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Research at a Small Institution:

Not as Different as You Think

W

hat do you mean research at a small insti-

tution? Isn’t that an oxymoron?

They only teach at small schools, don’t

they? Rest assured you won’t be the only one asking

these questions. But a research career at a small institu-

tion can become a career alternative that isn’t really,

well... all that alternative.

Why Choose a Smaller Institution?

What would possess someone who had spent a

decade in training to actively choose to work at a small-

er institution? The general consensus of the small insti-

tution faculty interviewed cite these critical factors: 1)

they enjoy teaching; 2) they like the job security and the

fact that their salaries are derived from 100% hard

money, and/or 3) they prefer the reduced pressure to

publish at smaller institutions, but rejoice in the oppor-

tunity to maintain a research program.

These faculty consider their teaching ability a

strength and couldn’t imagine not having daily stu-

dent contact. They also feel that teaching is taken

more seriously at smaller institutions and rewarded

more appropriately. “I get jazzed from teaching,”

says Yolanda Cruz of Oberlin College. “When I was

looking for a job, I applied to several different kinds

of institutions. During an interview at the NIH I was

assured that if I took the job, I would never have to

teach again, as though this were a great perk. This

CHAPTER 9 • EXPLORING VENUES FOR SCIENCE 89

Dianna Bourke
University of Charleston

During an interview at the NIH I was

assured that if I took the job, I would

never have to teach again, as though

this were a great perk.