Pros
Major investments (millions) being made in renovations of facilities, expanding R&D, and new tech innovation projects to modernize this very old company. Benefits and generous leave policy is very good - rivaling major biotechs in the DC area. Gov contracts division is like it’s own company and doing very well. Some groups are incredible and highly motivated, major sources of fresh inspiration and energy.
Cons
Factions are rampant. Many in middle management are long term “lifers” who are the biggest barriers to change. Very protective of their sandboxes even if it’s bad for the company. Many actively resist opportunities to modernize and try to avoid upsetting the apple cart. They still use paper and clipboards in the labs - so tons of time wasted on paperwork! Gets old fast. Lots of people complaining / whining constantly in some groups creates a toxic atmosphere - and immediate supervisors join in instead of leading by example.