Whistles and pipette tips - how Jasmin Matysiak scores in plant engineering and on the soccer pitch

Jasmin, please tell us about your way to Eppendorf and your current role?

After studying mechanical engineering at Kiel University of Applied Sciences, I completed my master's thesis in January 2022 and joined Eppendorf Polymere GmbH directly afterwards through an unsolicited application in project management. As a project coordinator in plant engineering, I am responsible for the procurement of production systems and am part of a great team of 25 people at the Oldenburg site. As the link between the plant constructor and production, I oversee the entire process from the design to the commissioning of the systems. I am currently supervising a major project for the planning and realisation of a new pipette pointing system.

You have been appointed by FIFA and are waiting for your first international assignment.  What do your work as an assistant referee and your job have in common?

Both in the factory hall and on the soccer field, I work in a male domain. It's sometimes a challenge, but I see it quite positive. As a woman, you often have to prove yourself more in order to be accepted. But once you've crossed that threshold, it might even be easier. You just have to be persistent and show people that you can assert yourself, make decisions and take responsibility.

Teamwork is also essential in both areas and I personally get more out of it than being in the limelight myself. For teamwork in the office or team sport on the sports field, communication is absolutely key to success, it creates transparency and traceability. In both roles, I have to show both tact and determination.

In which soccer league are you currently active? What is the plan after your international assignment?

I'm on the line in the women's Bundesliga and in the men's regional league. That's practically everyday life for me. The FIFA call-up now brings the international component into play. Initially, I'll certainly prove myself at youth tournaments. But later on, it could be a European or World Cup or even the Olympics - you can dream. It's all very exciting for me and I'm really looking forward to the rest of my journey.

How do you reconcile this with your job?

It's sometimes a challenge, but with good planning and flexibility, it's easy to combine the two. But I have great superiors and wonderful colleagues who support me on my journey. I also noticed that when I was appointed, how many congratulations and really warm wishes I received. That really touched me.

What does working in the life science industry mean to you?

For me, working in the life science industry is more than just a job. Every day is new, there is no standard day. I have the freedom to organise my own tasks and develop freely. And ultimately, our work helps people. It's a very fulfilling job.

What are your plans for the future at Eppendorf and on the soccer pitch?

At Eppendorf, I want to fulfil my position as well as I can, continue to learn a lot and grow with my tasks. In soccer, I'm looking forward to my first international assignment as a FIFA referee. It's still unbelievable when I think back to when I started out on the village sports field in Bösdorf just three years ago. This development is simply unbelievable.