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Lawrence Berkeley Lab

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Too much technology, too little science? - Graduate Student Research Assistant Lawrence Berkeley Lab Employee Review

3.0
Aug 2, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Cool work, big budgets. The lab has the potential to get the most out of graduate student researchers (its better when the division head is also a professor).

Cons

No clear vision for work, no freedom to find own way. Instead of allowing grad students to explore out of the way ideas, they are treated as cheap labor.

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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