A day in the life of: B4Plastics’ Lab Assistant

Background of Sofie Brouwers

Sofie Brouwers (24, Belgian) first started studying a professional Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at UCLL in Leuven. After graduating, she decided to get a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering Technology at Group T. Working as Lab Assistant at B4Plastics is her first work experience.

Q. How did you get into a career as a Lab Assistant in the New Plastics Economy?

After graduating, I was looking for a job where I could use my knowledge of science and technology to contribute to a sustainable society. So, after reading the vacancy of Lab Assistant I was immediately excited. It is impossible to imagine modern society without plastics, but their environmental impact is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Therefore, I thought it would be interesting to contribute to the development of new chemical processes to synthesize biopolymers. I was looking forward to learning more about this topic.

Q. Describe your typical working day at B4Plastics.

Most of my typical working day takes place in the laboratory, where I work primarily with Robin (also Lab Assistant) and Kristièn (R&D Scientist). In the laboratory, I am mainly concerned with synthesizing biopolymers. In addition, I analyze whether the synthesized biopolymers meet the desired properties and provide this information to Kristièn.

Q. What are the skills you need to excel in a scale-up company?

I think in a scale-up company, social skills and communication skills are important. The company will grow larger and larger and that will involve changes. There will be an increasing number of employees who need to be trained in house, as my colleagues are doing with me now.

Q. What challenges do you face in this role?

Q. What keeps you motivated to go to work every day?

Q. What advice would you give someone considering a career in the New Plastics Economy?