Pros
In general, i enjoyed working with the people in I2R and by means of people, i mean running on the ground like fellow scientists, engineers and overworked administrators and ID folks. I like how most of us bond like family and how most of us are closely knitted to resolve pretty tough deadlines and unreasonable management demands
Cons
If there was an honest HR handbook for I2R employees it will be detailing at least the following "Things to take note of" (i) New employees are to be prepared to be treated like dimwit even if you have a PhD or has been in the R&D scene for years. (ii) As a member I2R, you must be strategic and mainly by placing the word "strategic" will instantly make yourself more strategic even if it sounds totally ridiculous (iii) You will not be treated with respect, i.e. you are not considered as a person if (i) you are not the executive director's pet and (ii) not in some elitist capability building teams (iv) It will be a norm to receive friendly reminders of your meager existence when you are due for contract renewals. You will have to justify your renewal over and over again if you are deemed not strategic, i.e. doing what the management tells you to do, or risk having your contractual period lapsed with no news of termination or extension. Of course, you could spend some time contemplating why you are staying in a "you pay peanuts, you get monkeys" environment and join the industry who will pay you 25-30% better and treat you like a person (v) You will be well-trained in administrative tasks by indulging in hours of overtime required to finish tonnes of reports, biweekly, weekly, monthly reports of various kinds. It is PAPERWORK HEAVEN BABY!! (vi) You will develop skills to face the harsh world of the industry as you are expected to be shouted at, belittled, back stabbed by the pets of the executive director when you start to challenge their scientific capabilities. Also you will be taught of reasoning logic as you will be trained in justifying why your research work is better than IBM Watson.