biologist

senior biologist

project coordinator

manager

director

ATCC

Working at ATCC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. As a nonprofit organization with a for-profit subsidiary, ATCC is uniquely positioned to maintain stability in today’s turbulent life sciences industry while staying true to its mission: supporting the global scientific community with high-quality products and standards.
There is a deep sense of pride in our mission, and it’s reflected in everything we do—from the exceptional quality of our biological materials to the wealth of scientific knowledge across our diverse collections and focus areas. Our scientists are not only brilliant but also generous with their time and expertise. Across the organization, you’ll find people who genuinely want to see you succeed and are always willing to support your growth.
ATCC is currently in a transitional phase, with exciting changes underway. We’re celebrating our 100-year anniversary, implementing a major ERP transformation, and experiencing several positive leadership changes that are energizing the organization. 
The work-life balance here is excellent, and with around 700 employees, ATCC is the perfect size to make meaningful connections, work closely with leadership, and see the direct impact of your contributions. Your work is recognized and valued.
Compensation is fair and competitive. Personally, I’m very pleased with my compensation, bonus structure, and the consistent annual increases I’ve received during my time here.
If you’re looking for a place with an incredible mission, where people matter, and where your work truly makes a difference—ATCC is that place.

I like what I actually do; however, there is zero room for growth or promotion in the company unless you are already in a management position. The company is very top heavy and consistently adding on more senior management to different departments. They change processes and programs without consulting or including lower individuals who actually work with the process or program on a daily basis. They make decisions to improve customer service without actually asking anyone who works directly with the customers on a daily basis if it would be a feasible change. A lot of management tends to make things personal if you disagree with them about something and do not hesitate to create tension within the group. The lower level employees do not trust their management for any reason so there are a lot of issues that go unsaid as a result. Training is a non-existent program at this company. Be prepared to not learn what you actually need to and be given a crash course. If you have the qualifications to get a job elsewhere do it. This company is not a team and only cares about money.

Be very careful before you sign up here. Lots of politics (particularly from HR and upper management) lead to high turnover.

 Lots of people unhappy with the place; with a smaller group of people who have been at ATCC since the beginning of time. These folks will never leave, but they're not interested in doing much work. The new people have high turnover because they're not as tied to the vacation benefits that increase over time.

Pay scale is low and a 'bell curve' to give year end bonuses and raises makes for a "zero sum gain" culture- if you get a good review, it means it's not likely I could get a good review too, because the manager only has a few of them to give. This makes people unhappy; they feel like they have to wait until next year to get the higher bonus or good review. Or they look for another job. HR says "like it or leave" and many people have left. If you are interviewing ask about the turnover of the newer people- HR talks about how the "average" person stays X years. But they're averaging in those lifers who have been there 25 + years.

They keep hiring more senior directors and senior VPs; they need people who get the work done. It's kind of a mess. This is a temporary stop for me, and for many others.

My current position is a nice change of pace from my previous role at ATCC. It has afforded me the freedom to self-manage while also having access to supervisory support. Having spent most of my post-college career behind a bench, I am now able to learn business aspects of manufacturing. In this role, I have been able to tap into my strengths as a writer. I have an opportunity to couple my passion for science with my dedication to creating high-quality operations documentation that supports and enhances my colleagues' work. As in any work environment, there are many conflicting personality traits, but I have never experienced challenges that impacted my ability to do my job well. The most difficult aspect is often the ever-shifting and fast-paced priorities of manufacturing. What I enjoy the most are the opportunities to grow and learn beyond my own department, if desired. ATCC is always seeking feedback to evolve and meet the needs of the community.

This company was a wonderful place to work that was always employee first.  That culture has changed dramatically over the course of the past couple of years.  The emphasis is now on money and stats, no longer the people.

People were always encouraged to bring forward ideas on improvement for both employees and customers.  That way of thinking has passed and been replaced with those which should always do exactly as told, whether agreed upon or not.

A normal workday consisted of an 8 hour schedule, including two 15 minute breaks, and one half hour lunch (unpaid).  Overtime would be expected at any time to cover the backlog of work due to understaffing or employee shifting, but was not mandatory.  If you did not participate in overtime it was looked down upon from management and above.

Rash decisions by management leave people clueless on how to proceed with day to day activities to avoid consequences.  Many of those decisions are made by newer management members that have yet to learn the business or what the company really does.

In my role, a typical day involves collaborating with various departments, attending meetings (virtually), and conducting data analytics. I've learned a lot about effective training methodologies, project management, and communication skills.

My management team is very supportive and approachable, providing clear guidance and mentorship. The workplace culture is collaborative and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and mutual respect. However, not all departments are as cohesive and supportive as the one I am in.

The hardest part of the job is balancing multiple projects and deadlines, but it has taught me the importance of prioritization and time management. The most enjoyable part is seeing the positive impact of my work on colleagues and the organization. I love this role and department, and it's incredibly rewarding to help others grow and succeed.

ATCC is a high paced workplace. There is always something to do. Lab Staff for the most part is super supportive as everyone understands the pressure from upper management. Most supervisors are fantastic, however upper management (Mangers and above) can be a little harsh or completely absent. Good opportunities to grow if you can prove you can take the step forward and great work benefits compared to other companies (paid time off, holiday leave, etc.). There is room for improvement with benefits like maternity and paternity leave. Pretty much a typical company. Wish there was more companywide events or more scientific seminars the entire company can attend. If you are upper management or in certain groups, you will get these opportunities but for the vast majority of people, it seems there is no room for us. 

The worse place I have ever worked! The supervisors are puppets of senior management, has no 'say' in support of the employees, trying to save their back all the time and if needed, they will put you in trouble to save their job!
The senior management is horrible!!! VPs are bringing their personal choice of senior managements from their previous job place, no matter she/he is capable of doing the job, or have any good leadership skill at all! 
Those senior management has no minimum respect to employees, always very abusive. You will definitely loose your work life balance, and if you have a family with kids, your whole family will suffer because of the mental trauma you will have from work. Please do not apply for jobs here! It will be the worst decision in your life! Please consider any other place but not ATCC!

Initially a challenging job of fulfilling a NIH contract,re quiring R&D approach to new product development. The company has moved away from new product development and focuses on production of established items with larger sales volume.  R&D focuses has been diminished.
I am in a unique position as  lead Biologist.  This position has no authority. I cannot direct personel, but instead I am a counselor.
Staff is very competent.  My coworkers are encouraged to report any miss steps no matter how small, I encounter, to the supervisor.  The department has a new policy of recording any miss recorded info on a Work order which is recorded at HR.  This policy has been covered in the past by a 1 on 1 with the supervisor.  Work orders were then corrected.

Begin work by getting bulk tank levels and checking levels of liquid nitrogen tanks. Sign into computer and collect specimen to enter information into computer. Unpack NHANES specimen and after entering information, distribute specimen to designated location for scientists. Liaison when necessary between distributor and supervisor.
I still keep in contact with previous co-workers and management gave me their information when I left to contact them if necessary.
The down time was the hardest time. Waiting for supervisor to outline next assignment. The most enjoyable time was at the end of the day knowing all that I was told was done to the best of my ability,

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Biologist 5 salaries reported	$73,244 per year
Senior biologist 4 salaries reported	$85,470 per year
Project coordinator 3 salaries reported	$70,000 per year
Manager 3 salaries reported	$88,333 per year
Director 3 salaries reported	$106,667 per year

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