“Being a mother of triplets while pursuing a STEM career is quite a challenge”
Alexandra Müller-Scholz, Manager PCR & Microbiology Applications, at Sartorius headquarters in Göttingen, Germany
In her youth, Alexandra’s first aspirations centered around running and winning championships and then with the support of her family, she pursued an education in biotechnology. Today, she is running her own race and shaping her priorities along the way as leader of Sartorius’ PCR Microbiology Application Development team, a championship runner and the mother of 5-year-old triplets. Learn about her motivations and how she is working to strike a balance between work and family.
This article is posted on Sartorius Blog.
Alexandra, please tell us about your work history at Sartorius.
I’ve held various roles at Sartorius since 2010, including as a Scientist in the Product Development Department, focusing on PCR products, PCR detection and DNA extraction. Previously, I was involved in the development of our mycoplasma real-time PCR detection kit, which is part of Sartorius’ portfolio.
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Why did you pursue a career in STEM?
From the beginning, it was quite clear I wanted to go in the direction of science. Most of my family members are working in science and that played a part. But I also enjoyed running and during my school years, a decision had to be made early on about whether I would really focus on sports. My personality is quite pragmatic, detail-driven and fact oriented. With the support of my family, I pursued studies in biotechnology to have a good mixture of biology, chemistry, and physics. This way, I was somehow involved with everything. It was the best choice for me.
What has been a game-changer for your career?
There wasn’t one specific thing. It’s a collection of several moments and achievements that have taken place. First, it was the completion of my Ph.D. and the various roles I’ve held in my career. For example, I worked in parallel to the Product Development Scientist role and learned a lot as a Product Manager for the PCR portfolio. It was a double challenge because I had to fulfill all the requirements for the Scientist Product Development role and for the Product Management part, so I’ve collected a lot of skills through this experience. I was also involved in the product introductions as well, so I’m quite experienced in this specific area.
In addition, I hold two patents: one for isothermal DNA amplification, which allows the discrimination between life and death microorganisms and one for DNA extraction, which is part of a DNA extraction kit previously used by Sartorius.
I hold two patents: one for isothermal DNA amplification, and one for DNA extraction.
Alexandra Müller-Scholz, Manager PCR & Microbiology Applications
What are some of your biggest challenges in building your career?
Being a mother of five-year-old triplets while pursuing a STEM career is quite a challenge. Even before I became pregnant, I knew it was something I wanted, but wondered if I will still be able to lead a team or further develop my career. When I got pregnant and thought, OK, this might be it for now. But it wasn’t. I am leading a team while taking care of my three children.
When I got pregnant and thought, OK, this might be it for now. But it wasn’t. I am leading a team while taking care of my three children.
Alexandra Müller-Scholz, Manager PCR & Microbiology Applications
Looking at International Women’s Day: What is the importance of a work environment that embraces equity?
I would be a good example of this because I returned to Sartorius after maternity leave to work part time and got the chance to lead a team.
I communicated with my manager and everyone on the team that I will continue to work part time. Otherwise, it would be difficult to manage my private and work life and so on. They still offered for me to manage a team, so this was very kind. To have this opportunity is very special. I hope this may motivate other Managers and working mothers to offer these kinds of options.
I am motivating team members and other colleagues to go the same way because it’s working. I know from my friends and other families that this kind of working situation is not often the case. As a result, it can be stressful for both parents and maybe even the children.
I am motivating team members and other colleagues to go the same way because it’s working.
Alexandra Müller-Scholz, Manager PCR & Microbiology Applications
With motherhood and a strong career with a dynamic company, how do you make time for yourself?
Sports is still part of my life. It’s how I relax and make time for me. So, if I need time for myself, I go running or cycling. Last year, I won the German championship for cross country running in my age group.
What advice do you have for the generation of women pursuing careers in STEM?
Be visible and be a collaborator to other sites and other colleagues. Make sure they are aware of the area where you’re working and exchange information such as data or results.
