Stories

Inside Biogen’s West Coast Hub: Building an Innovation Engine

Located in a vibrant San Francisco business park with panoramic Bay Area views sits Biogen’s West Coast Hub (WCH). This newly developed office space is a key component of our global R&D engine and is focused on developing potential medicines for immune-mediated diseases. “I believe the WCH represents a bold step forward for Biogen: an opportunity to build an innovation engine that moves fast, follows the biology, and delivers meaningful impact for patients together,” says Uptal Patel, Head of the West Coast Hub.

Employees playing a game in the new office. 

Designed with an open-floor concept, the space encourages collaboration and connection, with plenty of meeting spaces and open areas that foster conversations and relationship-building.

“The new office combines modern elegance with a welcoming personal touch. It’s designed to support both productivity and connection,” explained Chauncy Spooner, Associate Scientific Director, Research.

Apart from the office space itself, the surrounding business park is highly walkable, with restaurants, amenities, and even a gym and spa. The gym is free for Biogen employees, and many of the spa services offer employee discounts. 

WCH employees at a company event. 

Free snacks, covered parking, and Biogen-sponsored vendor discounts add to the appeal of the office location.

But it’s the people and culture that truly defines the WCH. “The culture here is supportive, very human-first,” says Omran Kazemi, HR Leader. 

“We all come to the office as people, not just as colleagues or employees. It’s a place where inclusive and collaborative energy flows across research, translational, and clinical development teams, inspiring bold, innovative scientific thinking,” says Spooner. The teams here thrive on an entrepreneurial mindset, where challenging assumptions and embracing curiosity are not just encouraged; they’re essential.

“I’m very proud of the vibrant work culture we have built and been able to retain from our small-company startup days, which includes an entrepreneurial mindset and ability to challenge assumptions and enjoy our work with highly engaged and talented colleagues,” said Patel. This type of culture leads to improved collaboration, communication, and creativity, three essential ingredients for innovation.

Colleagues celebrating the construction of the new office. 

As Biogen continues to grow its late-stage immunology pipeline, the West Coast Hub is expanding rapidly. Recruiting and retaining top talent has been key to building momentum, and the team is looking ahead to continued growth in 2026. If you’re passionate about science, driven by purpose, and excited to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, Biogen’s WCH might be the place for you.

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