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Lawrence Berkeley Lab

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Not What I Expected - Research Assistant Lawrence Berkeley Lab Employee Review

2.0
Dec 3, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The overall lab is very laid back with a great community and wonderful post-docs to help advise you on the path towards higher education. They will give you the lab experience you're looking for, but be prepared for a very hands-off approach to your learning.

Cons

Highly unstructured and I did not feel personally cared for as an employee. I came in with a very clear message that I was seeking laboratory bench experience, and I definitely got this, but my mentor was not great at explaining the work and only got frustrated with me when I wasn't understanding. I saw other mentors were different, so my case might just be specific, but from what I understand from the other interns coming from the college is that the post doc mentors are very busy and unless you have good chemistry and communication with your mentor, it's going to be you by yourself figuring out your own problems with little help. Don't expect a bachelor's pay even if you got your degree. Prepare to live and breathe your job for little pay because the lab culture expects you to devote your free time to your work. The people who can do this are amazing, but it is very mentally draining to be here. Work-life balance does not exist here.

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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