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Lawrence Berkeley Lab

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Lawrence Berkeley Lab reviews

4.2

84% would recommend to a friend

(135 total reviews)

Michael Witherell

87% approve of CEO

78% positive business outlook

Reviews by job title

135 reviews

Reviews about "Culture"

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2.0
Dec 3, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The overall lab is very laid back with a great community and wonderful post-docs to help advise you on the path towards higher education. They will give you the lab experience you're looking for, but be prepared for a very hands-off approach to your learning.

Cons

Highly unstructured and I did not feel personally cared for as an employee. I came in with a very clear message that I was seeking laboratory bench experience, and I definitely got this, but my mentor was not great at explaining the work and only got frustrated with me when I wasn't understanding. I saw other mentors were different, so my case might just be specific, but from what I understand from the other interns coming from the college is that the post doc mentors are very busy and unless you have good chemistry and communication with your mentor, it's going to be you by yourself figuring out your own problems with little help. Don't expect a bachelor's pay even if you got your degree. Prepare to live and breathe your job for little pay because the lab culture expects you to devote your free time to your work. The people who can do this are amazing, but it is very mentally draining to be here. Work-life balance does not exist here.

4.0
Nov 27, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

High flexibility in work modes through covid. High exposure to research across different domain gives good opportunity for growth.

Cons

Long-term funding is a challenge for many, but easier for Research Associates with lower pay. Pathways for growth as a Research Associate, however, are limited and retirement benefits are poor (required to pay into a pension with no opportunity to vest/receive employer contributions unless you will be there for 5 years)

5.0
Nov 8, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

LBL pays undergraduate students with senior standing really well. Work culture is great.

Cons

No cons as of right now

Viewing 16 - 18 of 135 Reviews

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