City of Hope ranked among the top 40 institutions in which to perform postdoctoral fellowships, according to The Scientist magazine. The ranking, which appeared in the publication’s January issue, marks the first time City of Hope has made the list.

City of Hope debuted at No. 36 on the list of 75 U.S. and 15 non-U.S. institutions.

The Scientist lists City of Hope as a top spot for postdoctoral fellows such as Hong Xin. (Photo by Walter Urie)

Richard Jove, Ph.D., Morgan and Helen Chu Director’s Chair of Beckman Research Institute, credits City of Hope’s postdoctoral training office (PTO), led by program manager Laurett Rivera, with the accomplishment.

“This is exactly what we hoped to achieve with the PTO — enhancement of our postdoctoral training experience and increased national visibility,” he said. “Being among the top 36 institutions in the nation is a great place to be.”

To develop the rankings, The Scientist polled more than 3,100 nontenured life scientists working in academia or other noncommercial research organizations. Survey respondents assessed their working conditions and environments in 11 different areas, including family and personal life, communication, benefits and training and mentoring.

Postdoctoral fellows ranked communication and benefits highest among City of Hope’s strengths. Their ratings also showed a desire to see the organization improve networking opportunities and the value of the postdoctoral experience, areas the PTO hopes to enhance in the coming year, according to Rivera.

Formed in 2007, the PTO acts as an administrative and career resource for postdoctoral fellows, from their recruitment to after their departure from City of Hope.

“Our goal is to really enhance the value of the postdoctoral experience for both the fellows and City of Hope,” said Rivera. “Seeing us debut among the top 40 percent of surveyed institutions is a good sign we’re making great progress in the right direction.”