Toxic Environment, Repeat Layoffs, H-1B visa holders Preferred over US Citizens - Scientist Exelixis Employee Review

1.0
Aug 31, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Location: Can try to look for jobs in nearby companies

Cons

Toxic work environment with repeated layoffs and uncertain careers. American citizens are at a disadvantage as many managers of subcontinent origin actively recruit, retain, and exclusively promote candidates and personnel from the same ethnicity (student visa, or H-1B visa) to replace American citizens. Some departments are made up of great majority subcontinent immigrant personnel, many promoted despite the lack of qualifications and poor performance. American citizens are at a disadvantage as the managers feel culturally closer to those from the subcontinent and American citizens are the first to be cut during the multiple layoff rounds. The company hires consultants from the subcontinent to save on benefits and avoids hiring US citizens of any ethnicity. The prevailing discrimination against American citizens of all national origins at Exelixis deserves in-depth investigation for violation of Immigration and discrimination based on national origin.

Explore other reviews about Exelixis

5.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Comp and benefits: Pay, bonus, equity (ESPP, RSU, PSU, LTIP) very generous. Work life balance: Beautiful new building on the bay, nice views and climate. Onsite gym and cafeteria. 5 days a week onsite with flexibility, both a summer shutdown and a winter shutdown. Commuter benefits such as vanpool and BART. Culture and values: colleagues feel like family. The value of the company is to help patients recover stronger and live longer, and that's huge if being part of a bigger cause is important to you. Diversity and inclusion - Differences are celebrated. Career opportunities - If you wait around for your manager to promote you then it will take a while to happen anywhere. There's plenty of career opportunities in Exelixis, and every time I've shown interest, I've been given new opportunities. Senior management: It's easy to know the leaders at Exelixis, they're very approachable. People here are smart and passionate people that are shaping the future of this company.

Cons

Not everyone is suited to work here, because the company hires and retains high achievers. If you're a high achiever then this is a pro instead of a con, as you will get to work with similar, driven people.

4.0
May 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I read all the reviews before, during, and after the interview process, and after accepting my offer, and found that much of what people are complaining about isn't unique to Exelixis. On-site expectations aren't unique, constant change isn't unique, and leaders who aren't perfect aren't unique. What is unique is the genuinely kind and committed staff, significant investment in excellent benefits and perks, dogs allowed in non-lab environments, and people who spend their careers here. My advice for job seekers: don't be scared. Reach out to your network and ask them directly about their experiences. Bitter Glassdoor reviews didn't dissuade me, and I'm glad I didn't listen.

Cons

Some teams are extremely top-heavy with titles that don't exist in the industry, and some leaders are more interested in flexing their control than leading with empathy.

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