Sandra Ardill joined QIAGEN in August 2015, already a believer in the brand after using its kits throughout her studies. “I always vouched for the quality and the results,” she recalls.
“So when I found out there was a site in Manchester just 10 minutes from home, it felt meant to be.”
Starting as a Scientist, Sandra worked on companion diagnostics kits and played a key role in advancing the therascreen FGFR RGQ RT-PCR Kit to FDA approval. Over the years, she has expanded her scope from hands-on lab work to leading product development initiatives and guiding a team of nearly ten scientists and technicians.
Today, as a Senior Product Development Lead, she still remains deeply connected to science through data review, documentation and cross-functional collaboration.
From the bench to leading breakthroughs
Her role brings her into daily contact with Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Affairs and Operations teams, as well as pharma partners. The work is highly collaborative, from biweekly technical meetings to informal check-ins aimed at breaking down silos and staying proactive.
“We all learn from each other,” Sandra says. “The better we communicate, the stronger our results.”
Keeping the bigger picture in focus
What drives Sandra most is the human side of her work. Many of her projects are tied to clinical trials, giving her team direct insight into patient outcomes.
“When the trial results come in and you see our test has worked, you know it’s not just data on a screen; it’s real patients getting the best technology we can give them.”
Those moments are what she draws on when guiding her team, reminding them that even small studies or routine tasks contribute to something bigger.
For Sandra, purpose comes from keeping that bigger picture front and center – for herself, her team and the patients who benefit.
At QIAGEN, she makes purpose possible.