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Synthetic Genomics Reviews
39 reviews
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Oliver Fetzer, Ph.D
17 Ratings
- Featured Review
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"Fantastic place to work"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Comp & Benefits
RecommendsPositive OutlookApproves of CEOI have been working at Synthetic Genomics full-time (More than a year)
Pros
The work is cutting edge, my co-workers are smart and friendly, and my manager gives me opportunities to grow.
Work-life balance is very attainable and benefits are decent too (recently increase PTO).Cons
Early to tell, but unsure of what career advancement opportunities there will be.
Synthetic Genomics 2018-04-26 11:56 PDT ![Synthetic Genomics Logo]()
"New management at SGI-DNA welcomed change!"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
- Comp & Benefits
- Senior Management
RecommendsPositive OutlookApproves of CEOI have been working at Synthetic Genomics full-time
Pros
The new management team at SGI-DNA is finally making decisions that will position the company for growth and is fixing poor decisions of the past. Its a welcomed change by MOST of the employees who have been there the longest.
Cons
Some of the old culture needs to evolve or die.
Advice to Management
Keep making the difficult decisions and keep leading. We all appreciate it.
Synthetic Genomics 2018-08-31 22:40 PDT![Synthetic Genomics Logo]()
"Great place to get some experience"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
- Comp & Benefits
- Senior Management
Positive OutlookNo opinion of CEOI worked at Synthetic Genomics full-time (More than 3 years)
Pros
Great co-workers, cool science and great benefits.
Cons
Upper-Management is out of touch with the day-to-day operations
Synthetic Genomics 2019-02-14 13:53 PSTHelpful (2)
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"Once was a great place to work"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
- Comp & Benefits
- Senior Management
Doesn't RecommendNegative OutlookApproves of CEOI have been working at Synthetic Genomics full-time (More than 3 years)
Pros
Not many at this point
Cons
Looks like the company is going down. People are leaving and not being replaced.
Synthetic Genomics 2019-01-21 14:05 PST![Synthetic Genomics Logo]()
"Lab tec"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
- Comp & Benefits
- Senior Management
RecommendsPositive OutlookApproves of CEOI worked at Synthetic Genomics full-time (Less than a year)
Pros
It's challenging, but at the same time you get to learn things that are gratifying.
Cons
There was little to none ,structure by staff I mean supervisors they seemed like they were not happy with their job, I did pretty much whatever I wanted to do there, but I tried to help the company with a lot of thier problems that they were having on the site, but too many chiefs ,and not enough indians
Advice to Management
Hire honest , hard working , fair men and women and that's all you'll ever need , keep clear of the employees that milk this company and there's a few , trust me I caught them all.
Synthetic Genomics 2018-12-27 20:48 PSTHelpful (1)
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"Not a place you want to be"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
- Comp & Benefits
- Senior Management
Doesn't RecommendNegative OutlookI worked at Synthetic Genomics full-time (More than 5 years)
Pros
Smart scientists with an interesting vision for future
Cons
Poor organization. Negative environment and unhappy people in rank and file. No clear path to creating a profitable company with a future. Too many senior managers that are not making decisions to move the company forward.
Advice to Management
Listen to your employees. Remove leaders that look to create positive company culture and a place where people are excited to come to work.
Synthetic Genomics 2019-01-23 13:44 PSTHelpful (1)
![Synthetic Genomics Logo]()
"So-so company to work for (SGI-DNA specific review)"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
- Comp & Benefits
- Senior Management
I have been working at Synthetic Genomics full-time (More than 3 years)
Pros
Used to be (and possibly might still be, maybe) flexible on work schedules, small company so everyone knows each other, frequent interaction with upper management. Interesting opportunities and things to learn if you put in the time to find them. Currently has separate sick days and PTO days, which is very convenient. People within teams are friendly and cooperative with each other.
Cons
Massive upheaval/layoffs recently, major changes in structure that may result in good later down the line but currently just mean things are never where they should be and you spend an hour each day trying to figure out who/what/where something went. Very fluctuating on employee satisfaction, which is currently low (as of Q4 2018). Pretty stingy when it comes to raises (was only 1-2% for most employees in my department last year, came out to be an average of 30-50c/hr raises).
Advice to Management
Listen to all departments equally, be patient and understanding of employee frustration during the restructure, and try and help when you can.
Synthetic Genomics 2018-12-02 19:14 PST![Synthetic Genomics Logo]()
"Talent present, mgmt training and integrity needed"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
- Comp & Benefits
- Senior Management
Doesn't RecommendNegative OutlookNo opinion of CEOI worked at Synthetic Genomics full-time
Pros
Exciting projects, great and smart people. You feel you are working on groundbreaking science
Cons
Be aware of what’s happening on the ground. Leadership is immature, favoritism rampant and integrity in collaborations is questionable. No real sign of merit based promotions and has led to many people leaving as well. Disappointing since it pits otherwise strong talent against each other in trying to stand out to leadership.
Advice to Management
Genuine team leadership, people can see through gestures and discussions done merely to show face.
Synthetic Genomics 2018-12-18 14:14 PSTHelpful (9)
![Synthetic Genomics Logo]()
"A risky venture."
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
- Comp & Benefits
- Senior Management
Doesn't RecommendNegative OutlookDisapproves of CEOI worked at Synthetic Genomics full-time
Pros
Exciting scientific prospects and a beautiful seaside location.
Cons
Talented people join the company with the hope of being part of something scientifically wonderful, only to realize that the internal dysfunction is the biggest obstacle.
Not a happy place to work at all.
The facilities are dirty and cramped.
The founder is falling from grace.
Continued funding is questionable.
Very top heavy organization.Advice to Management
Fire yourselves instead of the talent.
Synthetic Genomics 2018-10-09 14:32 PDTHelpful (5)
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"Update"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
- Comp & Benefits
- Senior Management
Doesn't RecommendNegative OutlookDisapproves of CEOI have been working at Synthetic Genomics full-time (More than a year)
Pros
The location across from Torrey Pine allow you golf during the work week
Cons
HR and top management are focus on their own survival
Advice to Management
Follow the contracts you sign and be truthful
Synthetic Genomics 2018-10-09 06:49 PDT
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