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Columbia University

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Not worth it even for Ivy league - Postdoctoral Researcher Columbia University Employee Review

1.0
12 Mar 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

New York City, money, prestige

Cons

Very little concern for individuals, contracted and sociable work hours, work environment, communication, etc. Safety of employees was not really considered or enforced - a major issue when working in the department of immunology and microbiology. There are no checks on supervisors as long as they have grant money, they are more or less above reproach which does not make for a good laboratory environment. Obviously it is specific per laboratory, but overall the institution was not very well run with numerous departments that did not seem to speak to each other. My experience was in the Moscona Porotto laboratory which I found to be without a doubt the most hostile, disorganized, unsafe and wasteful laboratory I have ever experienced. Moreover, I found faithful and rigorous scientific research was discouraged in favor of fast, unchecked results. Not good for further career in science.

Explore other reviews about Columbia University

5.0
21 May 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The labs and team were great

Cons

Occasionally hard to get support from admin

1.0
12 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The people in the trenches The students The passionate faculty

Cons

Leadership, their inefficiencies and poor decisions Very dysfunctional environment HR does whatever leadership tells them to do, including covering issues by "friends of the boss", This favoritism approach also includes approvals for who gets to work from out of state even when the position can be easily filled by local workers and the creation of new jobs for those that are chosen. Very poor financial decisions. Big big pay on top, Low pay on bottom. Very little room for growth unless someone likes you and you are the right color.

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