Michigan’s University Research Corridor partners were each among the top 29 places to work in academia, all rating higher in 2009 than 2008, according to life sciences-oriented readers of The Scientist magazine.

Respondents, who were qualified faculty mainly in life sciences fields, rated U-M 18th, Michigan State University 17th and Wayne State University 29th. Greatest strengths of the three, according to the survey, were the peers and infrastructure/facilities at U-M, job satisfaction and tenure/promotion opportunities at MSU and teaching/mentoring as well as pay at WSU.

Scientist Magazine also surveyed post-docs in the life sciences field on the best places to work for people after they have earned their doctorates. The magazine also recognized Van Andel Research Institute of Grand Rapids (25th), which along with the URC, started the Michigan Life Sciences Corridor in 1999. Van Andel was part of The Scientist’s list of the top 40 best places to work for post docs. 

“Attracting and retaining the best talent is always the top goal for businesses who want to lead their fields and those resources are clearly available throughout Michigan’s University Research Corridor,’’ says Jeff Mason, URC executive director. “We are always looking for indicators to measure our impact and potential and this is just another indicator showing we’re continuing to move forward even in challenging economic times.’’

Mason and the URC presidents spoke about the URC’s progress last week while testifying before the state Senate Higher Ed Appropriations Subcommittee.

The URC was founded to leverage the power of Michigan’s research universities to transform, strengthen and diversify the state’s economy. A recent study found that the three universities have a combined impact on the state’s economy of $14.5 billion.

Overall, respondents focused on collaboration, team building and unique funding opportunities as important work environment factors. Over 2,350 qualified respondents rated their working environments on a level scale for 38 criteria in eight different areas.

Represented in those responses were 119 institutions — 94 from the U.S. and 25 from the rest of the world. About 47 percent of respondents were from non-medical universities or colleges.