UMass Chan freezes hiring, plans layoffs in preparation for NIH funding cuts
PHOTO | Courtesy of UMass Chan Medical School
UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester
Following the lead of universities and research institutions nationwide, UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester is implementing immediate and upcoming cuts to hiring, spending, and employment in response to the President Donald Trump Administration’s attempts to cap funding from the National Institutes of Health.
The Trump Administration’s proposed 15% cap to NIH funding for indirect costs would result in a loss of $40 to $50 million annually for UMass Chan, said a Tuesday internal memo from the university’s leadership, including Chancellor Dr. Michael Collins.
Although a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump Administration's attempt to cut funding by issuing a nationwide preliminary injunction in February, the memo said that ruling is unlikely to represent the final outcome.
“These proposed policy changes require us to reduce spending immediately to address the very real and immediate impacts created. While we wish there was a straightforward way to insulate our campus from these actions, the only prudent and responsible path forward is to act now,” said the memo.
As a result, the university has immediately paused all hiring, including for faculty, grant-funded positions, and summer internships until further notice. Only UMass Chan’s ForHealth Consulting entity will not be affected by the freeze.
Employee promotions and raises are on hold, including the school’s upcoming annual July 1 salary increase program. Furthermore, UMass Chan said job security will soon be an issue for employees.
“Targeted furloughs and layoffs are, unfortunately, going to be necessary and are currently being discussed with the leaders of academic and administrative departments. The university will engage in any bargaining obligations where necessary with our bargaining units in advance of any material changes to our bargaining agreements,” said the memo.
UMass Chan has more than 6,500 employees, including more than 4,000 in Central Massachusetts, making it the fifth largest employer in the region, according to data provided to the WBJ Research Department.
Employee access to non-essential expenses has been cut off until further notice, as UMass Chan has suspended discretionary spending including those for conferences, consultants and contractors, travel, food and events, and memberships, dues, and subscriptions.
“Through this uncertain time, be assured that executive leaders are in close communication and working through these challenges with department chairs and other leaders across our organization, while also continuing to advocate for the lifesaving and life-enhancing benefits that we know biomedical research offers people across the commonwealth and around the world. Together, we remain committed to advancing our mission,” said the memo.
UMass Chan’s plan comes on the heels of both Harvard University in Cambridge and the University of Pennsylvania implementing immediate hiring freezes in early March. Other schools who have halted their hiring efforts include Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Columbia University’s medical school in New York, and Stanford University in California.
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.
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