Terrible culture. Great mission. - Anonymous employee AACR Employee Review

1.0
Aug 10, 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

A lot of the employees are truly wonderful, talented people, who pour their hearts and souls into this organization.

Cons

Where do I start? The CEO, HR, upper management -- it's all bad. The organization is horribly mismanaged, micromanaged, and disadvantaged, and it's incredibly difficult to advance internally. I was regularly degraded and demeaned by a coworker who wasn't even my boss and when I approached my supervisor, I was told that it was simply due to him being "passionate" about his work and that it was something I would have to just deal with. Any time I tried to defend myself to this individual, I was accused of being "difficult" and trying to "do things behind his back", when in reality, I was just trying to do what was literally listed in my job description. After a year of being in my current position, I had a meeting with my boss to discuss what my future was with the organization and was told that there were no advancement opportunities and that I knew what I had signed up for. Seriously, take everything for face value. Besides all of that, the salaries are laughable and you will not be compensated appropriately for your experience and/or work. Your soul will literally die the longer you work there, so it's crucial that you become friends with some of the few, but wonderful people who work there so they can help you maintain your sanity. (Advice: Join a committee to meet some of these said individuals.)

Explore other reviews about AACR

5.0
Nov 26, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

While I understand that every organization faces its share of criticism, my personal experience with the American Association for Cancer Research has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve found the team here to be dedicated, supportive, and genuinely invested in both their team members and the organization's mission. I enjoy waking up every day knowing that what I'm doing is contributing to the greater good. For example, the leadership is always open to feedback and actively seeks ways to improve processes and employee satisfaction. The organization is in growth mode and scheduled to hire 20-30 new employees in 2026. I'm going to miss it.

Cons

Of course, no workplace is perfect, and everyone thinks that the grass is greener elsewhere, but I’ve consistently seen that those who work hard and don't just put in the minimum effort are rewarded with advancement. The CEO is an example of this, having started as an Editorial Assistant, attended school to expand her education, worked her way up the organization ladder, and has been running the organization for some time. Not surprisingly, those in the organization who are negative and the ones who put in the minimal effort and never progress.

2.0
May 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Mostly good people, not a very high stress environment and no work after hours. Good location in Old City.

Cons

Extremely dreary, silent and uninspiring work environment. Minimal contact with coworkers throughout the day. Don’t expect to interact with others very much. Salaries are low and promotions take way too long. Very very heavy top down approach with approvals required for everything. Good place to learn but not to stay for long.

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