Vantaggi
Berkeley Lab is a Research organization. The culture here is very different. It isn't a competitive environment like in industry. Everyone is very collaborative. My manager is extremely supportive. It's very family friendly. I was also pleasantly surprised at the Career Opportunities available for those that seek it. This is a place where you can grow if you so desire....OR not if you so desire. It's accepting of the different paths you might want to take. Unlike in industry where it's either you move up or out.
Svantaggi
Things take longer to get done around here. Some might call it slow. It lacks a sense of urgency. It is a legacy culture -- things have been done the same way forever and people don't question it much. Pay is obviously lower than in industry but you are trading that in for a terrific lifestyle.