November 10, 2008
University rated best place to work for scientists
tom_rickey@urmc.rochester.edu
Not only is the University the region’s largest employer, it’s also one of the best places in the nation for scientists to work, according to The Scientist magazine.
The University was rated among the top 10 nonprofit institutions in the nation in the magazine’s annual ranking of “Best Places to Work” for scientists in the life sciences, which includes medical research and related areas such as biology.
“It’s gratifying to be recognized for the research environment that we’ve worked hard to create,” says Medical Center CEO Bradford Berk. “This is an institution founded on the principle of interdisciplinary collaboration. Our scientists’ satisfaction plays an important role in the ultimate success of our research enterprise, and helps us truly achieve ‘Medicine of the Highest Order.’”
Such recognition is appropriate, says Peter Lennie, Mary L. Sproull Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering. “The faculty are at the heart of what we do, and creating the right environment for them to flourish is essential to our success,” adds Lennie. “We are delighted that The Scientist has discovered what we know ourselves—Rochester is the kind of place in which faculty thrive.”
More than 2,300 scientists nationwide responded to the magazine’s annual survey, which included those working in educational, government-sponsored, or other noncommercial research institutions. Respondents were asked to assess their work environment according to 41 criteria in eight different categories—job satisfaction, peers, infrastructure and environment, research resources, pay, management and policies, teaching and mentoring, and tenure.
The University has long been recognized for its collaborative environment, where people from different disciplines come together to work effectively to address complex scientific questions. Scientists rated the University highly in this area, citing the professionalism and collegiality of their peers. The University also received high marks in the areas of teaching and mentoring, and the magazine prominently featured an example of strong mentoring at the Medical Center.
“We’ve known all along that our scientists view the medical school as a great place to work,” says David Guzick, dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry. “Why? The survey results speak for themselves: Our own scientists report that the major strengths of the University environment are the excellence of peers, the spirit of collaboration, and the excellence of our teaching and mentoring. It’s great that the word is getting out.”
Developing the talents of younger scientists is crucial, says Stephen Dewhurst, senior associate dean for basic research at the Medical Center.
“It’s part of the ethos of the University that you look out for your colleagues,” adds Dewhurst. “We have many programs to help scientists grow and develop and build their careers, such as a class to help scientists learn how to write grants to gain funding to do their work. The mentoring of young scientists is extremely important, and it’s something that is done well here.”
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