Packaging Development Specialist
About me...
I came to the position of packaging development specialist in 2018, after completing the graduate study Research and Development of Medicines at the Department of Biotechnology in Rijeka. At the time, I still didn’t know what exactly I wanted from my career, other than to want to be part of the industry. I initially applied for Marketing, but started my career in Development. Today when I look back, I am happy with such an outcome because I am exactly where I want to be.
About my workday...
Like in most colleagues, the workday begins with reviewing emails and prioritizing jobs. I communicate with colleagues from different departments on a daily basis, and I also communicate with external collaborators - packaging manufacturers. The work is very dynamic (which is actually a lucky circumstance if you like that type of work) and the day never ends the way I imagine it. Part of the work is laboratory analysis and testing of parameters affected by packaging. This is an opportunity to get acquainted with the packaging of the product and choose the appropriate final packaging. Different packaging configurations have different advantages and disadvantages, so taking into account that each new product is different, I add excitement, anticipation of results, writing reports and the need for creative approach and research in defining the final solution.
About work challenges...
Certainly the biggest challenge is dealing with tasks that come suddenly and unplanned. In such situations, I quickly adjust my plan and schedule, take a deep breath, and get to work. When things are really "up under your feet" there are colleagues who always lend a helping hand. The challenge is to monitor changes in regulations and continuously optimize products to meet the highest quality requirements, in which we as a company are very successful. Packaging is becoming an increasing focus of regulatory bodies, and since our products have added value in terms of eliminating preservatives from the formulation, packaging is the main star that ensures the integrity and sterility of our products.
About the team environment...
It is always good to be part of a team, especially when the team is goal-oriented and feels mutual understanding. Teamwork is most visible when setting up new processes, such as complying with new regulations and writing internal procedures. At team workshops, everyone gives their greatest contribution, their vision of the problem, ideas and suggestions are shared, and when our workshops are repetitive, we connect even better and grow as a team.
About motivation and interests...
I am motivated by the final result, project completion and registration of new products. Each product carries its own challenges, and when you successfully solve them, you are not afraid of new ones, but you are ready to wait for them. JGL benefits and rewards received by all employees are additional motivators for maximum engagement.
About working at JGL...
I often recommend to my college friends to come work at JGL. The working atmosphere is great, the contribution of the individual and innovation are recognized and appreciated, but I am most impressed by the investment in equipment and education of employees.
About the desire for new knowledge...
I would like to go in the direction of achieving new knowledge and skills for the characterization of nasal sprays and sharing the acquired knowledge through professional publications. We are currently the only ones in Croatia that have instruments for measuring particle size distribution and measuring the geometry and pattern of a scattered spray cloud. These are key instruments for the development of generic products and such analyzes provide us with insight into the profile of drug administration in practice. In addition, it provides us with knowledge that we can share with external collaborators, in the form of method development and contractual analysis.
About my hobbies...
I spend most of my free time with my dearest people. I redirect the rest to walks, excursions, interests like gardening (anti stress therapy), or just watching series. I’m interested in interior design so I love watching shows on the subject and endlessly surfing Pinterest. I joined the JGL mountaineering section, I am a (difficult) beginner here, but I hope to be more active because conquering the peaks and the rush of happiness in those moments is indescribable.
About success and satisfaction...
I believe that success is made up of a lot of business and private things that mean a lot to us personally, and as the sum of what is achieved grows, so does happiness. In essence, my greatest life satisfaction is provided by my partner, family and friends and these relationships will always be an invariable part of my equation. For me, success is continuous work on yourself, getting out of the comfort zone and acquiring new skills, both business and private.