Pros
The Nutley, NJ site of Hoffmann-La Roche is one of the original US sites of the Basel-based pharmaceutical and it still maintains "Family-owned" roots (as compared to Roche sites that became part of the company when purchased or aquired). Roche enjoys including its employees in the success of the company to the end that even non-managment employees are given a bonus based on not only their performance, but the company's as well. Senior researchers (PhDs) and junior researchers (BS/MS) are very friendly with each other and often socialize together during breaks (which are almost mandatory) and lunch. And the exchange of knowledge and assistance between all researchers regardless of level is free and friendly. Roche's greatest feature is the low occurrence of layoffs. They do happen, but not very often. Roche is a stable place to work.
Cons
As with most companies, the only way to advance in the research side of the company beyond your degree is to either step on a lot of toes or transfer to a non-research position (referred to as a lateral promotion). The company will pay your tuition if you wish to get an advanced degree, but you have do it on your own time, and you must get a degree related to your current position (no getting an MBA for the scientists). A method for saving money (which is industry-wide) is to outsource many of the jobs to contractors in order to avoid paying for benifits. Roche is guilty of this and it makes those in facilities maintenence very bitter and hard to work with.
