Workforce News

Biogen Executive Vice President and Head of Pharmaceutical Operations and Technology Nicole Murphy has spent more than three decades building a career defined by service. As chair of the Manufacturing Institute’s 2026 STEP Ahead Awards, she brought that same philosophy to one of manufacturing’s biggest celebrations of leadership.

A high-impact role: Murphy started her career as an engineer on the shop floor of a chemical plant. She was quickly drawn to the complexity of process and product development, a passion that led her to biotechnology and, ultimately, to a career focused on improving lives.

• At Biogen, Murphy leads a team responsible for developing, making and delivering medicines at the highest level of quality that support the company’s portfolio in neurology, immunology and rare disease. Her team’s work spans from early preclinical development to clinical and commercial stages, helping ensure promising science reaches patients safely and reliably.
• “I tell people often that I have the best job in the world—and I truly believe it,” said Murphy.

A defining moment: For Murphy, the work is deeply personal. During a factory tour early in her career, she met a family whose 6-year-old daughter relied on the medicine produced by the facility. The girl’s older brother quietly told her, “Thank you for getting my sister out of her wheelchair and letting her play with me again.”

• “That day reinvigorated a sense of purpose that has stayed with me, day in and day out,” said Murphy. “It has pushed me to continue to ‘raise the bar’ because the hard work we do is nothing compared to what our patients persevere through.”

Mentorship is key: Murphy attributes her success to the many role models who have supported her career, including mentors and peers. They challenged her to leave her comfort zone by taking on new responsibilities, roles and projects—and helped her grow as a leader.

• She has since paid that forward. At Biogen, Murphy started a Reverse Mentorship program that flips the traditional mentor/mentee relationship, empowering employees at all levels to mentor senior leaders.
• “The intent is to strengthen working relationships, improve our understanding of employee experience—particularly through a lens of inclusion—and help leaders gain new perspectives,” said Murphy. The result is more effective leadership, stronger teams and a thriving culture, she says.

Her leadership philosophy: Murphy believes the strongest leaders listen first, take responsibility for setbacks and make sure their teams receive the credit for success.

• “Trust, purpose and community are absolutely foundational in building the best teams,” said Murphy.

The last word: “Manufacturing succeeds when we develop and elevate diverse talent, and STEP Ahead shines a light on leaders who are shaping the future of the industry,” said Murphy.

• “It is our workforce that will create the great next invention, ensure products and services reach the people who need them and inspire the generations to come.”