Can you give us a brief description of your role at Toxys?

My overarching role is to act as the bridge between clients and our scientific experts. A new conversation on a project always starts with understanding the client’s need. I communicate our scientific capabilities and identify how we can best support the client with our in vitro toxicology assays. Once we have outlined the project and completed the administrative steps, I connect the client with the relevant Study Director, who oversees the lab-phase. At the end, we re-connect to evaluate the outcome and touch base on potential further needs. Throughout my role, I focus on building strong client relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and keeping an eye on the sales pipeline.

What is the impact your work has on what a client receives?

I think it’s important for my role that I am aware of testing strategies in different industries. This way, I can advise a client on the best approach or think together with them on how our assays can fit into their existing strategies. This is probably the most impactful step that informs the rest of the planning.

Is there any occasion in your work you can think of that was out of the ordinary?

Toxys has a global client-base. So, sometimes it is a new experience to work with clients from time-zones, regulations, or expectations that are out of the ‘ordinary’ for me. We sometimes need a minute to do our research on a special question or be flexible to accommodate specific needs, but we eventually get there.

What are the most challenging and rewarding things about your work?

Attending conferences can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging parts of my work. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with both new and existing clients but staying “on” several days in a row can be really demanding. It’s especially fulfilling when I speak with someone new and immediately realize how much they could benefit from our assays, sometimes even helping them solve issues they’ve been struggling with in their testing. Moments like that make all the preparation and effort feel genuinely worthwhile.

What are the roles of other people whom you often collaborate with?

I work closely with different teams. For example, with our scientists, we discuss study feasibility, timelines, and technical details when planning for a new project, and study directors may join client calls to support on in-depth scientific insights. I also collaborate closely with the marketing team to align messaging and support campaigns. This cross‑functional teamwork runs the engine smoothly!

In your opinion, what is the best thing about working at Toxys?

The people, definitely. I really enjoy working with my colleagues and the supportive atmosphere. I also love being part of a company that’s actively improving safety testing through NAMs and reducing the reliance on animal testing in toxicology. It feels meaningful to contribute to work that has both scientific impact and real-world ethical value.

Finish this sentence: At Toxys, we always…

Eat cake and have coffee together on Tuesdays. I know it’s been said before, but it really rocks!

Tell us about your educational background and previous experiences.

I completed my BSc, BSc Hons and MSc in Genetics at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. After that, I moved to Hungary where I started my career as a Study Director running in vitro toxicology studies. After Hungary, I lived and worked in Germany where I was a Study Director running genetic toxicology studies.

When and how did you join Toxys?

I first came across Toxys online in 2024 and immediately felt a strong alignment with its mission and values, so I submitted an open application. We met and got to know each other online with a few team members but there was no matching role at the time. It was later that year that they published the BD & Sales Manager vacancy and I applied right away. I was excited for the chance to grow in a more commercial role while staying connected to my scientific background. The rest was history.

What do you like to do when you are not at work?

I enjoy many sports activities, such as running, playing padel, bouldering, triathlons… In 2025, I completed my first Ironman 70.3, so I’m looking forward to the next challenge – maybe a full Ironman one day?!

Is there a fun fact about you that you would like to share?

I lived in four countries (five cities) all in just over two years. It taught me to integrate quickly into new environments and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients across different cultures, something I use in my work every day.

Learn more!

Would you like to learn more about Katarina’s work? Check out our services overview or reach out.

If you are interested in joining the team, visit our career page.