Maiken - Research Scientist
Name:
Maiken
Education:
Biologist
Job title:
Research Scientist
Department:
Bioprocess Fermentation & Recovery, Fermentation Pilot Plant
”I work at a research facility where we optimise fermentation processes from a laboratory scale to the production scale. Biological material is unpredictable.
We investigate what happens with fermentation processes when they are transferred from a 1 litre flask to a 5,000 litre tank and what we can do in order to ensure the best possible process conditions. We supply products for development tests and clinical trails involving people.”
The only biologist
”I work with process operators, laboratory technicians, dairy engineers and engineers specialising in chemistry and biotechnology. There are 25 of us in my team, and I am the only biologist. My colleagues are happy to have someone who has knowledge that they need – and that they do not have themselves.
I feel that I am needed even though I am newly-qualified. I already have many independent areas of responsibility.
For example, I am the person responsible for environmental issues where I help to ensure that we protect the external environment. My professional knowledge is really used. What I say is listened to, and I see that I am able to influence the direction we take. That is satisfying.
Just recently one of the engineers called me a “research chemist”. I took it as a compliment.”
Theory, experience and intuition
”My job is to help to ensure optimal use of the processes – without compromising the quality. My theoretical knowledge is essential. But experience and intuition also mean a lot. I put myself in the cells’ position. What can they tolerate? What can they not tolerate? How do they prioritise?
Biological processes are complex and unpredictable. You can make the finest calculations, but you can never calculate everything completely. I can live with that.”