Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNL) is a federally-funded research and development center sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research. “We work to improve the lives of those who suffer from cancer,” says Chris March, director of human resources. “It’s important for us to recognize that not everyone [who works here] is a scientist, or someone who does research,” March says. “We take great pride in understanding what our roles are to enable the scientists to do their job efficiently.”
Leaders at Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research stress that every employees’ job is important to the company’s mission to improve the lives of cancer patients.
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Instead of the old-fashioned suggestion box, a companywide intranet allows for faster collaboration. Employees are also encouraged to talk to scientists about their work, and scientists are encouraged to communicate with non-science staff members about the mission and the importance of their work. It is in these labs that scientists seek cures for different forms of cancer and infectious diseases like Ebola and AIDS. Employees can get educational assistance for advanced degrees and certifications, which helps in their quest to become subject matter experts. FNL also partners with Mount St. Mary’s University, Hood College and other universities. Employees regularly take part in community-relations efforts, most recently at Frederick’s In the Streets festival in September. “I view HR as the silent partner to ensure we are at the forefront of driving the next solutions, the next discoveries,” March says. The company has many other initiatives to make work better for all FNL employees, from wellness programs and work-life balance to seminars, lunch and learns and annual service recognitions.