Most Important Factors and Least Important Factors

FEATUREBest Places to Work 2006: Postdocs Most Important Factors Rank in North America in 2006 Rank in the US in 2005 Factor Category Rank outside North America in 2006 Rank outside the US in 2005 1 1 The training and experience I receive as a postdoc will be valuable to me in my future career. Value of the Postdoc Experience 3 3 2 2 I have access to the books and journals I need for my research. Quality of Facilities and Infastructure 1 1 3 4 My institution provides the equipment and supplies I need for my research. Quality of Facilities and Infastructure 2 2 4 6 My institution provides full medical insurance for me and my family at an affordable rate. Benefits 40 28 5 3 My principal investigator takes time to discuss the science behind the experiments and other work that I do. Quality of Training and Mentoring 4 4 6 5 My principal investigator makes time available to discuss issues that arise in my research Quality of Communication 5 5 7 7 I have learned much from my principal investigator about how to succeed as a scientist. Quality of Training and Mentoring 23 15 8 13 The money I receive is adequate to cover my expenses and provide for reasonable leisure activities, considering the cost of living in my community. Remuneration and Compensation 6 14 9 8 My principal investigator discusses my career outlook and available options and opportunities. Career Development Opportunities 11 13 10 9 My principal investigator communicates expectations and feedback clearly. Quality of Communication 19 7 25 34 There is no discrimination against postdocs based on their religious beliefs or ethnic background. Equity 7 27 19 19 I can easily talk with other members of the lab about any problems that arise and they can talk with me. Quality of Communication 8 17 23 - I have opportunities to interact with high-quality researchers from other departments and institutions Networking Opportunities 9 - 16 14 My institution supplies the technical support and services I need for my research. Quality of Facilities and Infastructure 10 8 This year's survey respondents consider factors relating to the quality of facilities and infrastructure to be essential to their workplace satisfaction: three factors in that category rank among the most important. Quality of training and mentoring, especially relating to principal investigator, also ranks highly; however, factors relating to safety, while in the same category, fall among the least important. Respondents place emphasis on the quality of communication within the lab (two factors in the top 14), but consider communication in the larger institutional setting relatively unimportant (two factors in the bottom six). As in years past, medical insurance benefits-ranked 4th in North America-aren't as important to European scientists, and access to literature remains high on the list (see Editorial). However, fair treatment regardless of religion or ethnicity is significantly more important for European postdocs this year than in previous surveys. Least Important Factors Rank in North America in 2006 Rank in the US in 2005 Factor Category Rank outside North America in 2006 Rank outside the US in 2005 48 43 My institution enforces laboratory safety standards and provides adequate general safety training. Quality of Training and Mentoring 45 38 47 - My institution provides adequate safety training for working with select agents (potential bioterrorism toxins and organisms). Quality of Training and Mentoring 48 - 46 - My institution has adequate and clear procedures for resolving disputes with colleagues and supervisors. Quality of Communication 47 - 45 - The bureaucracy at my institution is transparent and easy to navigate. Quality of Communication 43 - 44 - I am not pressured to publish the results of my research. Value of the Postdoc Experience 46 - 42 44 My institution has an effective postdoc office, association, or advisor. Career Development Opportunities 44 45

Most Important Factors and Least Important Factors

The Scientist Staff

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