NSF reviews

There are a lot of managers and not enough people doing the actual work. People are often expected to meet deadlines and heavy workloads without adequate staffing and space. NSF is also quick to give up on programs that are not making enough money. It's supposed to be a not-for-profit company but profits and growth are seemingly very important to the senior management. In the laboratory area, there is limited opportunity for career growth. Promotions can be quite difficult to obtain even after sending years earning them.

Cons: Lack of purpose and integrity. Job is dictated by the client who is paying the company resulting in decisions that are based more on reputation and financial security than by the ethics and values of public health. Because the job is dictated by the client, there is very little need for advanced education and/or professional certifications. Relationships between co-workers and/or supervisors lack professionalism. Lack of organization and stability. Although they inform you of the amount of travel required, they do not inform you of the disorganization and instability of the travel involved. Be prepared to make last minute changes and arrangements. On that same note, the work life balance is not great as work weeks are well above your standard 40 hours (no compensation is provided for the minimal 10+ hours of over time). On top of that, you are expected to work even when you are at home and/or "off." The technology of the company is not great, especially when working remotely. There are constantly IT issues that only serve to make your job more difficult. Management is disorganized, hard to contact and unrealistic with expectations. The company certainly has more work than they have employees and that comes down on your shoulders.