great place to have a job, bad place to innovate - Senior Research Associate Genentech Employee Review

3.0
17 Sept 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Really great perks, benefits, and pay. They still have the sabbatical program which I loved. Fantastic infrastructure to support research effort which can enable rapid progress. Relative stability since they have many products for sale and a fat pipeline. OUTSIDE of the research unit, seems to be good work/life balance and opportunities for career development.

Cons

The original Genentech is gone and has been replaced by a big pharma organization. As such the research effort is becoming increasingly unnecessary to the big picture. Leadership is very risk averse and has gone from a culture of innovation and risk, to one where they only want to do what everyone else is doing. The research unit is underpaid and poorly treated in comparison with other divisions in the organization. Career development for people working in basic research is not supported. Programs for these people to develop their careers beyond the bench are given lip service, but meaningful participation is either forbidden or highly restricted.

Explore other reviews about Genentech

5.0
6 Jun 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.

3
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