Oct 25, 2010
Genentech
Part of Roche
Genentech Senior Programmer Analyst reviews
3.6
100% would recommend to a friend
Ashley Magargee
Not enough data to show CEO approval
Race / Ethnicity
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Disability
Parent or family caregiver
Veteran status
Reviews by job title
3 reviews
4.0
Jun 30, 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook
Pros
Good work life Balance and Benefits
Cons
It is a big organization, decision making is not fast when compared with smaller organizations
4.0
Sep 12, 2009
A great place to do science but career development can be stifling
Current employee
South San Francisco, CA
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook
Pros
A place to do top-notch scientific research that also directly impact people's lives A shared sense of mission and inspiration - to create medicines for unmet medical needs. Science driven culture - scientists truly enjoy a lot of independence, respect and freedom to publish. Genentech attracts really good people and in particular, the brightest scientific talents. Excellent perks - great cafe and day care, club house, free sports club membership, beautiful campus by the bay, Friday parties, retreats (and the list goes on). Genentech has a great reputation. A great learning environment: top scientists and vendors come to give seminars regularly.
Cons
Promotion and career advancements are very rigid and difficult. People are often trapped in tracks or positions with limited professional growth (if not impossible). It is not unusual for good performers to go 8-10 years without a single promotion. People are 'demoted' when coming to work for Genentech. For example, senior scientist becomes associate scientist; director becomes senior scientist. The pay is good but cannot keep up with the high cost of living in the Bay area, particularly for new comers. Merger with Roche basically capped any potential future growth. It is questionable whether its unique, science-driven culture will remain after the Roche merger.
