GenomeWeb Best Places to Work Top Ranking, Reference Medicine

At Reference Medicine, culture and collaboration go hand in hand. The Arizona-based biospecimen provider was founded on the belief that science works best when people do too. That philosophy is rooted in transparency, teamwork, and care, and has shaped a company that its employees describe as both mission-driven and deeply human.

"Everyone on our team loves working with one another," said Abby Murphy, director of strategy and operations. "We're built on collaboration, and everyone is so aligned with our mission and our goals that it naturally creates a supportive environment people love working in." The company's guiding principle is to "provide delight" for both customers and employees, balancing hard work with celebration through team-building activities and company rewards that leave staff feeling, as Murphy put it, "filled with a sense of gratitude about being part of Team Science."

Reference Medicine's core values were developed collectively by the team to ensure they reflect how the company truly operates. Those values — "always trying to be better, being real in our words and actions, being good to ourselves first, and making the world a delightful place," according to Murphy — form the foundation for the company's culture.

"Thematically, our culture is built around caring for our customers and caring for ourselves," Murphy explained. That dual focus benefits both sides: employees feel empowered to speak up and improve processes, while customers experience an unusual level of openness and partnership. "Our customers know we are there for them in a way that's closer to being an extension of their team rather than simply a transactional email exchange," she said.

The company also treats work-life balance as a shared value, not a perk. "[We celebrate] when folks take time for themselves, never shaming anyone," Murphy said. The result is a healthier, happier team that serves clients better. "Everyone deserves a reason to smile, and the benefits of finding that joy are immeasurable."

Although Reference Medicine is just four years old, it was shaped by the post-pandemic era's changing expectations. Flexibility and trust were built into its operating model from the beginning, with remote work and adaptable hours becoming standard practice. "Employees expect more flexibility … and that's been ingrained in how we work since the start," Inga Rose, founder and CEO, noted. "As we grow, we plan to be receptive to all of our employees' needs and always strive to meet their expectations."

The company's approach to performance and growth reflects its collaborative ethos. Instead of top-down reviews, Reference uses an employee-driven process. Team members evaluate their own responsibilities, time allocation, and satisfaction before meeting with managers to discuss ways to increase fulfillment and effectiveness. "This format sets up a more productive conversation," Rose said, "and allows for better identification of how to make the employee more satisfied in their role while ensuring the work benefits the company." Regular one-on-ones reinforce that dialogue throughout the year.

Diversity is another area where the company walks its talk. As a woman-founded and -led organization, Reference Medicine champions women in science and emphasizes mentorship, inclusion, and representation at every level. "We don't try to be more diverse as a checkbox to complete," Rose said. "We keep diversity in mind in all we do."

Giving back is equally central to Reference Medicine's mission. The company contributes to the Arizona biotech community through philanthropic partnerships with AZBio and the AZAdvances internship program, hosting local students and mentoring the next generation of scientists. It also supports high school outreach, local startup advising, and the cancer research community by donating biospecimens to nonprofits and research collaborators.

"We are paying it forward and putting the fight against cancer first," Murphy said. The team is exploring new ways to give back, from participating in runs and building care packages to partnering with cancer organizations for volunteer efforts. "We always want to find ways to give back to our communities," she added. "As we grow, we are grateful for more opportunities to do so."

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