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Your Local Genomics Experts
Working within the GENEWIZ global genomics network while maintaining strong local scientific leadership, the Leipzig team are committed to service excellence, consistently delivering reliable, high-quality data and trusted support to academic, biotech, and pharmaceutical partners.
The laboratory teams are composed of highly trained molecular biologists, sequencing specialists, bioinformaticians, and laboratory technicians, bringing extensive hands-on experience across next-generation and Sanger sequencing, as well as gene synthesis, supporting advanced genomics workflows.
JOCHEN SCHÄFER
Senior Director & GM, Germany
Jochen Schäfer serves as Senior Director and General Manager of GENEWIZ Germany GmbH, a leading provider of innovative genomic services in Europe. He has been active in the sequencing industry since 1999 and brings extensive experience from companies offering sequencing technologies as a service.
Throughout his career, he has taken on a broad range of responsibilities—spanning laboratory management, the automation of core processes, and the leadership of sales and customer care teams within the sequencing field. He has successfully guided transformation and growth initiatives and possesses more than two decades of deep market expertise alongside extensive management experience.
Since 2018, Jochen Schäfer has played a key role in shaping and expanding GENEWIZ’s European operations. He founded the Leipzig site and developed it into a major European hub with more than 100 employees. The site also serves as the headquarters for the European customer support teams as well as the technical experts across the various business units. Under his leadership, GENEWIZ Germany offers a comprehensive portfolio of Sanger sequencing and next generation sequencing (NGS) services plus gene synthesis project management, supporting customers throughout Europe with high quality genomic solutions.
TOBIAS PAPROTKA
Director, NGS
Dr. Tobias Paprotka is an accomplished molecular biologist and genomics leader with deep expertise in nucleic acid analysis and sequencing technologies. He holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology and has 15 years working experience in the genomics industry. In senior management roles, he has led the implementation of advanced sequencing protocols, laboratory automation, and bioinformatics workflows, driving high-throughput and applied genomic analysis. Combining strong scientific rigor with strategic and operational leadership, he has guided multidisciplinary teams to translate complex genomic technologies into impactful life science and precision medicine applications.
He has made significant contributions to the scientific community (co)authoring 27 peer reviewed publications in molecular biology/virology and epigenetics, including high-impact work on retroviruses published in Science.
ANNEROSE BERNDT
Laboratory Manager
Dr. Annerose Berndt is a seasoned leader with strong scientific and operational expertise in genomics, precision medicine, and clinical research. She holds a doctor of veterinary medicine and a Ph.D. in molecular biology and is board-certified as a High-Complexity Laboratory Director. Her career spans senior roles in industry and healthcare, including positions focused on clinical genomics strategy, and program development in complex therapeutic areas such as obesity and MASH. She previously played key role in establishing and scaling high-throughput whole genome and exome sequencing as well as pharmacogenomics operations in academic and clinical settings, helping integrate genomics into routine research and diagnostic workflows.
Through her career, she has combined deep technical and analytical knowledge with practical operational leadership, managing cross-functional teams and translating advanced genomic technologies into impactful scientific and clinical applications.
FRÄNZE VORREITER
Director Synthesis & ONS
Dr. Fränze Vorreiter is a biochemistry specialist with extensive expertise in cloning, proteomics, glyco‑proteomics, functional genomics, and both next‑generation and Sanger sequencing technologies. She holds a master’s degree in biotechnology and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, where her research focused on the role of long non‑coding RNAs in human T cell biology.
She began her industry career in 2018 as a technical support scientist at GENEWIZ, where she focused on optimising customers’ experience within our Sanger sequencing business and coordinating the performance of our European logistics network. Over time, she took on leadership responsibilities, managing and guiding multidisciplinary teams across Sanger Sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing, Gene Synthesis, and logistics customer support.
In addition to operational leadership, she played an active role in Sanger business strategy and product development, contributing to the growth of our services across Europe and the UK. In her current role as Director for Synthesis and Overnight Sequencing, she focuses on delivering tailored solutions that address the specific needs of our customers while continuously enhancing the overall customer experience.
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NEXT GENERATION SEQUENCING STUDY MANAGEMENT TEAM
Phd level support in multiple European languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian.
The NGS Study Management team in Leipzig is composed of scientists who support researchers throughout the entire lifecycle of their sequencing projects, from study design and project setup to execution, data delivery, and follow-up support. Drawing on their own scientific backgrounds, the study managers work closely with customers across Europe to translate research goals into well-defined NGS solutions, ensure accurate project setup, and provide clear, timely communication. They collaborate closely with internal scientific, bioinformatics, and operations teams to coordinate workflows and ensure reliable project outcomes.
GENE SYNTHESIS PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM
Guidance by scientists for scientists from enquiry to final product
The gene synthesis project management team handles customer queries, project coordination, technical support, and logistics for gene synthesis, viral packaging, antibody production, mRNA production, and plasmid DNA preparation orders. They are the point of contact from quote and design through delivery and verification. They provide pre‑sales consultation, quote delivery, sample submission guidance, timeline tracking, and updates during project execution. The team are all highly qualified scientists and experts in their field so able to support researchers from enquiry to final product. They provide guidance in English, German, and French. Contact the team at GS@azenta.com.
OVERNIGHT SEQUENCING TECHNICAL SUPPORT TEAM
Specialist support directly connected with operations
The Leipzig overnight sequencing technical support team consists of experienced sequencing specialists supporting plasmid, PCR product, and bacterial colony Sanger sequencing projects for researchers across Europe. They assist customers within a wide range of sample types, from single tubes to high-throughput projects, in a highly automated laboratory. Using barcode-based sample tracking and robust quality control workflows, the team ensures precision, traceability, and consistent data quality. Beyond standard Sanger sequencing, they manage whole plasmid sequencing projects with long-read technologies, advising researchers on the most appropriate technical approach. Working closely with logistics and customer support, they coordinate sample receipt, triage, and rapid result delivery. Contact the team at Sanger.europe@azenta.com.
FIRST LINE CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND LOGISTICS
Expertise in customer support and shipping
The first-line customer support team offers a responsive entry point for researchers and laboratories engaging with gene synthesis, Sanger, and next-generation sequencing services. Acting as the initial point of contact, they provide fast clarification of inquiries, guidance on sample submission, and status updates for ongoing projects, while routing specialised requests to technical experts or project managers when it is appropriate.
The logistics team at GENEWIZ are experts at sample shipping and triage – ensuring samples are received and accurately tracked. From shipments from our dropbox network to bespoke shipments the team provide suitable logistical resources. Leipzig / Halle Logistics Airport as a globally operating hub of DHL provides significant leverage to GENEWIZ’s customer services and turnaround time.
