Institute of Hearing Research Nottingham
Pros
Lots of facilities, lots of core MRC funding. dedicated institute and good connections with external speakers. Plenty of training opportunities in management or scientific areas.
Cons
A lot of senior research staff run the place like an old boy's club. Dissenting discussion is frowned upon, junior members are not respected for their scientific contribution. Some members of senior staff are at best, complacent, and at worst inept at good quality research. Bullying is common-place, HR takes no interest in resolving situations involving more 'well-known' members of staff out of fear of upsetting them because they add to the IHR's reputation. Extremely high turn-over of junior staff and withdrawal of PhD students is indicative of poor working environment. Very unfriendly culture for those with a family. Culture that scientists must work long hours abounds and comments are frequently made to those who work a normal 9-5 set about poor commitment. Almost all administrative aspects of the organisation are utterly opaque.