Meet Azard Mahamoon,
Research Associate II in In-Vitro Biology
While the journey to his current position has been a somewhat unique one, Azard Mahamoon is enjoying the achievement, the recognition and the chance for greater responsibility afforded by his development at Cubist.
Q: Why did you decide to join the Cubist team?
[Azard officially became a Cubist employee in October 2006, after nearly a year in a contract position.]
Azard: The decision to join Cubist was an easy one. I was right out of college, armed with a biochemistry degree and hunting for my perfect first job in the biotechnology sector. I remember in October of 2005 participating in four interviews in three different states in just one week. The last of the four interviews was with Cubist for a temporary Research Associate I position in Microbiology. During the interview process, I saw the Cubist culture in action — nurturing environment, professional atmosphere, respectful colleagues, and above all, passion for science. By the end of my interview all I could say to myself was, “Wow! What wonderful people” and “I wish I could work here.” Fortunately, Cubist offered me the position, so my wish came true. I did receive one other job offer, but chose Cubist without hesitation.
Q: What makes working at Cubist different from your other experiences?
Azard: Cubist offered me my first job in the pharmaceutical industry and it has been my favorite place to work by far. Before joining Cubist, I worked 25-30 hour-per-week jobs in several different environments during college and during the summer after I graduated. These jobs included working with state government on sustainable/alternative energy and with a major petroleum corporation doing field-based work. What makes Cubist stand out is the feeling of being respected, recognition for one’s accomplishments, and an environment that encourages building collegial friendships both within and outside of Cubist.
Q: What is unique about your role?
Azard: My role at Cubist has grown and evolved over the course of nearly four years. My background in both biochemistry and information technology has helped me contribute to my group by implementing new robotics, programming the latest instrumentation, and helping with innovative technologies. Having worked in a group that advanced CB-182,804 from the beginning of the project to Investigative New Drug (IND) status has given me a unique opportunity to serve as one of the youngest In-Vitro Biology representatives on other projects.
Also, the chance to interact with my colleagues — some of the best at Cubist and in the industry — makes my role very unique.
Q: What do you do for fun outside of work?
Azard: I enjoy making new friends, learning and experiencing new things, and travelling. I also watch and read a lot about nature and new technology. My newest “fun” goal is to learn the game of baseball in order to pick a team to go crazy over/support! Having played cricket while growing up in Sri Lanka and now playing on one of the Cubist softball teams helps a great deal, but I’m still learning.
Q: What is your favorite Cubist benefit?
Azard: I really enjoy the emphasis Cubist places on work-life balance and, of course, the ice cream truck! [During the summer, it visits the Lexington campus every Monday afternoon to serve free ice cream.]
Q: What has been the most amazing experience or day you’ve had at Cubist thus far?
Azard: The day I received notice that I would switch from a temporary to a permanent position, I had the realization that I could be part of Cubist for many more years to come. That has been the best day so far.