Good place to work but... - Research Scientist Base4 Employee Review

Base4 is a start-up company with ambitious goals and a staff of incredibly talented people. It's an inspiring place to work and is small enough that there's loads of scope to get involved in new things. It suits scientists and software designers who want to push the boundaries of what's possible and get involved in really creative problem solving. Nothing run of the mill about the company or the team who work there. If you're keen to get into the business/enterprise side of science this is a great option because the small size of the company means you get to experience the business stuff as well as the science. It's a friendly, sociable place to work with great perks (e.g., private medical) and lovely offices.

Might not suit those who like rigid step-by-step way of working - it's exciting and intellectually challenging which I guess can be intimidating for some. Small company means not so many promotion options, but that really doesn't matter because there's loads of scope to add to your CV while working there.

Base4innovation is a relatively small biotech company based in a beautiful and intellectually inspiring area of West Cambridge, near the Cavendish Laboratory and the Department of Veterinary Medicine. The company atmosphere is quite relaxed although focused to reach its goals and the heterogeneity of highly qualified backgrounds creates a constant flow of new and exciting ideas. In this company you'll have the opportunity to work with young and smart people in a friendly environment and if you show an out-of-the box thinking attitude you will get support and opportunities to grow and develop your interests further. The CEO inspiration from californian-style companies makes the working day fun as you will enjoy many recreational activities, i.e waffle breakfasts or lunch-time personal training sessions

The flat hierarchy could be an impediment to step up the career ladder within the company however there is always a margin for career development if that's a personal interest. If your professional judgement is based exclusively on number of published papers and titles achieved I don't recommend you to go work for this company, or for any other open-minded modern start-up companies.