Career progression can certainly be rewarding, especially when the work has such a positive impact on people's health.

Zoe Shepherd is a CRM Manufacturing Manager at Siemens Healthineers. Through her work, Zoe is responsible for managing the technical knowledge transfer of the Hybridoma, Infectious Disease and Molecular Biology departments from Los Angeles in the USA to Llanberis in Wales. Hybridoma, Molecular Biology and Infectious disease are the departments that provide the raw materials to the Allergy and Biochemistry departments of the Critical Raw Materials team. In these departments, they further purify the raw materials before going into the kit components currently manufactured in Llanberis for the Immulite kits. These then go into hospital settings to help diagnose patients. Zoe integrates these knowledge transfer processes into existing manufacturing operations already present within Siemens Healthineers Llanberis facility. This initially involved learning the processes from her colleagues in Los Angeles and gathering the information to replicate the processes in Llanberis. To do this, pilot laboratories needed to be established, documents needed to be reviewed, and training was delivered to new members of the team, and work flows planned. 

Zoe says one of the most challenging parts of her role is integrating the operations of three departments (i.e. Hybridoma, Infectious Disease, Molecular Biology) to ensure that the company adheres to high standards, meets production targets, and delivers on cost controlling, as well as driving continuous improvement.

Prior to her CRM Manufacturing Manager role at Siemens Healthineers, Zoe had originally participated in an internship at Siemens Healthineers Llanberis during the second year of her undergraduate degree. This, she says, is when and where she realized that she wanted to pursue a career within the healthcare industry. "I completed my master’s by research in Molecular Medicine and applied for a role within the new Critical Raw Materials team as a scientist," explains Zoe. "Within 12 months I progressed into the role of CRM Manufacturing Manager, where I am now working in the areas of Hybridoma, Infectious Disease and Molecular Biology."

So what is Hybridoma? It is a method for producing large numbers of identical antibodies. It sees several technical procedures, including antigen preparation, animal immunization, cell fusion, hybridoma screening and subcloning, as well as characterization and production of specific antibodies.

And when it comes to infectious diseases, Siemens Healthineers offers a broad portfolio of infectious disease testing capabilities across diagnostic disciplines, from screening and diagnosis to genotyping, therapy and monitoring.

And Molecular Biology? Well, Siemens Healthineers molecular testing systems enable precise detection of major infectious diseases; monitoring of treatment efficacy; and selection of targeted, individualized treatment options. The combination of quality immunoassay and flexible molecular testing offers a total solution for accurate diagnosis and monitoring in the fields of virology and bacteriology.

There are certainly many exciting and impactful jobs available within these areas. 

A company that truly seeks out and values talented women

"Siemens Healthineers has a great focus on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)," confirms Zoe. "This is especially true for the Critical Raw Materials team as you will find people from all different parts of the world in our team. The support for women is certainly increasing at Llanberis. Our new Managing Director is female, Dr Annette Crowley-Luke, and we have a number of great female managers of whom I look up to. However, in both cases for DEI and women, there is always more work to be done," says Zoe.

Siemens Llanberis, is a great place to work for anyone who is passionate about helping people. "The kits we make aid in the diagnosis of health conditions affecting real people’s lives. Having integrity in your work, and keeping the end-user in mind with every task, really helps ensure there is quality in every aspect of the process," explains Zoe. As such, Zoe believes that some of the main skills and qualities that are most prized and sought after by Siemens Healthineers in their people include: integrity; passion; and having confidence in expert knowledge. "Being a subject matter expert is key to making operations run smoothly," says Zoe.

Discomfit can trigger growth

Zoe says that she is a very passionate, conscientious and efficient employee at Siemens Healthineers - impressive qualities admired by her work colleagues.

And when it comes to Zoe's mantra, "Move out of your comfort zone. Growth doesn’t happen when you are comfortable," she says. "Have confidence in one's ability and work hard, as nothing good comes easy, and if you’re comfortable then you’re simply not growing or learning because every challenge has a lesson to be learnt from it."

Enjoying a healthy outdoors lifestyle

When Zoe is not working, she really enjoys spending her downtime by hiking or paddleboarding, either on a lake or at the beach.

While traveling to Los Angeles for work, Zoe was fortunate to visit Yosemite on one of her weekends. "I got to experience the breath-taking views along the trails, the national park is absolutely beautiful," claims Zoe. "Furthermore, I truly enjoy taking pictures of the magnificent scenery and wildlife right here in North Wales and am grateful for everything our local hiking trails have to offer."

Find your perfect role at Siemens Healthineers Llanberis

Siemens Healthineers wants to be an employer of choice for everyone who seeks to continuously learn, innovate, and pioneer breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere.

Research the latest job vacancies and join the teams of highly dedicated employees pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare to help improve people’s lives around the world.

Search jobs