At ProBioGen, we believe innovation thrives in an environment that embraces diverse perspectives, expertise, and experiences. Women across our teams contribute to and drive progress in research, production, quality, business growth and strategy - helping shape the future and inspire the next generation in biotech and biopharma. In recognition of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in February and more recent International Women's Day on March 8, we spoke with four accomplished women at ProBioGen. They share insights from their careers, the challenges they've navigated, different journeys and their perspectives on mentorship and professional growth in the biotech and CDMO industries. Their stories highlight the strength of a diverse and inclusive workplace - one that values collaboration, fosters opportunity, and empowers women in science and biopharma.
Berit Brosemann: Turning Challenges Into Innovation and Growth
Susanne Kästner: Redefining Quality Standards to Drive Excellence
Dr. Nathalie Rigal: Advancing Upstream Solutions to Empower Scientific Progress
Dr. Gabriele Schneider: Bridging Science and Strategy to Make an Impact
Berit has been an integral part of ProBioGen since 2006. With nearly two decades of expertise in cell line development, digitalization, and automation, her career reflects resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. From her early days in biotechnology to leading automation projects, Berit remains committed to innovation and progress in biopharma and CDMO services.
In 1999, I graduated from high school without a clear direction, but I knew I was interested in math, biology, and medicine. I initially pursued a medical apprenticeship with the goal of working in dentistry, but a conversation with a fellow student introduced me to medical engineering. I still remember exactly the situation when she told me about it and how I immediately felt this was far more interesting than anything I had considered before. As I researched further, I discovered biotechnology—and it was love at first sight. I changed my path, completed my apprenticeship, and began studying biotechnology at a University of Applied Sciences.
I wouldn't say I've faced obstacles specifically because of my gender, but leading our automation project was one of the most demanding tasks in my career. It was highly complex, involving numerous methods and devices, as a major investment, it carried significant pressure – and failure was not an option. That mindset sharpened my focus, and I was able to navigate the project successfully. The key was having a strong team, a supportive boss, and close collaboration with application specialists. A project of this scale requires everyone to be equally committed, and experiencing that level of teamwork was truly rewarding.
After studying biotechnology, I was looking for a hands-on role in research and development, and ProBioGen's job description really stood out. Meeting with today's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Volker Sandig, and Vice President of Pharmaceutical Cell Line Development, Dr. Karsten Winkler, confirmed it was the right fit. Since then, my work here has been both challenging and rewarding. The most fulfilling aspect has been turning these challenges into successes and contributing to our innovative environment. We receive immediate feedback from our customers while also improving our internal processes, reinforcing our commitment to putting the customer at the center of our work.
The most valuable aspect of ProBioGen's culture is its supportive and close-knit atmosphere. The company strikes the perfect balance between a family-oriented environment and a high-performing organization. We share meals, celebrate birthdays, and participate in team events, but we also take responsibility, support each other, and engage in constructive feedback. To me, ProBioGen is not just a workplace—it's a sense of belonging, a mission to innovate, and an essential part of my life. I genuinely love what I do and the highly motivated environment here.
Be bold and embrace challenges. Stay flexible because biotechnology is a fast ever-evolving field. Most doors are open to you—if not, knock. Have the courage! Passion, commitment and hard work will take you far. You can play an important role in this industry, do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
Since joining ProBioGen in 2022, Susanne has ensured the highest standards in quality and regulatory compliance. With over 25 years of experience in global GMP requirements and process optimization, she plays a key role in maintaining operational excellence. Her background in chemistry and regulatory affairs, combined with her deep understanding of industry regulations, drives compliance, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
My path began in regulatory affairs. As I gained experience, I transitioned into quality, moving from generics to sterile injectables and expanding my expertise in audits, data integrity, and compliance. Working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where science meets regulation, made the CDMO industry a perfect fit. Shifting from small molecules to biopharma was a natural next step, offering greater complexity and a broader intellectual challenge.
Beyond technical expertise, I have always been driven by a strong service mindset. In our highly interconnected world, responding professionally, promptly, and competently to stakeholders—or better yet, anticipating their needs—is essential.
Transitioning into biopharmaceuticals, my biggest challenge was proving that my years of experience could make a meaningful impact. Gaining that recognition took persistence and conviction. Ultimately, success comes from standing by your beliefs, applying your knowledge consistently, and approaching challenges with determination, tenacity, and respect.
Having grown up in Berlin, I felt it was time to return after more than 25 years in Bavaria and abroad. ProBioGen stood out as an attractive company where I could apply my experience while continuing to grow. While ProBioGen is well-established with a strong market reputation, I have the opportunity to make a real impact—especially in the area of quality—by shaping processes and driving meaningful improvements. These challenges are what motivate me most.
ProBioGen offers incredible opportunities for professionals who want to work in science, focus on processes, or find a balance between both. The company makes no distinctions based on gender or identity, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
Stay curious and adaptable. I was fortunate to have mentors – both women and men - who supported my growth, and I encourage young women to start networking early and take advantage of mentoring programs. As a mentor myself, I see how invaluable guidance can be—both receiving and giving it.
Nathalie has been a key part of ProBioGen since 2018, bringing extensive expertise in upstream process development, cell culture, and bioprocess optimization. With experience in both research and production, she has worked across leading biopharma companies, refining processes and driving innovation. With 17 years of experience in upstream bioprocessing and cell culture technologies, she has been dedicated to optimizing processes and developing scalable solutions for biologics manufacturing.
Originally, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. In France, however, veterinary school is one of the hardest 'Grandes Écoles' to enter. While preparing for that path at a specialized biotechnology and agriculture school, I discovered biotechnology and its vast potential. During my diploma placement, I gained a deeper understanding of working with cells, upstream processing and its role in "active ingredient lifecycle". Later, I was introduced to the world of CDMOs and found the unique mix of laboratory work and customer collaboration particularly rewarding. I was also drawn to the fast-paced nature of the field—projects didn't take years, as in traditional R&D, but required delivering results within months before moving on to the next challenge.
I suppose it's never easy for a woman to work in a highly technical environment. There is still a lingering stereotype that women are less adept with tools and machines, but the best way to counter this is through action—proving assumptions wrong by demonstrating competence and expertise. Fortunately, these outdated perceptions are becoming less common, and the industry continues to evolve toward a more inclusive and merit-based environment.
After leaving Lonza, my work at Evotec and Glycotope became more research-focused. I gained experience in analytical methods and experimental design, but I missed working with bioreactors and the structured project timelines of a CDMO. During my Ph.D., I knew I wanted to return to a CDMO, and ProBioGen was my top choice. Joining the company allowed me to reconnect with the dynamic environment I had been missing, and the most rewarding part of my work here is my team and the diverse range of projects I'm involved in. Seventeen years into my career, I'm still challenged, still learning, and still excited about what's ahead.
What makes ProBioGen a great place to work isn't just its support for women, but its inclusive and informal culture that welcomes everyone. The company embodies a bit of the 'Berlin vibe,' where individuality is embraced—your background, appearance, or interests don't define your opportunities here. For women in particular, the strong representation in leadership positions plays a role in decision-making and company culture. The balanced mix of men and women in leadership ensures diverse perspectives, and for younger women, it reinforces that career advancement is based on merit and performance.
Trust yourself and your capabilities—own your path. Technical expertise is important, but don't underestimate the value of strong people skills. Building strong relationships in this industry can be just as crucial for success as scientific knowledge.
For over two decades, Gabriele has played a key role in shaping ProBioGen's success, driving business growth, strategic partnerships, and market expansion. Passionate about bridging science and business, she has helped transform our groundbreaking innovations into real-world impact. Since 2007, she has been leading initiatives that strengthen ProBioGen's industry leadership and long-term success.
I transitioned into biopharma industry nearly 25 years ago as a project leader in a bioinformatics company. What began as an opportunity soon became a passion for translating science into real-world impact. I was drawn to the CDMO space for its dynamic environment, where innovation and strategy come together to drive progress. Contributing to business growth while supporting scientific advancements has been incredibly rewarding, and the opportunity to shape the future of biopharma continues to inspire me every day.
Balancing family and a demanding career have been my biggest challenges. As a full-time working mother in a global industry with frequent international travel, managing multiple responsibilities required strong organization and adaptability. Flexible work arrangements and a supportive company culture were essential, helping me navigate both professional and personal commitments. The encouragement and recognition from colleagues and external partners also played a key role in keeping me motivated and reinforcing my passion for the industry.
I chose ProBioGen very intentionally. As a CDMO, we are at the forefront of innovation, working at the critical intersection where research is translated into life-changing therapies. Our bioprocess expertise and cutting-edge technologies help accelerate the path from R&D to clinical testing. What makes this work so rewarding is seeing the real-world impact of these innovations. It's incredibly fulfilling when a therapy that relies on ProBioGen's key technologies and/or cell line development or manufacturing services—reaches market approval. Knowing that we contribute to modern treatments that improve patients' lives gives my work a strong sense of purpose.
I've always wanted to make a difference, and being part of a great team makes that even more rewarding. I truly enjoy working with smart, self-driven individuals in a collaborative, solution-oriented environment. ProBioGen has a strong scientific spirit, and you can feel the passion in everything we do. Diversity is a key part of our culture, and we take pride in having a comparatively high number of women in leadership roles, fostering an inclusive and empowering workplace.
Don't wait to be asked—just go for it. Confidence is key, so don't let self-doubt hold you back. Build a strong professional network, seek out mentors, and take initiative in shaping your own career. Opportunities are there—claim them.