Aaron – Senior Scientist

Research & science at Bayer

 

After my studies in Biology, followed by a doctorate in the field of molecular genetics and post-doctorates in genetics, it was my goal to obtain a position in which I would be able to combine my research experience with computational processing and modelling of biological data. Further, I wanted to work within an environment where specific answers were being sought to clearly delineated questions. During a scientific congress, an advertisement from Bayer BioScience in Ghent caught my eye. This advertisement described the exact scenario I was seeking.

 

A number of meetings and a visit to the people and facilities of Bayer BioScience in Ghent confirmed that I would be able to combine science and IT in this position and that there were possibilities for evolution and future opportunities in this role in the long term.

 

The BioInformation Management Department investigates how computers and computation can be applied to answer biological questions. The department not only pursues its own research objective, it also provides services to researchers, often using the researchers’ questions as a starting point.  In addition, BioInformation Management manages all data (from documents to fundamental research data) that are present within the innovation centre, and they create environments that the researchers can use to analyse and interpret their research materials and results.

 

Growth and promotion

 

Within the BioAnalysis Services Team, we wish to structure influx of DNA sequence information as well as emerging genetic and character data in as efficient a manner as possible thereby helping the scientists and plant breeders to work on their questions in the best way possible. In view of my IT skills and experience in analysis and research, my primary role primarily role is to optimize the communication between BioInformation Management and our clients. Given the increasing importance of computerisation and high-throughput data acquisition within the field of plant breeding, ever more value is being attached to collaboration with my department. This evolution in the organisation and its questions means that we are also constantly challenged to adapt, improve, anticipate and implement the solutions required by our customers.

 

While an alternative career path may have afforded the opportunity to determine my research focus in a more independent manner, my work within Bayer BioScience offers at least as much scientific challenge. Further, I have access to a wider breadth of scientific questions and can anticipate the necessary investment for projects that favour the innovation and growth of the enterprise.

 

Personal ambitions can be discussed thanks to the open culture, and an attempt is made to respond insofar as is possible with a challenging career path. Participation in scientific congresses and training courses is supported in the light of realising personal and joint ambitions.

 

Working in a dynamic and cosmopolitan environment

 

As a result of the global nature of BioScience activities, I work in a cosmopolitan environment.  My colleagues represent many different nationalities and a wide array of expertise; together, we create a challenging environment in which cutting-edge research is performed.

 

Bayer believes in the future of BioScience; investments ensure that the focus can always remain on research, breeding and trait development and that this work will take place under the best conditions possible. Due to the fact that we work within a structure in which stakeholders and customers take centre stage, debates cannot be allowed to drag on and on; rather, discussion is directed in an efficient cycle of decision-making, results and visible progress.

 

Via the Performance Management Process, one is offered the opportunity to make one’s wishes in terms of training and career known and to discuss these. It also offers the opportunity to reflect on the current way of working and to see how it will evolve or can be further improved. Since the performance management process takes place at regular intervals, internal evaluation and a dynamic of innovation and improvement is assured.

 

Bayer has made great efforts to enable me to integrate effortlessly into my new environment. Via the Newcomers event and the Information Days, I was given all the information I needed to make my way within the Bayer world in Belgium and to make worldwide contacts within Bayer. I was also given an intensive training course in languages, and was able to call on the help of a relocation consultant regarding the fulfilment of administrative obligations and the finding of a house. My partner and child were not left out of the picture either; they were given support when required.