Kansas University is among the 10 best academic institutions in the country for postdoctoral researchers to work, according to a new survey.

The Scientist, a life sciences trade magazine in Philadelphia, rated KU No. 10 on its list of best work places for such researchers, known as “postdocs.” The magazine compiled the list after surveying more than 3,500 postdocs from 122 U.S. academic and private institutions and 66 foreign institutions.

The ranking should give KU a recruiting advantage in a competitive market, said David Shulenburger, provost and executive vice chancellor. KU was the only school from the Big 12 Conference to make the list.

“Being ranked is going to make us a lot more visible,” Shulenburger said.

Economic-development officials are counting on KU’s brain power to help invigorate ongoing efforts to boost the growth of bioscience businesses in the area. KU research already has spun off several companies that have produced marketable products, and officials hope for more.

Postdocs, having already received their doctoral degrees, play a critical role in such efforts by conducting research in their specific field, overseen by a permanent university faculty member. There are 131 postdocs at KU.

Postdocs look for institutions with significant or cutting-edge science that will launch their careers, Shulenburger said, and that’s what is going on at KU. The university also has moved to treat postdocs more as staff, recognizing that they have moved beyond the student stage.

Postdoc Numukunda Darboe came to KU two years ago to research protein structures and functions, and appreciates being treated as part of the university staff. As a state employee, he receives health insurance and retirement benefits.

“As far as I’m concerned, my experience here has been great,” Darboe said.

The postdoc period allows an individual to learn how to do independent investigation, said William Picking, associate professor of molecular biosciences at KU. Postdoctoral research is instrumental and necessary in KU becoming a top 25 institution, said Picking, who mentors two postdocs.

Kim Honeycutt, a postdoc at KU since July 2004, said she came to KU for the nurturing environment and helpful colleagues. KU does a lot of different research, Honeycutt said, which allows her to think outside of her specific field.

Honeycutt, who earned her doctorate from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, works under Kristi Neufeld, assistant professor in the molecular biosciences department. Honeycutt helps Neufeld research colonic stem cells and how the APC protein is involved in the development of colon cancer.

The survey asked postdocs to rate aspects of a good work environment, including access to research equipment and a good mentoring relationship.