A government-funded think tank bubble -- a pleasant enough employer, but not creative or innovative
Pros
This is a quasi-government agency funded by federal and state soft money, so employees have terrific government-style benefits (hefty retirement package, full medical, etc). The offices are clean and well maintained. The environment is professional and quiet, dominated by introverts (report writers, statisticians, academicians, etc). High quality work products (studies, reports, analyses, etc).
Cons
Few opportunities for advancement, and poor internal mobility. When a funding contract runs out, it can be difficult to move to a different group that still has funding. Each funding group has its own Principal Investigator with a lot of autonomy. Some of them are good managers and leaders, but many are not (it can be quite unpleasant working for those who are not.) Lots of internal politics generated by the Principal Investigators and senior managers who jockey for influence and power.
