Nobody wants the cookie-cutter approach in which every scientist thinks in the same way. There's a very healthy skepticism in which people question existing approaches, and make sure that we're using the best possible technology and most effective procedures. We've never had a formal program for recruiting people from specific backgrounds. Our objective always has been to hire individuals with scientific skill sets that best fit with the company's research goals. It works very well here because we already have a diverse work force and strong employee referral program.
Employees receive a bonus if someone they refer for a job opening is hired.
We operate based upon an overall philosophy of hiring the best qualified person and having a workplace environment that treats everyone with respect. Once a company forms this critical mass, recruiting individuals from diverse backgrounds gets a little easier. Minorities and females see the composition of our work force, and recognize that they won't be the token representative from a certain background who has to be a trail-blazer. Since we already have the role models, that helps to perpetuate diversity. Scientists set goals and objectives, establish a time line, and work together to achieve objectives in a timely fashion.