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Population Council

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Great culture, no growth - Anonymous employee Population Council Employee Review

3.0
Feb 19, 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Very relaxed, great benefits, extremely good work atmosphere, great balance with home-life

Cons

Lack of vision: Pop Council truly is trying to find itself now and has no clear idea of what areas of research it wants to continue, discontinue, or enter. Horrible management: everything is run by consensus even from those without expertise which takes forever; a TON of nepotism and office politics Lack of security: almost all positions are contractual (1-2 years) even if treated like permanent, and with few exceptions almost completely funded by outside grants; people are hired and let go almost whimsically; great talent sometimes has to be let go, because there is no funding structure to help the Council retain them if a grant expires No career growth: we all say that the only way to get a promotion is to leave and come back; training is non-existent; mentoring/grooming does not happen Salaries below average for NYC area Vortex: Beware, this place is too comfy. While there are a lot of problems, the work atmosphere and benefits are spectacular. Most people stay way too long without a promotion or raise, which really hurts long-term career and salary goals. Keep in mind most positions are contractual, so there's no job growth AND no job security, a bad combination.

Explore other reviews about Population Council

5.0
Aug 3, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Well established and excellent reputation of being a leading research organization and producing rigorous evidence regarding education, adolescent girls and boys, climate change/crisis, humanitarian settings. Also, research scientists get several opportunities to hone their skills and get new ones (e.g. project management and budgeting). PC has impressive, diverse and intellectually stimulating employees.

Cons

The administrative structure is entirely too hierarchical. Little room to maneuvre if you are not part of a project or if you are not on the Executive Team.

3.0
Jun 2, 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

very flexible work life balance

Cons

management is okay but sometimes not

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