Genentech Employee Reviews for Research Associate

"think well before you go"

What do you like about working at Genentech?

"good benefits,most facilitites are well build,commute system, vacation time is also ok"

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

"know your stuff and think well about what you are being told during the interview"

What don't you like about working at Genentech?

"I worked at Genentech for 4 yrs in the Molecular Biology Department. Quickly after being hired I discovered that the group of scientists I was working with were extremely unhappy. Interestingly, these employees were very happy with the company as a whole. The Managing Scientists running my lab were unethical, inhumane, and untrustworthy. It was one of the most difficult situations I have ever experienced. My colleagues discovered, over time, that the Managing Scientists running this lab had not only been fired from their previous company, but that they had had an entire lab before our lab at Genentech, and all of these employees either quit or were moved into other labs within Genentech. My lab went through the process of attempting to discuss the issues with our bosses directly, but that only made the situations more grave. Especially for certain vocal people. Once nothing was done, we went to the Vice President of Molecular Biology to have discussions with him, but still nothing was done. Soon after meeting with the VP of MB, certain people within the group, who were great associates, were placed on performance punishments. I was so appalled. People started becoming continuously sick (from the stress), but still coming into work. Finally people began quitting. It was horrible. The supervisors began hiring more people and they eventually quit too. It's been 2 years since I left and those Managing Scientist are still employed at Genentech, although I have heard that they are finally being forced to have limited numbers of employees. I simply cannot believe that Genentech, as company, would treat their employees so poorly. So many people were deeply affected by these Managing Scientists. Genentech is certainly not a perfect company (especially in their Research Division). Please be very, very careful who you work for and try to gauge the realistic attitudes of the laboratory personnel before accepting a position at this company."

What suggestions do you have for management?

"the ones who manage should be on those positions becuase of their proven ability to manage people, and because they are potentially ready to do the job of everyone they manage, not just give orders. LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN and offer justified solutions to work situations!!"