Genentech: Breaking New Ground for Patients and Employees

As the Hemophilia Franchise Head, I’m about to embark on a rare and exciting opportunity. I couldn’t ask for a more dynamic and supportive environment for the exciting journey my team and I are about to take in our quest to improve the lives of people with Hemophilia A.

Advancing Medicine, Encouraging Employees

Decades of research and scientific advancements have resulted in a number of current therapies for Hemophilia A, a rare disease that affects roughly 20,000 Americans today. However, there are still significant patient needs to be met that Genentech hopes to address with a breakthrough therapy which is currently in development.

Overseeing this launch is a once-in-a-career opportunity; one that’s given me pause to reflect on how fortunate I am to work in the biotech industry and, more importantly, at Genentech. What attracted me most to Genentech nine years ago was not only the company’s reputation as a great place to work, but also the prospect of learning from leaders who are known within our industry for taking an emotionally intelligent approach to developing and inspiring their teams. I wanted to be a part of a company that was known for developing innovative therapies by following the science but also walked the talk of truly being a great place to work.

I’m happy to report that Genentech has lived up to my expectations and I’ve seen over and over again how investing in nurturing and developing talented people cultivates the energy and drive to bring groundbreaking medicines to market and ultimately to patients.

Diverse Perspectives, Shared Values

Building a strong and talented team of diverse individuals who are passionate about what they do and committed to excellence is a pivotal part of our strategy to break new ground with the launch of our Hemophilia A product upon FDA approval. This quest will entail attracting top talent for a variety of roles while making sure we create a cohesive team of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will shape this launch. We want to attract people with an entrepreneurial sprit and the courage to voice their unique perspectives and, in doing so, influence how we move forward as a team to drive our success in the treatment of hemophilia.

We have a people-first culture and one of the most significant things I’ve learned in my career is that when you’re surrounded by incredibly talented and bright individuals who push you to think and learn differently, you’ll find you’re doing the best work of your life. Teams that generate this kind of positive energy are engaging and fun. Our business unit is called IMPACT and we embrace those who bring new ideas into the organization and challenge the norm while at the same time build rapport and collaborate effectively to deliver science and business results. It’s these very qualities that we seek in both employees and the leaders who are responsible for building and developing exceptional teams.

Creating an exceptional Hemophilia A product launch team also means bringing together people who share a strong commitment to patients, a cultural value of Genentech. Our team must be able to cultivate trust and demonstrate our integrity as we prepare to engage with physicians and patients and educate them on the benefits of a new therapy once it is approved.

Shared values, diverse perspectives and great debate are a big part of our team’s culture and why I enjoy the work we do every day. I believe that when talented employees are inspired and empowered to do something extraordinary, they can make a real difference in the lives of the patients we strive to serve at Genentech.

Are you interested in learning more about Genentech as an employer?  Connect: Janice Oliver (oliver.janice@gene.com) regarding relevant job opportunities.