Don't stay for more than a year or two - Research Assistant Kessler Foundation Employee Review

Kessler Foundation is interested in feedback from employees in any forum, and takes such feedback extremely seriously. With that in mind, we wish to respond to this post. We are troubled by the type of working experience described by this individual, given that it contrasts greatly with the positive culture we strive to maintain. As a nonprofit organization, particularly one in a high-cost geographic area, we acknowledge that pay levels are not as high as one would find in a pharmaceutical company or other for-profit entity. Similarly, we are attuned to the fact that entry-level employees, typically in research assistant (RA) positions, are often understandably focused on that issue. As a result, we took several steps in recent years to address their concerns, including (1) salary adjustments above the annual merit increases, (2) the implementation of a benefit in which our organization makes monthly payments on employees’ student loans, (3) the introduction of a Senior RA title to recognize accomplishments, and (4) the promotion in the last 18 months of five individuals to Research Coordinator positions, an advancement opportunity made increasingly possible by our organization’s growth and success in obtaining new research grants. Additionally, other means of financial recognition – such as spot bonuses and gift cards – have been available for many years to enable managers/supervisors to further reward employees. It should be noted that the research field is one in which advanced degrees are required for senior-level positions, and most individuals wishing to pursue a career in research will move on after a few years to attend a full-time master’s or doctoral program. The experience that they gain during their time with us, along with the relationships they build, can serve to assist them in their future endeavors (both academic and professional), as well as to help them determine what they want their future focus to be, whether in research, medicine, or perhaps an entirely different field. The majority of RAs indicate to us that they leave their positions in order to continue their education. The turnover to which the commenter referred occurs almost exclusively for this reason, rather than as a result of dissatisfaction with any aspect(s) of their experience working here, as he/she suggests in the post. The commenter is correct that many of the RAs join us right out of college. That is intentional and it is indeed an entry-level position. He/she is incorrect, however, in disparaging their abilities by stating that they are “desperate”; on the contrary, they typically join us with impressive research experience from school and/or internships, and in some cases they choose our organization among multiple job offers. Most RAs are eager to learn and get involved, and are very highly regarded by their supervisors. They also enjoy the camaraderie of working with a cohort of fellow recent grads. While the person who posted these comments speaks for him/herself, and we believe that everyone’s opinions are valid, we want to point to a broader perspective. We have approximately 50 RAs at any given time. About 14-17 leave each year, and the overall experience for almost all of them has met or exceeded their expectations, according to their direct feedback. In fact, several have left and later returned. Like all public charities, our organization employs a wide variety of fundraising approaches. For any of our employees who wish to do so, donations can be made via payroll deduction. This information was brought to employees’ attention at a meeting several years ago. It is not something that has been mentioned again, and there is no pressure for any employee to make a donation, ever. We also take issue with the statement that jeans, pizza lunches, and similar aspects of our work culture are looked upon as “some big favor.” We simply try to provide as many such amenities as possible, and our employees seem to enjoy them. By no means are they “treated like luxuries” or spoken about in such a manner. We are disappointed to hear about a disconnect between our two locations. Without further specifics from this individual, we are unable to determine what the actual issue may be. With regard to different systems (our assumption is that the reference is to research participant data), it is our expectation that a recent implementation of REDCap software will resolve remaining worries, if any, among current employees. At Kessler Foundation, we take great pride in our mission and in our core values. Integrity is key. When conducting research involving human subjects in particular, ethical conduct is absolutely paramount. An allegation that anyone in our organization acted unethically is of tremendous concern to us. Any employee (current or former) who has reason to believe that unethical behavior is occurring needs to bring it directly to the attention of our CEO, our Senior Vice President of Research, or another member of management, if applicable, so that it can be properly investigated. Without specific information, it is not possible to ascertain whether or not there is truth to such a claim. Kessler Foundation is committed to ensuring that our employees have a positive working experience in a professional, friendly, collegial environment. While it is our firm belief that the views expressed by this individual are not representative of the overall culture/climate of our workplace, we are taking these comments to heart, to seek avenues for further improvement.