Celebrating Tenure: Meet Sarika Navara, Teva Israel employee for 46 years!

Tenured employment is often thought of as a thing of the past, as career longevity has been redefined by each generation. At Teva, the average employee spends 10.5 years developing their career. There is something to be said for the knowledge and commitment of the individual who grows as the organization grows. We believe in consistent employee engagement, challenge and growth for our employees – tenure is proof of concept. It has always been a big part of our culture here at Teva and we hope it will continue with every new hire. During our 120th year anniversary, we are celebrating some of our longest-term employees.

Sarika is Lead Analytical Scientist for SOD Analytical Development Generic R&D, Kfar-Saba.

Her given name is: Sarah Navara. So why Sarika? The name Sarika was given to her at Teva. When she arrived at the Abic site in Israel, there were five employees in the lab named Sarah. To avoid confusion, each one got her own nickname and it was decided to call her Sarika. Today, she only goes by Sarika on Teva sites.

Her professional career started in October 1974, when she graduated with honors from the College of Science in Ramat Gan, Israel.

The chemistry teacher, Yafa Volozinsky recommend her to Tzita Cohen, who ran the labs at Abic's factory in Ramat Gan, and Sarika was immediately accepted as an analyst in the analytical lab that supported production and quality control.

Eventually, the factory moved to Netanya, and in 1988 Teva bought out Abic in Netanya. In 1997, Sarika transferred to Teva's generic R&D at the Kfar Saba site.
During her years as an analyst in the lab she accumulated extensive knowledge in the analytics field. This knowledge helped her in the development of analytical methods for products, and later on in her work in the regulatory lab in various analytical tests to examine the stability of the products developed in R&D.

"The lab work requires professional and technological knowledge, a lot of experience with operating advanced analytics equipment, accuracy, precision, perseverance and a meticulous logical work plan." Sarika loved the lab work, and her colleagues say she has always worked with the upmost professionalism.

In 2010, Sarika extended her area of responsibility and was promoted to the role she performs to this day. She specialized in the specific regulatory requirements of a various health authorities, and responsible for preparing official documents submitted to registration files. In addition, she is responsible for the logistics field in receiving stability samples for all analytical labs in R&D.

"I come with a smile every morning to an interesting and challenging job and still learn new things."

Due to her extensive experience, dedication, responsibility, diligence, high service awareness and creating excellent work relationships with the many interfaces with which she works, Sarika always meets the scheduled deadlines and targets.

Sarika has also been noted as an R&D safety champion, tutoring and mentoring new employees; an attentive ear, one who can be consulted for advice; an active member of the culture committee, helping to celebrate events and birthdays; and a participant in Teva's many community volunteer activities.

Pictured above: Sarika volunteers donating teddy bears for patients in hospitals.

"My motto is: Love your neighbor as yourself, always look at others at eye level and with a smile, vigorous energies, good vibes and of course dedication."

Sarika is happily married to Eli, and the mother of four amazing sons, and a proud grandma of seven grandchildren, with an eighth one is on the way (god willing). Teva supported her children through their path to higher education, trips, community associations, joyful events and gifts.

In conclusion, Sarika says: "I have the privilege to work for a company that knows how to reward its employees and I am very happy to be associated with the Teva family. I come with a smile every morning to an interesting and challenging job and still learn new things. I identify with all Teva's successes and it is clear to me that every success of Teva is also mine. Throughout my years at Teva, I have had amazing female managers who have always let me express my skills." 

Find out more

• Meet József Szendi, Teva Hungary employee for 49 years!
• We’re hiring - are you interested in what Sarika does, or want to know about other roles at Teva? If so, check out our latest vacancies
• Learn more about Teva’s core values, and how our employees around the world apply passion and commitment to improve health