Meet Anna D
Tell us a bit about yourself:
Originally I am coming from Belarus. I have studied in Minsk (capital of Belarus) at the International Sakharov Environmental University with specialization in radiobiology and molecular medicine.
Where did you study?
I did my PhD at the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, University of Bern, Switzerland (2004-2008)
In which Roche location are you currently working? .
Roche-Basel is headquarters; therefore, here you can get exposure to different areas of Pharma business. I have been fortunate to meet people from clinical science, marketing, product management, medical affairs and it helped me to understand the broad picture of drug development process.
Generally, Switzerland is a great place to live and work: multicultural, modern, vibrant, and green. I believe that here everybody can find something for his own life style.
Why did you decide to join the Roche RPF program?
I have been always fascinated by the possibility to be part of drug development that may change somebody`s life. Therefore, after completing my PhD thesis it was clear to me that I want to join a pharmaceutical company. Roche RPF program was a perfect entry into the Pharma world.
Roche RPF program gives a great opportunity for young scientists to learn about drug development process while continuing research and keeping close contact with academic community.
What is your current assignment (please describe in detail your responsibilities and day to day activities)?
During my Postdoctoral work at Roche I have successfully developed a cellular model reflecting inflammation of human adipose tissue. While working on this project I established several functional assays (lipolysis, analysis of cytokines, adipokines, and phosphoproteins using Luminex technology and others). Additionally, I am applying similar strategy to create the in vitro model of the inflammation in adipose tissue using iPS -derived adipocytes.
The results of my work were presented at the RPF Symposium and the American Heart Association Congress last year and will be published soon. Currently we are using this system for identification of novel therapeutic targets and for screening and characterization of the effects of anti-diabetic drugs. In the course of my project I am involved in the collaboration between Roche and MGH /Harvard. This collaboration gives me an opportunity to learn new things and broaden my network.
My day to day activities are:
• performing experiments and analyzing the data
• supporting other projects using my model
• preparing presentations, reports
• attending group and section meetings, scientific lectures
• presenting my work at the international meetings
• preparing publications
What makes it such a great job?
It is a great job because Roche offers a lot of possibilities for development, knowledge, perfect facilities, and very good working environment.
How has the RPF helped you in your career?
During my postdoctoral work I have made a huge step forward in my career and in personal development. Now I know exactly that I would like to pursue my career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Please complete the following sentence:
Roche is a great place to work because of its people.
How would you describe the people working here?
Very passionate, dedicated, collaborative, open-minded, and friendly
What would you advise PhD’ seekers who want to join us?
Go for it!