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Lawrence Berkeley Lab

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Highly dependent on your PI - Research Assistant Lawrence Berkeley Lab Employee Review

4.0
Apr 23, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

+Pretty good benefits compared to lower tier biotechnology companies. +Renowned guest speakers. +Good cafeteria/cafe with rotating menu. +Various groups/clubs and events (Yoga, karaoke, tennis). +Very (very) nice view. +Highly dependent on your PI (funding, work-life balance, workplace environment).

Cons

-Getting paid less than market rate. -Very difficult to advance in this position. -Old buildings (depending on department). -Too secluded for a quick dash out for lunch. -Parking is hard to find. -Highly dependent on your PI (funding, work-life balance, workplace environment).

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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