Amith Oommen is the National Service Manager – Pan India for Imperial Life Sciences (P) Limited.
He has 17 years in Service Support Management and is acknowledged for strengthening companies to lead in highly competitive markets and for delivering innovative concepts and strategies in Healthcare, Biotechnology, Life Science, Diagnostics and Analytical Instruments. In this article he focuses on FSEs who are the unsung heroes of the life science/research industry.
For the last 10 years he has worked with ILS and along with his service team, handles all the company’s major NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) platforms as well as other major technology instruments. Amith is responsible for the overall service and support operations of ILS Instrumentation team-Pan India.

Field Service Engineers: The Unsung Heroes of the Life Science/Research Industry – by Amith Oommen

Imperial Life Sciences

Since its inception in 1992, Imperial Life Sciences (ILS) has been an exclusive representative of many leading global players in India.
The company provides complete solutions in:
Instrumentation,
Reagents,
Bioinformatics,
Consumables
and Molecular Diagnostics.
Besides that, it has the entire range of products for Genomics, Cell Biology, Molecular Diagnostics, Cell Culture, Drug Discovery, Cell Line Development and Bio production labs etc.
ILS’s objective is to simplify the research process by providing a cornucopia of quality products at cost effective pricing. As well as best of services with the help of ILS representatives in all major cities across India. In addition providing prompt technical support by Field Application Scientists and Field Service Engineers at all major locations and quick deliveries by an all-India distributor network. ILS’s mission is to provide world class service and after sales support to customers. Then to become their valuable partner in life.

Introduction

When we think of the Life science/Research industry, we often imagine scientists in white lab coats working on ground-breaking research projects or pharmacists dispensing medications to patients. However, there is an important group of professionals who are often overlooked. However, they play a crucial role in ensuring that the industry runs smoothly: Field Service Engineers (FSEs).

Field Service Engineers (FSEs) in the life science and research industry

FSEs are the backbone of the Life science/Research industry. They provide technical support, troubleshooting, and maintenance for complex equipment and instruments used in research labs, pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, and clinical settings. They are responsible for ensuring that instruments such as mass spectrometers, NGS, flow cytometers, Invivo Imaging, Microarrays and other high-throughput screening systems are installed correctly. As well that they function properly, performing timely preventive maintenance and remain operational at all times.

The job of a Field Service Engineer

The job of a FSE is not an easy one. They are required to have a deep understanding of the technical specifications of the instruments they work on, as well as the science behind their operation. They must be able to diagnose problems quickly and effectively and be skilled in both hardware and software troubleshooting. Additionally, they must be able to communicate clearly and professionally with customers, often under challenging circumstances.
FSEs are also frequently required to travel to customer sites, sometimes at a moment’s notice. This can mean working long hours and spending weeks or even months away from home. Despite these challenges, FSEs are passionate about their work. They are dedicated to providing the best possible service to their customers.

The importance of FSEs

The importance of FSEs in the Life science/Research industry cannot be overstated. Without their expertise and dedication, research labs and manufacturing facilities would not be able to operate efficiently and produce the life-saving products that so many people depend on. FSEs are truly the unsung heroes of the life science industry.

Career as an FSE

If you are interested in pursuing a career as an FSE in the life science equipment engineering industry, there are many opportunities available. Companies are always looking for skilled professionals with a background in engineering, chemistry, or biology. The job can be both challenging and rewarding. With a strong work ethic and a passion for science and technology, you too can become one of the many unsung heroes of the life science industry.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the life science and research industry

While artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing and changing the landscape of many industries, there are certain areas where the human touch is still essential. One such area is the field of field service engineering (FSE) in the life science and research equipment industry.
While AI can be helpful in certain aspects of FSE work. For example, predictive maintenance and remote monitoring, there are many tasks that require the skills and expertise of a human FSE. An FSE must have the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot complex issues with research equipment. This requires both technical knowledge and a deep understanding of the equipment’s operation. Additionally, FSEs must be able to work collaboratively with customers to address their specific needs and concerns. This is something that AI is not yet capable of doing.
Furthermore, the life science and research equipment industry is constantly evolving and introducing new equipment and technologies. FSEs must remain up to date on these advancements and be able to adapt their skills and knowledge accordingly. AI, on the other hand, is limited by the data it has been trained on. It may not be able to keep up with these rapid changes.

Interpersonal skills

In addition to the technical expertise required for FSE work, there are also interpersonal skills that are essential for success. FSEs must be able to communicate effectively with customers, understand their needs and concerns, and build strong relationships with them. They must also be able to work collaboratively with other members of the equipment manufacturer’s team. This includes sales representatives and product managers. These skills require a level of emotional intelligence and empathy that AI is not capable of replicating.
While AI is rapidly advancing and changing many industries, there are certain areas where the human touch is still essential. FSE work in the life science and research equipment industry is one such area. It requires both technical expertise and interpersonal skills that are not yet replicable by AI. FSEs are and will continue to be an essential part of the life science and research equipment industry. They will ensure that research labs and manufacturing facilities can operate efficiently and produce the life-saving products that so many people depend on.

Conclusion to FSEs: The Unsung Heroes of the Life Science/Research Industry

In conclusion, Field Service Engineers (FSEs) are the unsung heroes of the life science industry. They provide technical support, troubleshooting, and maintenance for complex equipment and instruments used in research labs, pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, and clinical settings. Their technical expertise and interpersonal skills are essential for ensuring that research labs and manufacturing facilities can operate efficiently. The labs and facilities can then produce the life-saving products that so many people depend on.
FSEs are passionate about their work and dedicated to providing the best possible service to their customers. Without their expertise and dedication, research labs and manufacturing facilities would not be able to operate efficiently and produce the life-saving products.
FSEs truly are the unsung heroes of the life science industry. Their contributions to the field should be recognized and celebrated.

Further reading

Successful Unsung Heroes of the Engineering World

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