likert-type scales. The scale for measuring the satisfaction with the academic system in physics was constructed by us. It performed statistically well and yielded three factors: experience of research autonomy, opportunities to use one's knowledge, and appreciation of the research by the general public. In our study, we detected that physicists are less satisfied with the academic system than with their work environment. Moreover, female scientists and junior researchers evaluated their jobs more negatively. The results emphasize the need for improving work and research conditions for underprivileged groups in physics. Interestingly, no significant effect was found between different types of academic institutions and general job satisfaction. Finally, participants felt that their work has not been well understood by the public.