R&D is very top heavy. - Research Assistant Sanofi Employee Review

2.0
Feb 26, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

It's a reputable company. There are many very capable scientists. Experiences/recommendations helped me get into graduate school. It's a job.

Cons

Little room for advancement without PhD. As someone with a bachelors degree, I competed for the same job as many with a masters degree. On filling new positions, we struggled to fill roles because those with masters degrees were looking for more than contract work. Not a social environment (at least my location). Competition for project leads often results in scientists unwillingness to share data with other scientists. Very little feedback received on job performance. Work load is feast or famine: I often go 2-3 days of being so busy I skip lunch and then 3-4 weeks of sitting at my desk reading research papers to pass the time. At least at my site, I can count on one hand the number of non-PhD R&D employees that are not contract workers (meaning no benefits, no pay on federal holidays, no sick time, no vacation time - hell I don't even get paid when the company tells me I cannot work due to the snow). As a recent college grad, this is an inconvenience but I can understand and appreciate that I am on the bottom of the totem pole. However many non-PhD employees are 28+ years old with families and advanced degrees, which presents a more serious problem. Finally, this issue results in high turnover in non-PhD positions. Most stay until they have enough experience to achieve a more secure position at another company.

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5.0
Jun 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

work life balance, benefits, flexibility

Cons

less competitive salary, less promotion

4.0
Jul 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You Learn a lot about GMP/Pharmaceutical Industry since its heavily regulated by the FDA. The pay is good for the position.

Cons

There are limited opportunities for career advancement, particularly for contractors. Training is generally restricted to the specific process equipment required for assigned tasks, with little opportunity for broader skill development. Additionally, the workplace culture can be challenging. Some long-tenured employees appear to feel entitled to treat others disrespectfully, creating a toxic work environment. Their seniority often seems to shield them from accountability, as concerns raised with management frequently go unaddressed. There also appears to be a lack of diversity and inclusion, which contributes to workplace microaggressions, disrespectful behavior, and an environment where not all employees feel equally valued or respected. There is limited opportunity for contractors being hired on a full time basis, they have to leave the company for six months before they can be hired back! No company benefits for contractors!

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