Abstract

Background: The career progress of academic researchers is challenged by heavy workloads, low success rate of applications for funding and pressure to conduct groundbreaking research. Being minoritized is an additional strain on meeting these demands. The aim of this study was to understand the factors that predict satisfaction with career progress of academic researchers and the impact of the COVID pandemic on career progress. The study focused especially on those who are minoritized by disability, race, gender and caring responsibilities.

Method: We designed a online self-report survey inquiring about the decision for choosing a career in research, seeking career guidance, succeeding as an academic researcher, receiving support from the institution and experts in the discipline and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic besides other issues. Hundred and twenty-eight participants completed the survey and represented academic researchers in the United Kingdom. They included both those who did and did not identify with disability, race, gender and caring responsibilities.

Results: Researchers with sensory impairments or multiple disabilities recognised receiving more support during the COVID pandemic than researchers who were not disabled. Researchers from a racially minoritized background perceived more benefits of the support for research than White researchers, especially White researchers who were not British. Among disabled researchers, recognising support from the institution predicted a greater sense of career progress. Among racially minoritized researchers, seeking career guidance and choosing a career in research because of the stability it offered predicted a greater sense of career progress. Among women and those with caring responsibilities, the type of employment contract predicted a greater sense of career progress.