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Lawrence Berkeley Lab

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Bad Pay. Very poor upper management. - Staff Scientific Engineer Lawrence Berkeley Lab Employee Review

1.0
Jan 2, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good communities in some divisions, some people still care.

Cons

Very poor pay. The pay is in no way competitive, most yearly adjustments are less than inflation and HR will do everything they can to give you as little as possible during a (once or twice in a career) promotion. Most people slack off because they realize they are not being paid competitively which adds more burden to those who are trying to get things done in spite of the poor pay. Very poor operations management. Senior lab management is more concerned that we "look good" than are a effective work force. We dont do work, we talk about doing work. So much bureaucracy has been added that most people struggle to actually find time to do their jobs. Crumbling infrastructure and ineffective facilities service.

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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