Research struggles to provide work life balance - Research Associate Genentech Employee Review

3.0
11 June 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Genentech has great benefits, significant resources to solve scientific problems, some very bright people. They are tackling some very exciting scientific issues: from new armed antibody technologies, to understanding cell cycle, to their cancer genome project, to the multipronged anti-angiogensis approach, there are some great senior scientists.

Cons

Middle management doesn't respect the rank and file in research. Research management shows a lack of respect for work-life-balance. Few opportunities for merit-based promotion for entry level, even senior RAs. They tend to hire outside instead of promote.

Explore other reviews about Genentech

5.0
6 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great salary and team! The interview process was smooth and effective.

Cons

To be determined, but so far many alignment meetings. Some folks have frustuations around the re-org and strategy changes.

3.0
7 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Genentech's origin story and mission are genuinely inspiring — few companies can point to such a meaningful historical arc in medicine. Patient engagement is taken seriously and feels authentic, not performative. The campus is beautiful and the culture has real warmth.

Cons

DDA is operating with significant gaps. First, the foundational data infrastructure is not mature enough to support the ambitions being set for the team. Second, the measurement culture has gotten ahead of the methodology, and no one in a position of authority seems to be asking hard questions about whether the numbers actually mean what they're being presented as meaning. Third, some management feel disconnected from the work itself, lacking the knowledge, hands-on experience, or relevant credentials. Individually any one of these would be manageable. Together these create an environment where it's hard to do rigorous work, rather work is performative, and be recognized for it.

2
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