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My name is Manoja. I joined BMG LABTECH in 2018 as an Application Scientist. I was raised in Liverpool with proud Sri Lankan roots. I studied Biomedical Sciences at The University of Manchester and completed an MSc in Immunology at Imperial College London before earning my PhD in Infection and Immunity at St George’s, University of London. Before joining BMG LABTECH, my research focused on infectious diseases and immune responses, and today I use that expertise to help customers optimise their applications and get the best possible performance from our microplate readers.
What does your job entail?
My role is to provide high‑quality technical support to both internal and external customers, ensuring they can complete their work to the highest performance standards and use their equipment effectively for the best possible assay results. As the senior member of the applications team, I offer support and guidance to colleagues who need advice on advanced assay challenges, helping them achieve departmental and company goals. I am also involved in generating accurate, high‑quality technical marketing literature, working closely with marketing and application teams in the UK and internationally, and I represent BMG LABTECH at conferences and seminars around the world. In addition, I prepare training materials and presentations and deliver internal training sessions with the support of the applications team.
What is a typical day like?
Every day is different. I travel to customer sites to work on a wide range of scientific assays on our microplate readers, which makes each day a valuable learning experience. I enjoy connecting with scientists across the UK and gaining professional satisfaction from helping them succeed.
Favourite memorable moment from work/BMG?
I love that this is a family run business. I still remember my first training trip to Germany — Thomas (BMG LABTECH´s CEO) personally took the time to make sure I got home safely. It was a small gesture that showed me how caring this company really is.
What’s a common question you get from customers?
Can you send an engineer our machine is broken? In most cases, it’s usually a small tweak in the protocol setup that resolves the issue; the machine itself is almost never the problem.
What do you like most about your job?
The variety, no two days are the same, and every customer visit and each support case is different.
If you could write your own job title that best describes what you do here, what would it be?
Troubleshooter
What are 3 words to describe BMG?
Innovative
Scientifically driven
Customer support
What do you like most about BMG?
The colleagues — whether in the UK or at HQ, you never feel alone. Everyone is willing to help and support you.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
I have two little girls, Iyla and Kiara. I love travelling with them, it’s the only time we can switch off and truly enjoy family time. Recent travels include Japan, Jamaica, Singapore, Thailand, and Dubai.
What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I’m from Liverpool and used to have a strong Scouse accent. After moving away at 18, I completely lost it. People are always shocked when I tell them I was brought up there because I don’t sound like it at all.
What are the values that drive you?
Work hard and give your best in everything you do whether that´s at work or out of work, everything else is out of your control.
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
Thailand
Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?
My daughters, I’d love to see the world through their innocent eyes.
If I weren't so damn good at my job, I'd probably be….
An interior designer — doing something a bit more aesthetically pleasing, definitely not science.
When I was a kid, I was pretty sure I'd be a [JOB/PROFESSION] when I grew up
A lawyer — as the firstborn, I always won the arguments at home.
What drives you every day?
Wanting to set a good example for my kids and show them that women can do it all.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
To enjoy life to the fullest
Pick at least five and give your preference
If you could choose, how would you decide… either/or questions
- Cereal or toast? Toast
- Hip Hop or Metal? Hip Hop
- Comedy or drama? Drama
- Soccer or tennis? Football 😊
- Early bird or night owl? Early bird
- Carnival or Octoberfest? Carnival
- Rural or urban? Rural
- Book or eBook? Book
- Dancing or singing? Dancing
- Facebook or Instagram? Instagram
