Our People Behind Lexogen series invites you to uncover the captivating stories of the minds propelling us forward. Dive in below to get acquainted with a few of our exceptional team members: Branislav and Simona, our Application Scientists; Thomas, our Laboratory Operations Specialist; and Laurena, our Technical Sales Consultant in the US.
Interview 1:
Introducing Branislav Lilic, MSc – Application Scientist at Lexogen
Meet Branislav, our passionate Application Scientist and read how his love for Biology has shaped his path, eventually landing him a role at Lexogen. “I’ve always been deeply fascinated by Biology and since primary school this was the main subject that i was pursuing on an extra-curricular level. Winning a republic competition in Biology in high school opened doors for me, granting me direct access to the Biology Faculty in Belgrade. I thrived in molecular biology, aiming for a research-focused career. After completing my Masters, i found that the molecular microbiology program in Vienna would be a perfect fit and next step for me. And from there, my path led me to Lexogen. Joining Lexogen was natural; their focus on RNA work perfectly aligned with my expertise. Having prior experience with Lexogen products only solidified my choice. Now, as an Application Scientist here, I’m grateful for the dynamic role I get to play.”
Interview 2:
Introducing Laurena Mack – Technical US Consultant at Lexogen
Meet Laurena Mack, our dedicated Technical US Sales Consultant. “My journey to Lexogen began with a passion for sciences, focusing on Microbiology. After delving into RNA research during grad school, I stumbled upon a magical post on LinkedIn – ‘Love RNA? Want to research RNA?’ It was a perfect match! The interview process, including a heartfelt conversation with our CEO, made me feel welcomed from the start. Two years in, I find joy in connecting with researchers, discussing their projects, and building trust in relationships. Lexogen feels like home, offering support even across borders.”
Interview 3:
Introducing Thomas Finkes, MSc – Laboratory Operations Specialist at Lexogen
Meet Thomas, our Laboratory Operations Specialist with a decade of expertise at Lexogen. Here’s a glimpse into his daily endeavors: “We handle customer samples, extracting RNA, prepping libraries, and sequencing them. It’s a comprehensive process where we tailor to each customer’s needs, delving deep into customization. My role primarily involves working hands-on with samples in the lab, ensuring precision and sterility. Passion and focus are crucial; preparation beforehand helps maintain a calm and productive workflow. Proper documentation is also a very important part of our work and makes things easier. Lab work isn’t just about pipetting; it’s about the intricacies of molecular biology, which I find endlessly fascinating. I cherish the collaborative atmosphere at Lexogen; our team’s dedication ensures seamless service delivery. Flexibility in work hours and our location within the vibrant Vienna BioCenter Campus add to the appeal.”
Interview 4:
Introducing Simona Ferraioli, PhD – Application Scientist at Lexogen
Meet Simona, our Application Scientist with 2.5 years at Lexogen. “After high school, my interest in Biology sparked, particularly Immunology. I enjoyed the complexity and challenge. Moving through Bachelor, Masters, and PhD, I realized my passion for Next Generation Sequencing and for supporting fellow scientists with their projects. Now, as an application scientist, I find joy in optimizing workflows and collaborating on diverse projects. Vienna felt like the right fit for my PhD, and it led me to Lexogen. In the tech support team, we guide researchers to ensure smooth and successful experiments. It’s satisfying knowing we’re making a difference, especially for those new to RNA Seq.”
Text and photography by Mag. Amra Dedic
