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Lawrence Berkeley Lab

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Strangely conservative and hierarchical for Berkeley - Manager Lawrence Berkeley Lab Employee Review

2.0
11 Jul 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Benefits, including pension. Some scientific environments are excellent.

Cons

Lack of diversity (absence of underrepresented minorities and women in scientific environments and senior leadership), creation of powerless committees to address lack of diversity while senior leadership continues to engage in self-replication). "Black box" decision making (little to no consultation with subordinates; little explanation of decisions). An odd, strikingly conservative management style, with far too many bureaucrats and bureaucratese. As other organizations flatten, LBL continues to favor steep hierarchy akin to the military. A real contrast to most university environments, with little humor and/or irony evident and a pronounced white male culture.

Explore other reviews about Lawrence Berkeley Lab

5.0
4 May 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Interesting work and beautiful environment

Cons

Space can be a bit tight

3.0
27 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Beautiful location, you oversee the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge and SF. Research environment, great bridge for academics to transition to a more applied research. Benefits quite good

Cons

Low wages, especially in the scientific staff. Basically no career progression. Offices are a mixed bags (some departments have brand new buildings, others have very old buildings). Do not rely on their immigration services to get anything beyond temporary work visas.

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