Great benefits, but overly political and limited career growth opportunities - Statistical Programmer Genentech Employee Review

2.0
13 Jan 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Nice perks such as the Genenbus, subsidized benefits, abundance of free food. Fellow co-workers - non-management - are very pleasant and knowledgeable.

Cons

1. Hiring of people at below market salary and slow to promote a. constant claim of "business need" to warrant promotions, but with a convenient non-recognition of employee satisfaction being a substantial part of business need. 2. Line managers more interested in own projects than managing their own staff 3. Cash bonuses for recognition of good work are capped without sufficient explanation as to why

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.

2
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