We invite you all backstage and introduce the people behind our microplate readers. Today: a natural multi-talent from Down Under, besides supporting customers, he enjoys playing the violin and the food he produces in his own farm.
My name is Giovanni. I was born in Italy but moved to Adelaide, Australia when I was a little child. There everybody knows me as John. I work as Technical and Application Specialist for BMG LABTECH Australia and APAC region.
After obtaining a PhD in Organic Chemistry, I worked for 16 years as a Senior Research Scientist in the field of drug design and development at the University of Queensland. I was first introduced to BMG LABTECH plate readers during this time. I liked the product so much, using them extensively for enzyme kinetics and ligand binding assays, that in 2010 when given the opportunity to join the company, I had no hesitation.
In my spare time, I enjoy the country life and my farm on the Adelaide Hills. Here, I grow and produce my own food, including my own prosciutto (ham), salami and haggis.
What does your job entail?
I provide advice for customers with regards to assay development on BMG LABTECH plate readers. I also conduct training sessions on the use of our plate readers and give lectures/presentations on the light detection techniques that are currently used in molecular biology. I am also involved in the servicing and repair of our plate readers in Australia.
What is a typical day like?
Catch the early flight to Sydney or Brisbane and troubleshoot assays for customers and / or service instruments.
What’s a common question you get from customers?
It can’t be my assay, so it must be the reader! ????
What are 3 words to describe BMG?
Innovative, friendly, professional
If I weren't so damn good at my job…
…I'd probably still be a scientist.
What do you like most about BMG?
The vibrant and varied working environment. It is always interesting to talk to scientists about their research or helping them solve assay related issues. The many facets of the job and interactions with other BMG LABTECH employees worldwide make his job very enjoyable.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
Gardening, playing the violin, electronics, physics, astronomy, fishing.
What are the values that drive you?
The need to make sure that I have done the best job possible for my customers. Not leaving any loose ends or unfinished jobs.
Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?
Boris Johnson
Which individual, living or dead, would you like to eat dinner with the most?
Albert Einstein
What drives you every day?
There is always something new to learn.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
It is much better to admit that you do not know something than to pretend you do.
If you could choose, how would you decide… either/or questions
- Skiing or snowboarding? I can barely run a few hundred meters!!!
- PC or Mac? PC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Dancing or singing? Singing
- Pizza or pasta? Pizza
- Cereal or toast? Toast
- Pacman or tetris? Pacman
- Cat or dog? Cat
