Yale Rates High in "Best Places to Work in Academia"

In a self-selecting poll of fulltime faculty and researchers, conducted by “The Scientist” magazine, Yale ranked third in “Best Places to Work in Academia”. Relationships with colleagues and the quality physical and financial resources were among the most important features in workplace satisfaction for Yale respondents.

“We enjoy a richly collaborative environment for scholarship and we have made substantial investments in support of science. It is greatly rewarding to see our culture and investments acknowledged,” said Yale Provost Susan Hockfield.

The results are detailed in the article “How they Measure Up: Scientific Institutions” appearing in the October 20, 2003 issue of “The Scientist”. A web-based questionnaire contained 56 statements about the scientific workplace. Benefits, startup funds, core facilities, mentoring, administration, future opportunities and, of course pay, were included in the topics. The survey asked for evaluation of particular statements about the research environment and if that issue mattered.

More than 38,000 full-time faculty and researchers were invited to participate; there were 2,210 valid responses – from the United States, Canada, Western Europe, and Israel. The top overall results for US institutions: 1. Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA; 2. Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN; 3. Yale University, New Haven, CT; 4. University of California, San Francisco; 5. University of Minnesota, St. Paul.

When asked what surprised her most, author of the survey, Paula Park said “that salary only rated 4th most important.” She added, “While this is not a completely scientific study, it gives a perspective from scientists who actively chose to answer the survey.”

Michael Snyder, Yale Professor and Chair of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, who filled out the survey, commented, “I was delighted to see Yale ranked so highly and ahead of what we view as our usual competition. Yale’s an exciting place to do science. We have a very collaborative and supportive atmosphere, which makes it a fun place.”

Most respondents to the survey said that a huge salary is not a main concern. They do expect adequate money, core resources and technology to facilitate their research.

For full text of the articles, log onto The Scientist website: www.the-scientist.com.