Meet our Team – Łukasz Kozera

We are launching a new series of employee interviews, so you can get to know who is working at BBMRI-ERIC and what kind of work we’re doing!  We’re kicking off with one of our newest employees, Łukasz Kozera. Transitioning from the Polish Biobank Node, Łukasz is now Scientific Programme Manager for our involvement in the CY-Biobank project. 

Welcome to the team, Łukasz! You’ve only just started, but what does a typical day look like for you so far? What kinds of issues do you deal with in your job?

I start by opening my mailbox to catch up with urgent matters, but then I try to concentrate on the most important job at hand. I work as a scientific programme manager for the CY-Biobank project, with our partners at the Medical University of Graz and University of Cyprus. The main task is to create a state-of-the-art biobank at the University of Cyprus. Basically I’m in charge of driving the initiative to set up the biobank on behalf of BBMRI-ERIC, including engaging stakeholders.

I started this job recently so I’ve been communicating with all the work packages to ensure we’re on the same page with the project. I’ve been checking with the Cyprus facilities to see how far along they are at the moment so we can design appropriate training platforms, quality management systems and business model for them.

Where has BBMRI-ERIC taken you?

For my current role, I’ll be headed to Cyprus soon. I’ve always dreamed of working with a biobank located on an island for their specific genetics observations.

What is the most interesting aspect of your job?

It’s a really well-designed project for a population-based study including family trios, patients with kidney diseases and malignancies, which makes the project so fascinating. It’s a great infrastructure with a well-designed concept behind it.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

Making sure that all the project partners have a common understanding of the project. It’s a long project so we also have to make sure we stay on track!

What do you love the most about working at BBMRI-ERIC?

One thing I like is the international atmosphere. You guys create a really nice team that works well together – as far as I’ve observed!

What kind of work did you do before joining?

Previously I was National Node Director for Poland and National Biobanking Coordinator, and I led one of the biggest biobanks in Poland. At the moment I am also completing my specialist training in laboratory medicine.
So I always try to tie the two things together, in the clinical and scientific environments.

We look forward to working more with Łukasz in the future.

Learn more about working for BBMRI-ERIC here. And look for the next interview soon!