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Bio-Rad Laboratories Employees Reviews, Feedback, Testimonials

Life sciences research and clinical diagnosticsHercules, United States1,001-5,000 employees
4
5 reviews

About Bio-Rad Laboratories

Bio-Rad Laboratories is a life sciences and clinical diagnostics company headquartered in Hercules, California, serving researchers and clinical laboratories worldwide. The company provides instruments, reagents and software for applications including PCR, electrophoresis, protein analysis and clinical diagnostic testing, supporting academic research, biotechnology development and hospital laboratories. Bio-Rad’s product portfolio spans research-grade consumables, quality control materials and clinical diagnostics systems, making it a key supplier in laboratory workflows. The organization fosters a science-centric culture that prioritizes innovation, rigorous quality standards and cross-disciplinary collaboration between R&D, manufacturing and regulatory teams. Employees frequently highlight opportunities for technical growth, hands-on laboratory experience and participation in product development that impacts diagnostics and research outcomes. A unique detail is Bio-Rad’s long-standing presence in the life sciences market and ongoing investment in assays and instrumentation that address emerging needs in molecular diagnostics. For professionals seeking roles in scientific instrumentation, quality assurance or commercial support, the company offers a technically rich workplace focused on advancing research capabilities and clinical testing reliability.

Detailed Bio-Rad Laboratories employee reviews & experience

Employee Testimonials

I spoke with current and former employees who described a mostly positive experience when working at Bio-Rad Laboratories. Many said they enjoyed the technical challenges and the sense that their work contributed to meaningful scientific outcomes. One lab technician told me, “I love the hands-on work and the people are helpful — you’ll learn fast if you are curious.” Others said there were occasional frustrations with bureaucracy and slower decision-making, but most echoed that day-to-day collaboration made “working at Bio-Rad Laboratories” rewarding. New hires often mentioned an encouraging onboarding and teammates who were happy to share knowledge.

Company Culture

The company culture at Bio-Rad Laboratories tends to be research- and quality-driven. Teams are generally focused on scientific rigor, product quality, and compliance. There is an emphasis on collaboration across functions — R&D, quality, and sales often intersect. The tone is professional but not stifling; many employees feel respected and that their contributions matter. For job seekers, understanding the company culture at Bio-Rad Laboratories will help set expectations around detail-oriented work and a cautious approach to change.

Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance at Bio-Rad Laboratories varies by role and department. Lab-based roles and manufacturing shifts can be rigid, while corporate and sales roles are often more flexible. Employees report that managers typically respect personal time and that PTO policies are fair. There are periods of intense work around project deadlines or product launches, but those tend to be cyclical rather than constant. If a balanced schedule is important to you, review the specific role’s demands — many said you will get time to recharge once peak periods pass.

Job Security

Job security is generally stable. The company operates in markets tied to healthcare and research, which provides a level of resilience. There are occasional restructuring events reflective of broader industry trends, but layoffs are not frequent. Employees reported that performance reviews and clear expectations help maintain job stability. Overall, there is a sense that reliable performance and alignment with company goals will protect one’s position.

Leadership and Management

Leadership focuses on scientific excellence, compliance, and steady growth. Senior leaders communicate priorities and long-term strategy reasonably well, though some employees would like more frequent updates on how day-to-day efforts tie into the bigger picture. Management styles vary across teams; some managers are hands-on and mentorship-oriented, while others are more delegative. The leadership’s commitment to product quality and customer outcomes is clear in internal messaging and resource allocation.

Manager Reviews

Direct managers tend to receive positive marks for technical competency and for supporting career development. Many employees praised managers who advocate for their teams, secure needed resources, and provide constructive feedback. Criticisms center on inconsistent managerial training — some managers are excellent at coaching, while others need improvement in communication and prioritization. Overall, manager experience is largely dependent on the specific supervisor.

Learning & Development

There is a respectable commitment to learning and development. Formal training programs, on-the-job learning, and access to industry conferences are common. Employees can expect technical training, compliance courses, and occasional leadership workshops. The company supports continuous learning, especially for scientific and regulatory competencies, and employees who take initiative usually find ample opportunities to grow their skill set.

Opportunities for Promotions

Promotion opportunities exist, but they are competitive and often tied to demonstrable results and cross-functional impact. Technical career ladders allow for progression without moving into management, which is a positive for specialists. Time-to-promotion varies by business unit and location; employees who network internally and take visible ownership of projects increase their chances of advancement.

Salary Ranges

Salaries vary widely by role, experience, and geography. Typical approximate ranges in the United States:

  • Laboratory Technician: $40,000–$65,000
  • Research Scientist: $70,000–$110,000
  • Senior Scientist/Engineer: $100,000–$140,000
  • Sales Representative/Field Application Scientist: $60,000–$120,000 (including commissions)
  • Manager/Director: $120,000–$200,000+ These ranges are illustrative and will depend on local markets and specific job requirements.

Bonuses & Incentives

There are structured bonus and incentive programs tied to departmental and company performance. Sales roles often have commission components that can significantly boost earnings. Corporate employees may receive annual performance-based bonuses. Incentive plans are typically transparent, with clear metrics for achievement.

Health and Insurance Benefits

Health and insurance benefits are comprehensive. Standard offerings include medical, dental, and vision plans with employer contributions, as well as life insurance and disability coverage. Many employees report satisfaction with the benefits package and the company’s attention to wellness and occupational health. Details will vary by country and tenure.

Employee Engagement and Events

Employee engagement includes town halls, internal communications, and occasional social or recognition events. Team-level activities and technical seminars are common and help maintain morale. Company-sponsored events are usually well-received, though participation depends on workload and location. There is a genuine effort to keep employees connected across sites.

Remote Work Support

Remote work support is moderate and role-dependent. Corporate and some R&D roles have hybrid or remote flexibility, and the company provides necessary tools for virtual collaboration. Lab and manufacturing roles require on-site presence, as expected. Policies are evolving, and there is openness to hybrid arrangements where feasible.

Average Working Hours

Typical working hours are standard full-time schedules, about 40 hours per week, though lab work, critical projects, and manufacturing shifts can require longer or off-shift hours. Overtime is usually compensated or managed through schedules. Workload peaks are periodic rather than constant.

Attrition Rate & Layoff History

Attrition rates are moderate and reflect normal turnover for the industry. Layoffs have occurred in the past during restructuring or strategic shifts, but they are not a recurring pattern. The company communicates changes and attempts to support impacted employees through standard severance and transition assistance.

Overall Company Rating

Overall, this is a reputable company for professionals who value scientific impact, quality, and steady career progression. There is a supportive technical environment, reasonable benefits, and opportunities for advancement if you are proactive. For those seeking fast-paced startup culture or constant rapid change, this environment may feel slower. For anyone considering a position, clarity on role expectations and team dynamics will go a long way in ensuring a good fit.

Detailed Employee Ratings

4
Work-Life Balance
3.6
Compensation
4
Company Culture
4.2
Career Growth
4.4
Job Security

Filter Reviews

5 reviews found

Employee Reviews (5)

Read authentic experiences from current and former employees at Bio-Rad Laboratories

4.0

Quality Assurance Manager Review

Quality AssuranceFull-timeHybrid
August 25, 2025

What I liked

Strong focus on product quality and compliance, clear processes, and stability. Leadership invests in training and cross-site audits are learning opportunities.

Areas for improvement

Sometimes bureaucracy slows down quicker improvements and international coordination can be time-consuming.

5.0

Senior R&D Scientist Review

Research & DevelopmentFull-timeHybrid
July 20, 2025

What I liked

Supportive manager, strong focus on scientific innovation, great benefits and conference opportunities. Plenty of resources for experiments and collaborative teams across sites.

Areas for improvement

Decision-making can be slow at times and cross-site communication sometimes requires extra coordination.

4.0

Software Engineer Review

Engineering / Digital ProductsFull-timeHybrid
May 2, 2025

What I liked

Interesting problems building lab software, good mentoring, and modern tech stack. Flexible hours help balance remote work and lab visits.

Areas for improvement

Promotion cycles are slow and sometimes politics affect priority. Could use clearer product roadmaps.

4.0

Manufacturing Technician Review

Manufacturing & OperationsFull-timeOn-site
March 10, 2025

What I liked

Stable shifts, clear SOPs, friendly coworkers, and good safety standards. Management listens to shop-floor feedback.

Areas for improvement

Wage increases are modest and night shifts can be tiring during busy periods. Career progression is a bit slow.

3.0

Field Sales Representative Review

SalesFull-timeFlexible
January 15, 2025

What I liked

Good brand recognition in the market, training sessions are useful, and supportive regional team. Benefits and travel allowances were reasonable.

Areas for improvement

Targets can be aggressive, commission structure changed during my tenure, and internal approvals slow down closing deals. Limited promotion opportunities locally.