Workplace Culture at Perimeter Institute

 

“I’ve worked at fantastic places like Berkeley, Stanford, and CERN, but Perimeter is unique. Here it feels like my possibilities are endless.”

Asimina Arvanitaki, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Aristrchus Chair, winner of the 2017 New Horizons Prize & 2022 CAP-TRIUMF Vogt Medal

Perimeter Institute is a leading centre for scientific research, training, and educational outreach in foundational theoretical physics.The Institute prides itself on being a safe, welcoming, comfortable, and fun environment to be a part of.

Perimeter Institute's architecturally innovative building was designed with extensive input from scientists to optimise research, training, and scientific outreach activities. Located in Waterloo, Ontario, the building comprises blackboard-lined think-spaces, casual interaction areas, formal seminar rooms, and a welcoming bistro.

“We want to facilitate an environment that fosters what's needed for scientific breakthroughs - bringing the best people in the world together and creating the conditions for discovery”

Tania Framst - Associate Director, Advancement Strategy and Operation

With collaborative opportunities around every corner, Perimeter's home is an important contributor to the research culture within.

Perimeter Institute is passionate about sharing the excitement of scientific research and discovery. In addition, the building is an amazing environment to connect with a community of like-minded individuals.

From 10-person gatherings to 200+ attendance movie viewings, there is always something happening within the building.

Perimeter Institute aims to be a better place for all through the grassroots, volunteer-led Inclusive PI Platform. Working groups of students, postdocs, faculty, and staff address issues ranging from respect in codes of conduct to empowering young researchers, mental health, and diversity in physics.

 

"We’re here to make breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe - and we can’t afford to leave any great thinkers, or any great ideas, behind."

Robert Myers, Director and BMO Financial Group Isaac Newton Chair
 

As part of our Strategic EDI Plan, Perimeter aims to effect positive change in the balance of women and other under-represented groups in theoretical physics through a series of special initiatives named after pioneering German mathematician Emmy Noether including:

• Sponsoring and hosting conferences, camps, and workshops devoted to women in physics;
• Use educational outreach and communications channels to showcase the contributions women make to physics;
• Strive toward gender equity in Perimeter Scholars International (PSI) master’s and PhD programs and other training projects; and
• Funding individual fellowship opportunities and chair positions to attract and retain outstanding women researchers.

You can learn more about Perimeter’s EDI Strategy here.

You can read Perimeter’s Respectful Environment Code of Conduct here

 “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.”

Stephen Hawking, Perimeter Institute Distinguished Research Chair

Perimeter Institute is committed to providing an environment that is accessible and inclusive to all persons who work, study or visit the Institute (including volunteers, patrons and third party contractors). Learn more about Accessibility at Perimeter Institute. 

We work with applicants who require special accommodation to understand the impact of their disability and ensure appropriate accommodation during the application/interview process and beyond. Please contact [email protected] for assistance.

Perimeter Institute brings together great minds in a shared endeavour to achieve breakthroughs in theoretical physics. Our culture thrives on collaboration and new perspectives.

We recognize that imbalances persist, both in theoretical physics in general and at Perimeter Institute specifically. We are taking concrete actions to increase inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in our community.

You can learn more about Perimeter’s EDI Strategy here.