Pros
I've been at Natera for 3+ years, starting within operations, and now in R&D. -The company is proactive in getting the best technology that is new to the market. -I've worked on experiments/studies which is novel and very few others in the world have had the chance to analyze data from such studies. -Working with brilliant scientists. -Stock plans are excellent: Incentive stock options were great for the earlier employees, while the employee stock purchase plan is like getting a small bonus every 6 months. -Health/dental/vision is inexpensive for the employee as well.
Cons
-I've seen management that can be passive in establishing good procedures. Many managers are relatively junior, having technical knowledge, but lacking interpersonal skills. Employees really have to be able to manage themselves in that situation, and you have to be able to enjoy that journey of overcoming obstacles yourself, which many have trouble with. -There are more politics than I'd like to see from a bunch of science nerds. Science should be the opposite of politics, but we are human, I suppose.