Diversity In Action

Affymetrix’ work environment encompasses its values

The company’s mission to “revolutionize how the world benefits from genetic information” results in a “daring, passionate culture”

At Affymetrix, a pioneering genetic analysis company, employees are immersed in a culture defined as “daring and passionate.”

“We expect our employees to strive for these values in their daily performance,” says Tracie Nguyen, director of talent acquisition and training. “In turn, as a company we aim to provide our employees with a work environment that encompasses the same values.”

Affymetrix commercialized the first DNA microarray in the late 1980s. The Affymetrix mission is to “revolutionize how the world benefits from genetic information,” Nguyen says.

Researchers use Affymetrix technologies to better understand the role that genes play in disease, the effectiveness and safety of therapies, and other biological factors that affect human well-being. The technologies have also been used to make groundbreaking discoveries that help the scientific and medical communities investigate conditions like infertility, HIV, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, malaria, cancer and more.

Affymetrix looks for experienced engineers and IT specialists to fill jobs in software development, research and product development and other technical functions, Nguyen says, and there are opportunities in non-technical areas of the company as well.

Affymetrix also seeks people with research, lab and bioinformatics technical skills. In IT, the company looks for proficiency in JD Edwards ERP software, applications development, graphical interfaces and instrumentation for medical devices.

“We value experience in clinical diagnostics, pharmaceuticals and biotech,” Nguyen adds.

Required years of experience and levels of education vary. To develop methods for analysis of genomic data, a staff scientist needs a PhD in molecular biology, math or a related field and at least five years of work experience. But a research associate could come in with a BS and two years of experience to develop DNA/RNA-based detection assays.

Hiring activity for scientists and engineering positions is “fairly consistent.” IT hiring is not as frequent and is based on business needs, Nguyen says.

Diversity is important to the company environment. “Affymetrix believes that valuing and encouraging a diverse workforce helps us enhance our competitive advantage,” Nguyen says.

“We also believe that diversity fosters a work culture that is better able to meet the needs of the global market. Our commitment to a diverse workforce is demonstrated through all aspects of our hiring and employment practices.”

Affymetrix encourages its women employees to participate in the Association for Women in Science (AWIS). Nguyen explains that the group is a national leadership organization advocating the interests of women in science and technology.

The company’s affirmative action plan is updated annually and communicated through its management training program. Affymetrix works hard to meet the plan’s placement goals. “We’ve been particularly successful in the past year or so with the categories of female technicians and minorities in sales,” Nguyen says.

The company participates in an annual diversity career fair in San Francisco, CA and posts its positions on appropriate job boards.

  In 2009, ten percent of new hires were recent college grads, ranging from a BS to advanced degrees. “These new grads have been placed in our research, product marketing and technical operations,” Nguyen says.

The company recruited at the University of California-Berkeley, Santa Clara University, San Jose State University, UC-San Francisco, Stanford and UC-Davis. It also recruited via the Biotech HR Network and Biotech Bay in northern California, and in the state of Ohio, where the company has a sizable office near Toledo.

Affymetrix’ community involvement includes collaboration with organizations that educate scientists and the public and seek treatments and cures for diseases. In the past year the company has supported the Bay Area Biotechnology Education Consortium, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, the Genetic Alliance and more.

“Recently we implemented the MentorNet program, in which our employees can be mentors to science and technical students,” Nguyen adds.

Work-life balance also gets strong emphasis at Affymetrix, with fitness membership discounts, a tuition assistance plan, an employee discount program, legal and financial services and a family resources program. There are domestic partner benefits and additional employee assistance programs. Telecommuting is allowed for certain positions, Nguyen says.

“We will soon be implementing a wellness program at Affymetrix to promote a healthy work environment,” she reports.

Under the tuition assistance plan, Affymetrix encourages its people to work with their managers to develop ongoing education plans that meet their professional needs. Employees can also be paired with a mentor or advisor.

“The pride, commitment and innovative spirit of Affymetrix employees are central to our success. We recognize that an effective, integrated employee experience can build employee engagement, which in turn increases talent acquisition and heightens retention,” Nguyen says.

D/C