Stratos Genomics Reviews

The 55 hour work week. If you leave at 7pm you get made fun of because "You don't leave when you hear the 7pm alarm bell." It's not necessary for "real science" either. Work weeks end up being 60-65 hours. The amount of managers who talk behind people's backs. And it's the directors and VPs who do it. The pay is mediocre and down right terrible if you figure out your hourly rate. Depending on your position, they don't even pay you for certain hours. The benefits are also mediocre. Only $200 for glasses or contacts and only every other year. Management acts as if the world is ending whenever any little mistake is made. Their response to fixing a mistake is always a major overreaction, too.

*Please note that employees at Stratos Genomics are actively encouraged, and at times required to share positive reviews and stories on social media. I would be cautious about the glowing reviews seen on Glassdoor* The term toxic environment is overused at times, but fits extremely well with the culture that has been implemented at Stratos Genomics: - Entire company is micromanaged by a single man, one who does not communicate effectively, but holds employees culpable to his vision. He also revels in breaking employees' spirits, criticizing people who didn't wish to work the 55+ hour weeks as weak willed. - Being in your seat is more important than being productive, in fact employees that work longer hours are often rewarded more than actual contributions. - The company is perpetually in crunch mode, with employees expected to work with minimal breaks and sacrifice lunch periods for the benefit of the company. - Most of the group managers were groomed by the CEO and thus have learned the same poor management style and impossible expectations. Perhaps worst of all, the group managers will sacrifice their own employees to save themselves. - There is a real gossip problem, involving not just employees, but supervisors and even the CEO. This gossip is also not covert, as dirty laundry will be aired in public. - Salary and benefits are NOT competitive. You will be paid a similar salary to other companies in the area, however those companies do not require the same time commitment. On a per-hour basis, most employees are vastly underpaid. - Don't underestimate the time commitment, 15 hours a week (minimum) over the typical work week adds up to more than 750 extra hours a year. These are free hours you're giving Stratos as you can make similar money for other companies in the area working a normal schedule. - No 401k matching (at least while I was employed) - While the science can be interesting, do not go into the job thinking there will be opportunities to conduct experiments and do interesting projects. The company is essentially run as a factory, with poor communication between departments. - At times employees can be given individual projects, but you are expected to get these done in your spare time (i.e. before or after the actual 8-7 work hours). - Lastly, management at Stratos is known to hold grudges. Don't expect a good reference when you leave (regardless of what is said to you as you exit the company). In the eyes of management, leaving Stratos is a sign of weakness and nullifies any good will you may have earned as an employee.