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.
Dylan Kimball, Director of Microbiology, BPT San Diego and Petaluma, CA, brings a decade of experience in microbiology and analytical chemistry testing for pharmaceutical manufacturing clients. As Eurofins BioPharma Product Testing’s network of laboratories continues to expand across North America, offering an East to West Coast “local” laboratory experience is essential to microbiology clients, where proximity matters.
“As we continually improve service solutions across our network, we are integrating laboratory systems, aligning test codes, sharing best practices, and blending the ethos of Eurofins to deliver seamless, value-driven solutions to clients,” Dylan said. ”In my previous roles, I sent samples to Eurofins and was aware of its good reputation, and during my extensive interview process, I was able to peek behind the curtains and was impressed with how Eurofins is great at identifying and developing top talent to serve clients well and is so successful.” Read more about Dylan:
What does your current job entail?
I lead the microbiology sites for Eurofins in San Diego and Petaluma. These were part of the Infinity Laboratories acquisition in 2024. I think the most important aspect of my job is to foster and strengthen the integration of these micro sites into what had historically been a very chemistry-focused entity. With experience running both chemistry and microbiology third-party labs, I am eager to see these operations building off and strengthening one another to improve our service portfolio to be a comprehensive offering for our clients.
What is the scope of your group?
Our group delivers comprehensive microbiology solutions for biopharma clients—covering raw materials, drug substances, drug products, and some medical devices. We confirm manufacturing hygiene and product sterility through services like environmental monitoring, bioburden and microbial limits testing, sterility, endotoxin, mycoplasma, and microbial identification. Essentially, we provide confidence to clients that their products can be manufactured safely from early development through commercialization.
Why should clients trust us with their projects?
Clients trust us because Eurofins has a proven reputation for quality and compliance, and we build on that with a collaborative, local approach. By establishing microbiology sites in Southern California and the Bay Area, we give West Coast clients easier access for audits, face-to-face meetings, and rapid testing—accelerating communication and trust. We’re not reinventing Eurofins’ success; we’re applying it at a more local, tailored level, combining global expertise with regional presence to be both reliable and accessible.
How does your group’s work impact/benefit society?
The job of the micro lab is to provide confidence in the quality and safety of manufactured products. In the BioPharma Product Testing business, that feels even more impactful, as the products we are helping to safeguard are intended for those most at risk, and often most vulnerable to infection.
Paul Lightner, Senior Director, Routine Testing, Eurofins BPT San Diego, CA, grew his career for 18 years at BPT’s Columbia, MO, site, honing expertise in chromatography, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, and compendial assays—starting with small molecules and expanding into biologics, such as monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, fusion proteins, and vaccines--all while growing regulatory knowledge across GLP and GMP frameworks.
Earlier this year, Paul relocated to San Diego, CA, where he’s applying his eLIMS expertise to strengthen the site and deepen his understanding how the broader BPT North America network can better serve clients. “Following my transition to BPT San Diego, I’ve continued to champion cross-functional collaboration—bringing experience in leading support groups and fostering strong interdepartmental connections,” says Paul. “My approach is grounded in developing people, but reinforced by a broad understanding of eLIMS systems, quality priorities, and data-driven decision-making. I’m passionate about aligning metrics with meaningful outcomes and ensuring our analytical testing services reflect both scientific rigor and operational excellence.” Read more about Paul:
What does your current job entail?
My role centers on communication and aligning internal resources with client needs. I’m passionate about developing leaders, solving problems, and streamlining processes to better serve our customers. By fostering a collaborative environment and setting aspirational goals, we empower employees at all levels to share best practices and drive performance. I focus on building meaningful connections—across teams, sites, and client programs—to help people achieve their goals.
What is the scope of your group?
The Routine Testing Department at San Diego encompasses two FTE programs and nearly 20 additional smaller client programs. We support analytical testing of therapies encompassing gene editing and mRNAs, monoclonal antibodies, PEGylated peptide conjugates, small molecules, and gel contraceptives. My responsibilities additionally include the Materials/Facilities Department, who ensure client materials are handled, stored, and dispositioned with traceability and attention to detail. Together, we maintain a lab environment that’s safe for employees, showcases our capabilities for clients and auditors, and focuses on efficiently executing testing for clients. Our analytical support includes characterizing materials, developing methods that withstand regulatory scrutiny, and using those methods to monitor the stability profile of life-changing therapies over time.
Why should clients trust us with their projects?
We have the technical expertise and commitment to quality to help our clients make informed decisions regarding their products. Our site is regularly audited and consistently performs well under inspection, highlighting the robustness of our procedures. We constantly strive to anticipate client needs and exceed their expectations as an analytical partner. Whether they are early in the drug development process, or have commercial product on the market, we’re able to tailor our offerings to their unique requests.
How does your group’s work impact/benefit society?
We’re verifying the safety and efficacy of drug products that have the potential to transform lives. These include pharmaceuticals in clinical trials and on the commercial market aiming to address rare diseases, improve cardiovascular health, combat kidney disease, treat COVID-19, prevent eye disease, and fight various forms of cancer. Where there are patients in need, we partner with our clients to make a positive impact for the future.