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Columbia University

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Not worth it even for Ivy league - Postdoctoral Researcher Columbia University Employee Review

1.0
12 Mar 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

New York City, money, prestige

Cons

Very little concern for individuals, contracted and sociable work hours, work environment, communication, etc. Safety of employees was not really considered or enforced - a major issue when working in the department of immunology and microbiology. There are no checks on supervisors as long as they have grant money, they are more or less above reproach which does not make for a good laboratory environment. Obviously it is specific per laboratory, but overall the institution was not very well run with numerous departments that did not seem to speak to each other. My experience was in the Moscona Porotto laboratory which I found to be without a doubt the most hostile, disorganized, unsafe and wasteful laboratory I have ever experienced. Moreover, I found faithful and rigorous scientific research was discouraged in favor of fast, unchecked results. Not good for further career in science.

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5.0
4 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

relative stable, diverse, creative and good benefit

Cons

paid not so good, lots of work

1.0
29 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The benefits and work-life balance were generally reasonable.

Cons

The Internal Audit department was one of the most disappointing work environments I have experienced. Columbia promotes a culture of collaboration, trust, and support, but that was not reflected in my experience. Leadership micromanaged employees to an excessive degree, especially on work-from-home days. If you stepped away from your computer for a few minutes, it felt like you had to justify your whereabouts. Rather than encouraging employees to learn and grow, management often made people feel foolish for asking questions or not knowing something immediately. The atmosphere was stressful, morale was low, and trust between leadership and staff was virtually nonexistent. I would not recommend this department to anyone seeking a supportive or professional work environment.

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