University of Pittsburgh Research Assistant Reviews

Likes

Very few things, actually. I can rescue that there are a ton of services for the students. It feels like they try but the system is a bit clumsy. In the end, it helps you to learn that the whole process is really all in your hands.

Dislikes

Culture is really bad. It revolves around money and power. Students and researchers get the shorter end of the stick most of the time; mediocre classes from professors too focused on their funding/proposals, and an exploitative culture of research that overworks everyone with zero guarantees of moving forward/graduating, and knowingthat there will be no promotions for many years is absolutely disheartening. Only those who really dream of becoming doctors/Ph.D.s can really survive this torture. The University offers mental health resources and support, but the process was so focused on the academic/research part, that I felt like a rat lab instead of a patient. Had to find professional help outside the institution. I know not everyone has this experience, but it does happen, and it's not as rare as it should be. They all seem to have normalized the toxicity of the entire process. A complete shame....Read More

Work Details

Work timings: Flexible Timings

Work related travel: This is a desk job.