The best place to work

If you work as a scientific researcher in a Canadian university, you canÕt do better than Dalhousie. According to a survey conducted by The Scientist magazine, Dalhousie  was named the best non-commercial scientific institute in which to work in Canada. The Scientist, a prestigious American-based science magazine, surveyed 1,623 tenured or tenure-track life scientists working in academia or other non-commercial research organizations. They were asked to detail working conditions and environments by indicating their level of agreement with 39 criteria in eight different areas.

Dalhousie topped the list of Canadian institutions. The University of Alberta, McMaster University, The University of British Columbia and the University of Calgary rounded out the top five.

The right mix

The magazine graded those institutions that provide balance Ð the right mix of research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities; opportunities for interaction and collaboration with colleagues; avenues for career development and advancement; availability of funding and other resources; and most importantly, freedom to follow personal research interests-that achieve the healthy and rewarding work environments that life scientists crave.
 
Based in Philadelphia, PA., The Scientist is an international magazine addressing issues and events important to life scientists. It has a worldwide circulation of 75,000 subscribers.
 
The ÒBest Places to Work” survey is the cover story in the magazineÕs October 1st, 2006 issue. 
Details of the survey and its results can also be seen on the publicationÕs web site at: 

http://www.the-scientist.com/2006/10/1/57/1/.

Top Canadian Academic Institutions
1. Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
2. University of Alberta, Edmonton
3. McMaster University, Hamilton
4. University of British Columbia
5. University of Calgary

Most Important Factors for Canadian Academic Scientists
1. Job Satisfaction - My work gives me great personal satisfaction
2. Management & Policies - Male and female employees are treated equitably.
3. Tenure - The tenure review process has been applied fairly to different faculty members.
4. Peers - There is a high level of cooperation and collegiality among my peers.
5. Peers - I maintain good working relationships with my peers.
6. Research Resources - My institution provides an adequate research funding package for new faculty members.
7. Management & Policies - My institution provides adequate health care coverage for me and my family.
8. Tenure - The tenure system at my institution is clearly laid out for the faculty.
9. Tenure - The criteria laid out are/were applied throughout the tenure process.
10. Job Satisfaction - My teaching activities are valued by my students

© 2006, The Scientist