Women driving change in Life Sciences
Career paths — ALTEN’s women and men are the driving force behind our business. Our Group’s ability to develop and promote the best talents available is fundamental in enabling us to meet our customers’ needs. Over the past years, we have made concerted efforts to counter certain widely held stereotypes and misconceptions in order to encourage engineering vocations among young women. Elizabeth Sydney and Jana Lejaeghere are the perfect illustration of this.
ELIZABETH SYDNEY /
RESEARCH ENGINEER AT ALTEN SWEDEN
Born in Nigeria, then having moved to Gothenburg as a teenager, Elizabeth Sydney decided to pursue her higher education in the United States, where she obtained her Chemistry degree at California State University, Long Beach. During her years of study, she carried out two years of research in electrochemistry. Today, Elizabeth holds the position of Research Engineer in the Life Sciences division at ALTEN Sweden.
What does building Tomorrow’s world mean?
— “To me, building Tomorrow’s world means making and enforcing decisions that’ll make the world easier and better for the next generations. There has been a huge development in terms of sustainability in the latest and upcoming innovations, and I think that will make a positive impact in building tomorrow’s world. AI will definitely have an impact, with the speed and rate it’s being implemented.”
“I strive for excellence in every project I take on, bold enough to stand behind my decisions, I work on building trust with my colleagues and managers, curious enough to always ask for different projects, and resilient in any task I’m given. In finding a job, it is crucial for me that there is always room for professional development, while also attaining a good work-life balance.”
JANA LEJAEGHERE /
QA ENGINEER AT ALTEN BELGIUM
After having studied at the University of Antwerp, enriching her background in pharmaceutical sciences, Jana decided that rather than working in a pharmacy, she would opt for industry. She was hired to join ALTEN’s consultant team just after graduating, representing her first job experience.
“As a consultant for ALTEN,” says Jana, “I work in quality assurance. I’m there to vouch for the patient’s life and trust.” Jana is currently working on an innovative treatment for a type of blood cancer called multiple myeloma – involving quite the unique process.
Does your work inspire you to become a better person and professional?
— “Because of the products we’re working on and the patients we’re working for, I’ve had the chance to work on very rare diseases, like a growth hormone, vaccines, or cancer treatments. You really feel the connection with the patients, even though you’re never in direct contact with them. You know that you’re working for a purpose: to help people and save lives. That’s what helps you get through the day and what makes your job feel important.”
“We take the patient’s blood and then we reprogram the white blood cells to attack cancer cells instead of other things. So basically, we build a patient’s own defence system against cancer, which is remarkable. The technology is very advanced and is potentially also a way to treat many other cancers. And we’re putting that out in the world right now. That’s amazing!”
