Ohio State named among 'Best Places to Work in Academia'

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State University has been named one of the best places to work in academia, according to a recent survey released in the October issue of The Scientist magazine.

In the fourth year of the survey, the university is ranked third nationally in the magazine's top 15 list of U.S. academic institutions and first among all colleges and universities. Ohio State follows St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and The J. David Gladstone Institute, respectively in the listing.

Top-notch students and support for excellence are two key factors that contribute to a good work environment, according to Robert McGrath, senior vice president for research.

"We are pleased that this national publication has identified Ohio State as one of the nation's best for the work environment of our scientists and researchers," McGrath said.

"For the 12th year in a row, we have the best academically prepared freshman class in history, and the university is investing record funding in the most prestigious and promising areas of scholarship - creating an exciting atmosphere here."

More than 1,600 survey respondents identified as tenured or tenure-track researchers in the life sciences working in academia or other non-commercial research organizations participated in the web-based questionnaire. Respondents were asked to assess their working conditions and environments by indicating their level of agreement with 39 criteria in eight different areas. The overall rankings were based on the average score per institution from all respondents on factors according to their regional importance.

Personal fulfillment ranked as the most important factor in determining workplace satisfaction among survey participants. Ohio State, in addition to other top-ranked institutions, scored highly in peer-related factors, including cooperation, collaboration and collegiality. Job satisfaction and salary were cited as strengths by Ohio State faculty participating in the survey.

Approximately 2,300 regular and clinical life science researchers are employed at Ohio State conducting $358 million in research.

Larry Lewellen, assistant vice president for human resources, added that the university is constantly looking for ways to enhance the work environment and professional experiences of its faculty and staff.

"In addition to the myriad of healthcare benefits and work-life initiatives currently available, Ohio State is also able to provide a number of professional services that enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness," he said. "Consulting services range from organizational development, leadership development and professional training."

Ohio State is ranked ninth in the country among public universities in total research expenditures with funding reaching $518 million in fiscal year 2004, according to related federal statistics.

Founded in 1870, Ohio State University is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state of Ohio. With more than 50,500 students enrolled at its main Columbus campus, 17 colleges and 170 majors, the university offers its students tremendous breadth and depth of opportunity in the liberal arts, the sciences, and the professions.