Biosero’s applications team works closely with our customers to ensure that we’re delivering the best automation solutions for each and every lab. We count on people like Patrick Cocchiarella, Applications Manager, to give our customers a great experience. He joined Biosero in 2016 and earned his bachelor’s degree in horticulture at Delaware Valley University.
Q: What do you do at Biosero?
A: As applications manager, I lead a team that acts as technical liaisons for our customers. Our Applications Consulting Scientists and Solutions Architects help our customers and partners develop and refine their automation solutions on the consulting side. Like a puzzle, they envision how Biosero’s products and services can help them achieve their goals and architect a solution. On the implementation side, our Field Applications scientists bring those solutions to life and train our customers to utilize automation to the best of their ability. It is an honor to lead a team of brilliant individuals, and helping them grow and develop their careers is a deeply held passion of mine.
Q: How did you get on this career path?
A: I stumbled haphazardly into lab automation. During undergrad, I had a summer internship where I helped perform small molecule screening for hepatitis B proteins. There was a little bit of laboratory automation — some liquid handlers and plate readers. After that, I was recruited for a role with Merck in their sample management group at the ultra-high-throughput screening site. That’s where I was really thrust head-first into lab automation.
Q: What brought you to Biosero?
A: Two of the people I’d worked with at Merck had left to go to Biosero, so I had these very close personal connections at the company. When Merck closed the screening site I was working at in 2016, those colleagues told me what Biosero was about and encouraged me to apply. I love working here. We have a fantastic small-company culture with a huge focus on professional development for both soft skills and hard skills. At Biosero, they invest as much in you as you do in the company.
Q: What’s one thing you wish more people knew about laboratory automation?
A: How diverse lab automation can be. Decades ago, it was giant robotic arms and rigid systems that did just one thing. Now, automation has its place in every lab, from clinical to diagnostics to pharmaceutical research manufacturing. It can be small or large, easy to use, or complex. Even if you think automation isn’t a fit for your research, if you look around, there’s probably an option that can help you.
Q: If you could automate anything in your life, what would it be?
A: All aspects of travel and transportation. If I never had to drive myself to the airport or the grocery store ever again, that would be wonderful. I would love to get to where I’m going without having to think about it.
Q: What’s your best career advice?
A: Don’t be afraid to take a risk and jump into something that’s scary. If an opportunity presents itself, just pursue it. Also, when you get the opportunities, don’t be afraid to ask for development. Tell your manager you want to pursue an MBA or whatever your own goal is. The worst they can say is no, but in the best case, they could help you propel your career.
Q: What was the first thing you ever wanted to be when you grew up?
A: I wanted to be a chef. I loved cooking and watching cooking shows. It’s still a passion for me. I’m a host at heart; I love to entertain and just be with people.
Q: What’s something your colleagues don’t know about you?
A: I am the world’s ultimate nerd, but not about anything in particular. If I find something I like, I dive in and learn everything about it — board games, comic books, video games, whatever it is. I completely nerd out and go all in.
Are you interested in doing work that matters? Consider joining Team Biosero.