DORA is committed to supporting the development of new policies and practices for responsible research assessment. This tool compiles searchable criteria, hiring standards, review, promotion, and tenure from academic institutions.

Institution Profile: Yale University Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry

LocationUnited States of America
Type of InstitutionComprehensive University or equivalent
Academic DisciplinesLife sciences

• As of 2020, candidates for tenure-track assistant professorships at Yale University’s MB&B were instructed to submit anonymized applications—no names of people, places, funding agencies or journals.
• The reason was to subvert unconscious biases that psychologists argue contribute to ingroup favoritism and racial hiring discrimination.
• Based on research in occupational psychology, the MB&B introduced an anonymous application procedure that no longer triaged candidates based on their CVs.
• Evaluations were instead conducted ‘blind’ to de-emphasize overreliance on shortcut proxies for quality and achievements, including where candidates earned their degrees, who mentored them, in which journals they publish their work etc.
• Candidates have been judged instead on substantial descriptions they submit of their research, inclusive teaching and plans to promote equity among scientists.

Related Resources

MB&B is radically changing how we search for new colleagues 15

In 2020, candidates for tenure track Assistant Professor positions in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University will submit anonymous applications that do not contain any information on people, places, funding agencies or journals.
Yale University Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry
United States of America (Comprehensive University or equivalent)
Topics:
Equity and inclusionResponsible Metrics
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Can anonymous faculty searches boost diversity? 6

This careers page discusses Yale University's experimental anonymous search process for faculty positions in the Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry department.
Yale University Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry
United States of America (Comprehensive University or equivalent)
Topics:
Equity and inclusion
Did you find this resource useful? Let us know below.

The future of faculty searches? MB&B Department implements new reforms that aim to increase diversity 4

Yale News discusses the experimental search process for faculty positions in the Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry Department that views applicants anonymously.
Yale University Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry
United States of America (Comprehensive University or equivalent)
Topics:
Equity and inclusion
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Did you find this profile useful? Let us know below.

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