Caltech (California) reviews

Work-life balance can be extremely difficult at times. Extended hours are expected, as is a "whatever it takes" attitude. Paternity leave is nominally two weeks without pay, though there are ongoing efforts to change that. Time off is generous for people young in their careers if you can take it - two weeks plus institute holidays, which accounts for approximately 20 days (vacation + holidays) per year. The challenge is finding time that works with the funding cycle and research schedule to take that time off.

If you don't get along well with your boss this could be a rough time. The overall policies of the institute don't affect me very much.