Pros
(Research site) coworkers are very smart, friendly, and helpful, open to teaching new skills and answering questions
Workload is reasonable
Hours are consistent, managers are flexible with hours and never picky about PTO
Cons
Small department has limited career advancement opportunities, very seniority-based culture
Strict budget, pay is mediocre
Contractors will only get hired to fill vacancies (if someone quits/retires)
Pressure from board to accelerate pipeline and generate profit without giving more resources