Pros
1. As a Microbiology Assistant or Associate, you can gain microbiology lab experience in a variety of work areas, including sample prep, media, enumeration, pathogen detection, and more. The company gives outstanding learning opportunities and paths to promotions. 2. The experience you gain working across multiple lab operations and the diverse group of people you work with can allow you to experience tremendous growth in your communication, technical, and problem-solving skills. The grind of the lab humbles you and helps you become a better all-around person. 3. The pay is fair and is honestly good enough for the tasks you perform, and you have access to decent benefits.
Cons
1. Work-life balance is pretty poor. The schedule, which often includes employees having to work closing shifts is not ideal, because you typically do not close until all samples have been set up. It makes it hard to know when you'll leave. Overtime is expected in a third-party testing lab, but it is normal to work 50+ hours a week, or 10+ hours a day here, which is not great on top of the unpredictable scheduling. This could and hopefully will change in the future. 2. The culture is unique, to say the least. Gossip and animosity are not something a company can always control. It starts with individuals. Every person from top to bottom must lead by example and foster a better environment, where professional communication and patience are prioritized.