A Day in the Life of an IT Director at Sana Biotechnology
Niko Froehner moved from California to Washington more than five years ago, looking to live in Seattle and work for a company whose mission he believed in. He found both at Sana Biotechnology.
As Director of End User Services, Niko helps ensure that Sana’s employees have the technology and support they need to do their jobs and make a meaningful impact in the world of medicine. From troubleshooting computer issues to preparing specialized laboratory equipment, his work supports Sana’s mission of changing the possible for patients through engineered cells.
5 AM: A Strong Start to the Day
Three mornings a week, Niko starts his day before the sun comes up with strongman weightlifting, which involves exercises such as flipping tires and pulling trucks. On other mornings, he enjoys a slower start with his golden retriever, Murphy, before heading to Sana’s Eastlake office.
Niko arrives between 7:30 and 8:30 AM and starts by checking in with colleagues to make sure everything is running smoothly, from conference room technology to individual computers. After, he’ll grab a cup of coffee and fuel up for the day ahead.
With teammates working collaboratively across three states and remotely, ensuring that everyone can communicate and work together effectively is critical. “The goal of our IT organization is to make sure that everyone can do their best work without having to think about the technology that supports them.”
10 AM: Enabling Scientists to Do Their Best Work
As a specialized research laboratory, new equipment arrives at Sana’s offices regularly. Niko is onsite with scientists and site operations to ensure equipment seamlessly connects to Sana’s network, meets all security requirements and supports the needs of those using it. He also gives thought to its intended functions: Will it need to export a lot of data? Is there a robotic arm attached? Do we need to take any special precautions for hazardous materials? This foresight is important for addressing any potential roadblocks that could impede research.
While many responsibilities are similar to IT work in other industries, Niko says the impact feels different in life sciences.
“Although my overall responsibilities are similar to those of IT leaders in other organizations, the work feels especially impactful at a biotech company because it supports a mission to improve patients’ lives. Our IT team helps to provide the effective operating environment our colleagues depend on – keeping critical data, files, and communications secure and accessible, and systems running smoothly. Even something as routine as making sure an email gets sent successfully or a file is saved to the right place could have an impact on communications with the FDA or the outcome of an ongoing experiment. When those foundations are in place, researchers and colleagues can focus on advancing the development of our therapies, and it’s rewarding to know that we are all contributing to bringing new medicines to patients.”
3 PM: Connecting Across the Company
Beyond daily IT responsibilities, Niko helps to bring Sana employees together for the company’s weekly all-company meetings and town halls. He contributes to a welcoming, engaging atmosphere by selecting the opening music, coordinating scientific presentations, and attending to the production details of each meeting. These moments reflect the collaborative culture that Niko values about working in life sciences.
“Everybody at Sana cares so much about what we’re doing,” he said. “We are deeply motivated by the opportunity to make a difference for patients. Whether you work in a lab or in an administrative role, every contribution matters and everyone knows what’s at stake.”
That sense of purpose extends beyond the office. Through shared employee activities such as Obliteride, an annual charity bike ride that supports Fred Hutch Cancer Center, and opportunities to connect with patient groups, Niko sees how the work happening at Sana impacts people’s lives.
“Feeling tied to the work is important, but when you encounter the actual people that your efforts can impact, it adds a whole other layer.”
After Hours: Savoring Daily Life in Seattle
After work, Niko enjoys walking Murphy around his North Seattle neighborhood and unwinding at home. He appreciates that Seattle offers the combination of city life and welcoming neighborhoods.
“Seattle was the first big city that didn’t feel like a big city,” he said.
Whether he’s exploring locally or taking day trips to nearby Leavenworth and Bainbridge Island, Niko continues to find new things to appreciate about Washington.
“I’ve found people to be very, very welcoming,” he said. “I like going back to visit California, but every time I return to Seattle, it feels like coming home.”
Interested in putting your IT skills to work in Washington’s life sciences industry? Explore job opportunities at Sana Biotechnology.
Sponsored by Life Science Washington and Sana Biotechnology