Since I became pregnant, I work more in the office than before so that I don’t come into contact with chemicals that could be bad for the baby. Many pregnant women who work in the laboratory are afraid of losing their jobs. When I told you about my pregnancy, my employer supported me right from the start. I’m very grateful for that – even if that should of course go without saying.”
What questions do you get asked at parties?
“The reaction is often: ‘I didn’t know you could do something like that!’ I was even asked once if I made bath salts. I think many people don’t realize how important crystals are to technology and medicine. By the way, I very rarely get to know other people who work with crystals.”
What qualities you need as a crystal grower
“You should be reliable, work cleanly and carefully, after all we are dealing with dangerous chemicals. For example, we always make sure to wear safety glasses, gloves and gowns. It also helps a lot to be able to speak English well in an international institute. My boss, for example, comes from Japan – I almost only communicate with him in English.”
Imagination vs. reality
“I didn’t realize how diverse the types of crystal growing are. From the microcrystals that are grown by hand in a solution using a micropipette, to a thousand-degree oven in which the crystals grow to the size of a hand. I used to have no idea what it was like, but I became even more attached to the job. There is so much to learn and experience.”
How much you earn as a crystal grower
“I am paid according to the tariff and receive 3,300 euros gross per month. For comparison: chemical-technical assistants in industry rarely earn more than 3,000 euros gross, at least in Berlin.”