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Rothamsted Research

Engaged Employer

Interesting tasks, bad top management - Senior Software Engineer Rothamsted Research Employee Review

3.0
Mar 1, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I've worked for years in this organisation, contributing to developing software for data management and exploration in plant biology. My experience with my small team was mostly good. Plus, an easy-going and flexible workplace, most people are very sociable.

Cons

As an organisation dominated by an academic mindset, the IT people are largely undervalued and lowly paid. As a software engineer, I kept fighting with badly managed experimental data, and I kept being ignored when proposing to adopt the best practices in data management and software development. Plus, the top management is very bad at giving direction, managing the organisation and managing finances. The result is that every couple of years they are almost bankrupted and instead of firing themselves, they fire half personell, especially IT people, as if AI wasn't fundamental for doing proper research in agronomy and plant biology. So, it's fine if you want to have some experience in a scientific research environment, but think twice before staying with them for too long.

Explore other reviews about Rothamsted Research

5.0
May 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great place to work, friendly atmosphere, good social gatherings, good benefits, long holiday entitlement

Cons

Some dated equipment, small team but getting bigger

4.0
Feb 4, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Very nice team and overall a good environment

Cons

Sometimes there can be issues with how stuff is organised

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