The talented and dedicated people of Roche Palo Alto form a rich and diverse mix of cultures and professional experience. We’d like to introduce you to a couple of our people.
David Hodgson, Site Head, Group Research Information (GRI)
David joined Roche in March 2007 from Pfizer, continuing a remarkable career that started more than a decade before as a computer biologist in the United Kingdom writing some of the first software to analyze the human genome. Here’s what David says about Roche Palo Alto.
“I have a fascinating job. Research is about information, and we provide the technology and solutions for that, from the infrastructure of computers and systems to managing the electronic library to developing workflow management systems for labs. It goes from planning terabytes of storage to studying molecular pathways of disease.”
“There is a range of opportunities here, just in this department – from technical experts to seasoned scientists. We have scientists, business analysts, statisticians, project managers and computational scientists – a true diversity of roles.”
The Best Aspect of Roche Palo Alto: “What motivates people in this department is working closely with great scientists to make new medicines. It is visionary and inspirational.”
What Makes Roche Palo Alto Different: “Of course there is the California/Silicon Valley mindset and the beautiful campus, but for me it was the potential of the pipeline and the truly multi-national feel of the company.”
Surya Sankurati, Ph.D., Associate Director Virology
Surya has been with Roche since 1996, starting in basic research in osteoporosis and renal insufficiency. He has since advanced to become a member of the Virology Research Management Team. Before moving into drug discovery, he was a faculty member at nearby Stanford University. Here’s what Surya has to say about Roche Palo Alto.
“For me, the top priority is the ability to learn new things while contributing to the development of new drugs. The opportunity to learn here is fantastic – that, and I really like what I do.”
“Here, people can experience the entire product cycle, from conception of the idea to putting the drug on the market. Staying here is not about the money but about the excitement, the learning, and the innovation.”
The Best Aspect of Roche Palo Alto: “There are always opportunities to learn. I’m not confined to my work area. If I want to participate in drug development activities beyond discovery, I have the opportunity to do that. I can see the bigger picture and have my suggestions heard. We truly have a culture that is open to new ideas and suggestions. It is a culture where everybody listens to everybody”
What Makes Roche Palo Alto Different: “Unlike biotech, where there are often budgetary restrictions that allow you to only do the minimum to move a molecule forward, here we have freedom to explore.”
