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BTEC Graduate Student secures Genentech
Co-op in San Francisco

Published Feb 13, 2013

Mike Ford, a student in BTEC’s Professional Science Master’s program, has accepted a spring Co-Op position with San Francisco-based Genentech. Ford applied to Genentech’s U.S. Biologics Technical Development 2013 Co-op and Intern Program in early November.  Following a series of interviews, he was offered the coveted opportunity in early January.

Ford will be working under Peter Day, Ph.D., in the Biologics Technical group.  Starting Feb. 11, Ford will be working with several other individuals on the creation of large cell banks using single-use disposable technology.

Genentech, headquartered in South San Francisco, was founded in 1976 by venture capitalist Robert A. Swanson and biochemist Dr. Herbert W. Boyer. In the early 1970s, Boyer and geneticist Stanley Cohen pioneered a new scientific field known as “Recombinant DNA Technology.”  Considered the founder of the biotechnology industry, Genentech has multiple products on the market for serious or life-threatening medical conditions. In March 2009, Genentech became a member of the Roche Group, and Genentech now serves as the headquarters for all Roche pharmaceutical operations in the United States.