Two Canadian universities — Dalhousie University in Halifax and the University of Toronto — have been named to The Scientist magazine's 10 best places to work in academia outside of the U.S.

Dalhousie placed fifth on the list, while U of T squeaked in at 10th.

Dalhousie was praised for its research faculties and proximity to several hospitals in Halifax, as well as its friendly nature.

The results were based on a web survey conducted in the spring of 2009 of the magazine's readers who identified themselves as scientists.

The survey asked questions on job satisfaction, pay, research resources and relationships with their peers and management.

The Scientist has a worldwide circulation of 75,000 subscribers, and has surveyed its readers on their work for seven years now.

Topping the list of best international academic institutions for scientists to work for were the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden, Germany, The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, the University of Bristol, U.K., and the University of Groningen in The Netherlands.

Princeton University held the top spot among U.S. institutions, followed by the University of California, San Fransisco, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

The survey ranked 94 American institutions and 25 from outside of the U.S.