People versus Projects - Senior Scientist Genentech Employee Review

5.0
Sep 9, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

People development and agile workforce is being actively worked on and even at the expense of the development of molecule projects. This is a good step in the right direction. Opportunities are more often considered even in areas of not-yet-expertise. Taking such risks is viewed as increasing engagement in the workforce. Also, Diversity and Inclusion are not just buzzwords. From top to bottom, people are thinking as best they can on how to include a variety of opinions no matter the question.

Cons

Most projects I've seen are still under-resourced so the work in the given time can be stressful. Not enough time can be devoted to think deeply about other important subjects (science, culture, strategy, and/or people). I also see that many in my department are underpaid compared to other companies for the same level work. Right now (2021), it's an employee market when it comes to job searching, so the gap between current salaries and market value are more stark right now.

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5.0
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

Great culture and work environment.

Cons

PhD is necessary oftentimes for advancement.

3.0
May 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Genentech's origin story and mission are genuinely inspiring — few companies can point to such a meaningful historical arc in medicine. Patient engagement is taken seriously and feels authentic, not performative. The campus is beautiful and the culture has real warmth.

Cons

DDA is operating with significant gaps. First, the foundational data infrastructure is not mature enough to support the ambitions being set for the team. Second, the measurement culture has gotten ahead of the methodology, and no one in a position of authority seems to be asking hard questions about whether the numbers actually mean what they're being presented as meaning. Third, some management feel disconnected from the work itself, lacking the knowledge, hands-on experience, or relevant credentials. Individually any one of these would be manageable. Together these create an environment where it's hard to do rigorous work, rather work is performative, and be recognized for it.

3
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