Pitt Ranks No. 12 in The Scientist’s Best Places to Work in Academia Survey

The University of Pittsburgh ranked No. 12 among 40 U.S. institutions in the 2009 Best Places to Work in Academia survey published by The Scientist.

Rankings are determined through a Web-based survey in which life scientists are asked to assess their work environments according to 38 criteria in eight areas: job satisfaction, peers, infrastructure and environment, research resources, pay, management and policies, teaching and mentoring, and tenure and promotion. Pitt ranked highest in research resources and job satisfaction.

“We are eager to support our researchers and to assist them in developing the most effective approaches to managing their careers,” said Arthur S. Levine, senior vice chancellor for the health sciences and dean of the School of Medicine at Pitt. “Creating an enjoyable work environment is essential to the success of their individual research endeavors and the University of Pittsburgh as a whole.”

With 2,000 full-time life sciences researchers and more than 25,000 papers published by researchers in the life sciences, Pitt is one of the largest of the survey’s top 15 institutions and is among the top recipients of federal funding among the institutions listed in the survey.

“The federal funding does provide Pitt with a rich research environment, but the reason people are so happy here is much more than that,” said Joan Lakoski, associate vice chancellor for academic career development for Pitt’s schools of the health sciences. “The mentoring and support we offer one another allow for personal and career growth, and the friendly, collaborative climate of Pittsburgh makes for a great place to work.”

Lakoski said the schools of the health sciences have worked carefully to create a comprehensive approach to career development. They offer unique workshops, programs, and services that address emerging opportunities for those pursuing lifelong academic careers.

The University of Pittsburgh schools of the health sciences include the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, and Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and the Graduate School of Public Health.