People Are our Chemistry
At Eurofins BioPharma Product Testing, we believe that our people provide our strength. Their dedication to quality, team work, and customer satisfaction are the key elements in the company’s success. In this regular feature, we introduce you to some of the people who have helped make Eurofins an industry leader.
“When I was about 8 years old, I remember being particularly intrigued by science - and a few years later, more personally important - the genetic aspects of therapies after a family member died of lung cancer,” said Victor Muthu, Group Leader, BioPharma NextGen Sequencing at Eurofins’ Lancaster, PA, site. “I had a realization that doctors could only do so much with the treatments they had at that time. I was inspired to engage in scientific studies and conversations about the advancement of life-changing molecular, cell, and gene therapies.”
Victor brings a world of Next Generation Sequencing expertise to his Eurofins’ role from half a world away. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Singapore, a PhD in molecular & cell biology in England, Victor came to the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine for post doc work in genetics and gene therapies. “During a job search, when I saw my current role posted, I was very familiar with Eurofins’ stellar reputation, having spent time in Europe, where it is well-known and trusted. This opportunity was clearly a match for my desired next career level. I now come into work every day knowing that I have great team – people I can trust and rely on.” Read more about Victor:
What process improvements does your group initiate to serve clients better?
We are always sensitive to the clients’ needs and work with them to meet their expectations. This includes expediting delivery timelines to meet their changing needs especially if the client is filing for regulatory approvals. Our team of experts are also available to meet and go the extra mile to assist clients with questions they may have related to our services. We are also expanding our services into other offerings in order to broaden our service portfolio to solve their ever-changing challenges.
Why should clients trust us with their projects?
Clients typically choose a testing partner based on reputation, cost, and expertise. We have extensive experience and deep expertise in NGS and molecular biology in our Next Generation Sequencing Department. We have dedicated dedicated personnel ready to engage in client projects and deliver.
Our NGS projects are well developed for end-to-end offerings. Each method is or will be validated as per ICH Q2 (R2) guidelines to meet regulatory requirements.
Given all of your responsibilities, how would you describe a typical workday?
My typical workday mornings begin on the one-hour train commute from Philadelphia to Lancaster where I work on the train, responding to emails and following up on items that require my immediate attention. Once I arrive on site, I will check in with my team members if they have any project or clients needs on their agenda for the day that they would like to discuss. The rest of my day is mainly spent on driving essential scientific and business activities for the department like attending meetings, writing documents, and planning lab related activities to better serve clients.
How would you characterize your leadership style?
I have an open leadership style where I see everyone in my team as stakeholders in all the work that we do. I encourage strong camaraderie among members in my team and to put the team above self. I also enjoy working alongside them to resolve any issues they may face.
With a growing company, there’s always good changes happening. During your tenure at Eurofins is there anything that hasn’t changed?
I have been here for close to two years, and the things that haven’t changed are the absolute devotion and care to helping clients surpass their testing and regulatory hurdles and the beauty of the campus especially during spring/fall!
How does your group’s work impact/benefit society?
The NGS testing we perform has a direct impact on the safety and efficacy of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) especially in cell and gene therapeutics. We test and ensure that the DNA sequence of the raw materials and final product matches the sequence of the intended therapeutic gene and that there are no mutations present.
And when you’re not working?
My favorite past time hobbies include fishing and travelling with my wife and two sons. I like travelling to natural sites like State and National Parks especially those with beautiful natural landscape like the Grand Canyon.