Pros
Direct experience developing specialized software and algorithms for large scale biological data analysis, including DNA and protein sequences.
Cons
Despite handling complex analytical problems within a scientific context, SDE1s are treated without autonomy. Experienced engineers are micromanaged on every line of code, estimation timeline, and documentation update. There's a heavy internal politics and rigid, top down directives. The integration of software components into complete genomic systems is constantly derailed by shifting administrative objectives rather than sound engineering principles. You are pressured to accept unreasonable workloads under constant surveillance. The environment here is highly insular, how skewed the workplace standards.