Career Spotlight - Klaus Doering

We sat down with Klaus Doering, SPT Labtech’s talented Physicist having been in the organisation 10 + years since September 2013. Klaus was initially a Consultant for SPT Labtech over 10 years ago and was hired as a Scientist into our Innovation Science team.

We talk all things CryoEM, our HexAuFoil product, enjoying challenging projects and a passion for baking his own bread.

• What is your role at SPT Labtech and when did you join the company?

As an R&D scientist at SPT Labtech, my role is to develop technical solutions based on scientific analyses. I joined in September 2013, coming from a small start-up company where I worked as a systems engineer in the field of fluorescence spectroscopy. After SPT Labtech purchased the IP, technology and equipment, it was a natural and exciting transition for me to join Labtech. Before that I was working for Tecan in a similar role, so have a total of 20+ years experience working in this space.

• What projects are you currently working on at SPT Labtech?

HexAuFoil is an all gold cryo-electron microscope sample support technology that enables movement-free imaging to increase data quality and speed in biological structure determination for drug discovery and basic research.

When we brought in the HexAuFoil project from an academic partner, we rapidly had to build technical expertise in-house, in order to improve the acquired chemical and physical protocols for stability, and scale them for manufacturing. It was exciting being responsible for all physics related elements of the solution. Each team member has a different perspective and skill to add to the conversation and solve a problem. HexAuFoil has been in development for 3+ years and we’re hoping to now scale the production processes.

• What has been your favourite project at SPT Labtech?

HexAuFoil has been the most rewarding. We had to spend so much time redeveloping and analysing every single process step, hitting multiple roadblocks along the way.

• What’s made you stay at SPT Labtech?

I work with an amazing and diverse team. We all really enjoy working together on challenging projects and providing innovative solutions.

Having the flexibility to be agile working 3 days a week gives me a great work life balance to spend time with my family, friends, all the while providing increased amounts of energy and focus at work. It’s a perfect combination.

What is the most valuable thing you have learnt since joining SPT Labtech?

If gaining a PhD wasn’t proof enough that you’re patient, there’s a lot more patience to go through while working in Development….

More seriously, it is working in a diverse team, being challenged to innovate and have productive conversations. The people you work with are so important to your day-to-day working life.

What one piece of advice would you give someone starting at SPT Labtech?

Don’t be afraid to be yourself. In a diverse team, everyone’s position is important. Challenge and be challenged.

What do you like to do outside of work?

A keen cyclist, I spend quite a few hours a week riding in and around the Cotswolds during my days off. I really enjoy making things, be it woodworking or carving spoons, baking fresh bread and cooking to share with friends.

We have a large vegetable garden where I attempt to grow many things, from tomatoes and chillies, to peas and beans, raspberries to apples and pears.