Still a great place, but reorg chaos is hard - Senior Principal Scientist Genentech Employee Review

5.0
Feb 25, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great people, supportive leadership, inclusive culture in progress, benefits. When the pandemic shut-down started in California, GNE leadership quickly organized regular town halls, opened avenues to ask anonymous questions, granted budget for individual home office equipment (including reimbursement for internet), and did not leave this to discretion of individual managers. "Protected hours" in the middle of the day (no group meetings) were instituted, inspired by women colleagues who expressed concern about lunchtime meetings when dealing with kids at home (guys - you need to step up!). Reduced hours during 2020 in recognition of home-schooling challenges (no pay reduction). All managers were strongly encouraged not to include yearly goals in performance ratings in recognition of personal challenges everyone experienced in their own way. The company has a way to go in D&I but is so far beyond other companies. Senior Leadership (esp. Alexander (CEO) and Quita (CDO))come across as very genuine and passionate about D&I. Not just setting expectations or rules, but lots of optional educational forums to hear different voices, and sometime provocative POV, especially from women, POC, and LQBTQ communities. Leaders who recognize that the outside world doesn't stop at campus property lines, and make it clear that bigotry will not be tolerated, while giving people the opportunity to learn about their colleagues, and why it is important to bring diversity (physical, philosophical, and intellectual) to our work.

Cons

Reorg chaos, hard to follow in current time of major shift. Global teams can strain personal/family obligations. A little too much tolerance of whining from people who've held power/advantage for years and don't want to give others a chance.

Explore other reviews about Genentech

5.0
Jun 6, 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.

5.0
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great culture and work environment.

Cons

PhD is necessary oftentimes for advancement.

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