Elena Rivkin

Elena Rivkin

Business Analyst & Team Leader

Roche Canada

Created On: January 13, 2021
Sector:
Healthcare
Education Pathway: University
Related School Subjects:
Biology,  Genetics,  Business & Economics,  Chemistry,  Health

Learn About My Career

Elena Rivkin is a Business Analyst & Team Leader for Roche Canada.

I was born/grew up in: Russia

I now live in: Toronto, Ontario

I completed my training/education at: I have a Bachelor degree in Biology from York University and a PhD in Molecular Genetics and Neuroscience from University of Toronto.

I am a Business Analyst with responsibilities for Team Manager. I lead a team of business analysis and usability experts who work in manufacturing at Roche.     I help teams improve their work. I do this through the use of technology. I work with them to identify challenges or gaps in the work they do. Then I try to find ways to improve them. I understand how to translate what is needed into information technology solutions.

My science background helps me to learn new information and manage data. It also allows me to troubleshoot and focus on invention and improvement. My knowledge of life sciences and computer science helps me connect these two areas. This is a very important part of my work in Business Analysis.

I always liked science and biology in particular. After I completed my Bachelor degree I went on to do a PhD at the University of Toronto. While there I worked  on a novel gene in embryonic development.

After graduation, I started a job where I could combine my expertise in genetics with data analysis and bioinformatics. That job introduced me to the world of information technology, which I really enjoyed.  Over the next few years, I focused on getting a broad range of technical expertise. I worked in industries including healthcare and retail. I always wanted to combine my interest in information technology with life sciences. I’m able to do this in my work at Roche. See my LinkedIn profile for more information.

Ultimately, I am driven by the desire to help improve the lives and health of people. Working in pharmaceuticals offers a great opportunity to make a difference.  I enjoy knowing that I contribute to the development and use of new technology designed to improve the development, manufacturing and distribution of products.

In my career, I have been involved in many different fields. These include artificial intelligence in medicine, retail and pharmaceuticals. It gives me great satisfaction to deliver solutions to specific problems, and to measure the impact of my work on end users.

I like to stay active and I have a curious mind. I like to read and watch documentaries. I enjoy various outdoor activities and spending time with friends.

Keep learning and experimenting. Don't worry if you end up somewhere unexpected. ☺

What I do at work

I am a Business Analyst with responsibilities for Team Manager. I lead a team of business analysis and usability experts who work in manufacturing at Roche.     I help teams improve their work. I do this through the use of technology. I work with them to identify challenges or gaps in the work they do. Then I try to find ways to improve them. I understand how to translate what is needed into information technology solutions.

My science background helps me to learn new information and manage data. It also allows me to troubleshoot and focus on invention and improvement. My knowledge of life sciences and computer science helps me connect these two areas. This is a very important part of my work in Business Analysis.

My career path is

I always liked science and biology in particular. After I completed my Bachelor degree I went on to do a PhD at the University of Toronto. While there I worked  on a novel gene in embryonic development.

After graduation, I started a job where I could combine my expertise in genetics with data analysis and bioinformatics. That job introduced me to the world of information technology, which I really enjoyed.  Over the next few years, I focused on getting a broad range of technical expertise. I worked in industries including healthcare and retail. I always wanted to combine my interest in information technology with life sciences. I’m able to do this in my work at Roche. See my LinkedIn profile for more information.

I am motivated by

Ultimately, I am driven by the desire to help improve the lives and health of people. Working in pharmaceuticals offers a great opportunity to make a difference.  I enjoy knowing that I contribute to the development and use of new technology designed to improve the development, manufacturing and distribution of products.

How I affect peoples’ lives

In my career, I have been involved in many different fields. These include artificial intelligence in medicine, retail and pharmaceuticals. It gives me great satisfaction to deliver solutions to specific problems, and to measure the impact of my work on end users.

Outside of work I

I like to stay active and I have a curious mind. I like to read and watch documentaries. I enjoy various outdoor activities and spending time with friends.

My advice to others

Keep learning and experimenting. Don't worry if you end up somewhere unexpected. ☺

When I was a student I enjoyed:

  • Math
  • Science

When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:

  • Enjoyed doing things on my own
  • Liked reading
  • Felt great satisfaction in getting good grades
  • Always knew what I wanted to do

Related Topics

Business Careers Data Analysis Health Careers 11 Health Careers 12 Management Pharmaceuticals Pharmacology

Explore More Career Profiles

  • Brianna Lummerding à genoux près d’un cerceau en plastique collectant des échantillons dans un champ herbeux.

    Brianna Lummerding

    Career Profiles

    Agronomic Innovation Manager

    I look after all things related to soil management for a group of retailers.
    Learn More Brianna Lummerding
  • Li Tan, vêtu d'une blouse de laboratoire de couleur blanche, souriant dans son laboratoire.

    Li Tan (he/him)

    Career Profiles

    Molecular Lead

    I coordinate the day-to-day operations in the DNA Extraction Lab.
    Learn More Li Tan (he/him)
  • Tyler Mohard wearing lab coat and hair net as he works in the SyLMAND lab

    Tyler Morhart (video)

    Career Profiles

    Scientist, Beamline Responsible - SyLMAND

    I am responsible for the SyLMAND beamline at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron facility.
    Learn More Tyler Morhart (video)
  • Five people, each wearing a white lab coat, standing around a lab bench that has scientific equipment on it.

    Li Tan (Video)

    Career Profiles

    Molecular Lead

    I coordinate the day-to-day operations in the DNA Extraction Lab.
    Learn More Li Tan (Video)
  • portrait par Rashell Featherstone

    Rashell Featherstone (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Senior Program Associate

    I coordinate projects for the development of new products at STEMCELL.
    Learn More Rashell Featherstone (she/her)
  • Kira Hoffman portant un casque rouge avec de la fumée en arrière-plan

    Kira Hoffman (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Postdoctoral Researcher/Fire Ecologist

    I am a researcher at both a university and a not-for profit organization where I am gaining experience to become a senior researcher.
    Learn More Kira Hoffman (she/her)
  • Zoe Ehlert closely examining a plan that has yellow flowers

    Zoë Ehlert (Video)

    Career Profiles

    Manager, Marker Assisted Breeding

    I lead a team that develops canola crops by breeding plants with traits we are looking for.
    Learn More Zoë Ehlert (Video)
  • Daniel Meister headshot

    Daniel Meister

    Career Profiles

    Master's Student, Kinesiology

    Learn More Daniel Meister
  • Zoë Ehlert, vêtue d'une blouse de laboratoire blanche, pose une boîte en carton sur une étagère.

    Zoë Ehlert

    Career Profiles

    Manager, Marker Assisted Breeding

    I lead a team that develops canola crops by breeding plants with traits we are looking for.
    Learn More Zoë Ehlert
  • Jennifer Baltzer portant une casquette et un tee-shirt violet avec des arbres en arrière-plan.

    Jennifer Baltzer (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Professor and Canada Research Chair in Forests and Global Change

    I work at a university, teaching students and conducting research on the impact of climate change on forests in Canada and around the world.
    Learn More Jennifer Baltzer (she/her)
  • Caitlyn Lyons, prête pour la forêt avec son sac à dos et ses outils de collecte de données. La photo insérée montre Caitlyn examinant une section de gazon.

    Caitlyn Lyons (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Ph.D. Candidate

    I am working towards my PhD and studying the forests in the Northwest Territories.
    Learn More Caitlyn Lyons (she/her)
  • Joann Whalen headshot

    Joann Whalen

    Career Profiles

    Professor at the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,

    I teach advanced courses on how to manage soils to produce healthy, nutritious food and maintain healthy ecosystem functions.
    Learn More Joann Whalen