At Lipotype, we embrace the diversity of our team, welcoming talents from around the world. Klaudia Steckel, a Laboratory Technician and Research Assistant at Lipotype, is one of the many international employees who contribute to our vibrant work environment. With a BSc in Biochemistry and a MSc focusing on fatty acid profiling and human plasma lipidomics, she relocated from Canada to Germany, driven by her passion for health and science. Let’s take a closer look at her journey with Lipotype!
Following Her Fascination in Lipidomics and Her German Heritage
Klaudia got exposed to lipidomics when she was doing her master’s research project, where she discovered her deep interest in lipids and metabolism. After completing her master’s degree, she searched for lipid-related positions in Germany, drawn not only by career opportunities but also by her strong personal connection to the country; both her parents are from or grew up in Germany. She felt inspired to experience the culture herself and reconnect with her heritage.
Klaudia says:
I love learning new things and growing in my career. That’s why I appreciate Lipotype’s support for my growth and continuous learning opportunities in the lab.
Klaudia Steckel
Lab Technician
Klaudia’s Journey from Canada to Germany
The process of moving from Canada to Germany wasn’t easy but Lipotype made sure she could relocate as smoothly as possible.
Once Klaudia secured the position, Lipotype hired a company to assist with the complex visa process. “It only took about a month to get the visa because Lipotype had already submitted a supporting document to the German government, confirming the job position,” she recalls. She believes that the enthusiastic letter from Lipotype, expressing how much they wanted her to join them in Germany, also helped fast-track her visa process.
The Trials of Moving Abroad – Especially when Your New Home Comes with No Lights
Relocating to a new country presents various challenges, from finding a place to live to setting up essential services like telephone and internet. Since she faced challenges finding housing in Germany before her arrival, she initially stayed at her Lipotype coworker’s place while searching for a home of her own. One particularly memorable experience for Klaudia occurred when she moved into her new home, only to discover it was completely unfurnished-even lacking lights! She recalls the surprise and her resourcefulness in adapting to the situation, using a small lamp as her only light source when night fell.
Klaudia’s First Day of Work
“I still remember the little chocolate muffins with cherries that my boss baked for me on my first day.”
She said the warm welcome made her so excited to work and be part of the Lipotype team. When she arrived at her desk, it was thoughtfully decorated with a gift bag, treats, and other goodies. Over time, she has come to see that Lipotype truly feels like a caring, big family. She observed a noticeable difference in the work culture that fits her better at Lipotype compared to her previous experiences.
How Klaudia Continues to Grow and Learn at Lipotype
“I love learning new things and growing in my career. That’s why I appreciate Lipotype’s support for my growth and continuous learning opportunities in the lab.”
Klaudia is the kind of person who always likes to be curious, learn new things and grow. Having studied fatty acid profiling and lipidomics during her master’s with great passion, she enjoys actively engaging with the field of lipidomics and keeps herself updated with the latest developments. Recognizing her academic passion and curiosity, Lipotype ensures that her role involves not only processing customer samples but also incorporating R&D work into her responsibilities.
What are Fatty Acids?
Fatty acids are crucial components found in all living organisms. They are the primary building blocks of lipids, which are essential fats in our bodies.
The specific structure of fatty acids, particularly their hydrocarbon chains, plays a vital role in many biological processes. In general, fatty acids are the main source of energy for cells and are a necessary part of the diet for animals.
Klaudia’s Canadian Side and German Side
Klaudia’s Canadian side comes through in her love for hockey. She really likes going to hockey games and she even brought a couple of people to their first hockey game since moving to Dresden!
Her German side comes out when she realized she really appreciates the quiet Sundays here in Germany. She likes that Sundays in Germany are to unwind without any noise or stress.
What Klaudia Misses About Canada
Klaudia misses the wildlife of Canada, where she could easily spot squirrels, bunnies, birds, and raccoons. On her last trip, she even had the thrill of seeing a bear! She also longs for Canada’s nature and landscapes, especially the serene lakes she enjoyed in the fall and summer. While Germany has its own lakes, they are quite different from Canada’s vast ones, where you often can’t see the other side.
Klaudia’s Advice for Someone Planning to Relocate to Germany for Work
“First, be prepared for a lot of paperwork! Make sure to print all your documents in duplicate, as Germany often requires two copies of everything.
On the work side, if you find the right company and they provide a signed document confirming your position within Germany, the moving process will be much smoother.
Lastly, learning or practicing riding a bike is very helpful, as most places are easily accessible by bike here in Germany. It can make getting around much easier and more enjoyable!”
