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Lawrence Berkeley Lab

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LBNL Scientific wellfare program - Staff Scientist Lawrence Berkeley Lab Employee Review

1.0
Nov 9, 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good UC benefits which are about to be cut. Complete freedom to do what you want without fear of management interference. Some scientists are first rate.

Cons

No chance for promotion or recognition. Laboratory fails to review employee performance despite DOE contract responsibility to do so. Plenty of deadwood. Arrogance of senior staff is oppressive. Lab likely to be closed in the future and turned over to UC Berkeley.

Explore other reviews about Lawrence Berkeley Lab

5.0
Jul 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great collaborative environment, great views

Cons

Some parts are slower moving due to bureaucracy but LBNL is unique in that red taping is also loose in some areas allowing for quicker innovation

3.0
Jul 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

work life balance; World-Class User Facilities and Instruments, Top-Tier Scientific Collaboration

Cons

Temporary Nature of Early-Career Roles: For postdoctoral researchers, positions are inherently temporary. Securing a permanent Staff Scientist role at a national lab is notoriously difficult due to limited openings and highly competitive, lifelong tenures, which often forces researchers to look externally for long-term career growth.

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