Dennis

If you appreciate the dynamic environment of small start-ups while also embracing the complexities of a global corporation, Bruker is an ideal choice for you. Here are some reasons why I became part of Bruker in 2017 as a software manager with an entrepreneurial background through the acquisition of my company, which originated as a spin-off from the University of Bremen.

After completing my PhD in mathematics, we co-founded the software company SCiLS for mass spectrometry imaging with my professor and another postdoc. The company was established in 2010, and under my leadership as CEO, we developed SCiLS into the leading software firm in this sector.

Since SCiLS was established, collaboration with Bruker as the key instrument vendor in MALDI mass spectrometry imaging has been developed and maintained. Over the years, the collaboration grew increasingly stronger, ultimately resulting in an acquisition in 2017.

Upon joining Bruker, I was tasked with integrating SCiLS into Bruker as a business unit and expanding Bruker’s MALDI imaging business through software offerings. Bruker maintained the branding of my company, and as part of the larger corporation, we successfully grew SCiLS installed customer base.

After three years at Bruker, I moved from integrating my own company into the organization to taking on a broader software management role. This role involved the integration of acquired software assets from Integrated Proteomics Applications Inc., California, a company established by prominent proteomics researchers Professor John Yates III, Dr. Robin Park, and Dr. Tao Xu. I oversaw the advancement of acquired assets into a product named ProteoScape, designed for the analysis of Proteomics data.

After an additional four years, I took on the leadership role of the software department for life science mass spectrometry, managing a team of employees across North America and Europe. These teams are responsible for developing instrument control software, as well as post-processing software and data science applications.

I enjoy working at Bruker due to its entrepreneurial spirit. Our agile software development teams, led by product owners, prioritize user value in all decisions, similar to "mini start-ups" within the company. 

• Books or Movies? Regarding fiction, I prefer movies. Although I have a substantial collection of non-fiction, science, and travel books, I only own a few fiction books.
• Morning Person or Night Owl? Night owl. A perfect day begins with an early morning run to build momentum. If time does not permit a run, a strong coffee suffices to prepare for the day. :-) 
• Name one thing that you cannot live without? Music: Engaging with music through various mediums, such as listening to recorded music, attending live concerts, or playing instruments like the piano or guitar.
• What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working for Bruker? My top priority is to spend quality time with my family. I value spending time with my wife and our two sons during family vacations, excursions, hiking, or biking.
• Favorite food? Japanese cuisine. I particularly appreciate sushi, Japanese finger foods such as Gyoza or Bao Bun, and ramen. These dishes are best enjoyed with a glass of ice-cold sparkling wine. 
• What is your motivation in life? To create meaningful contributions and leave a lasting impact. This encompasses professional work, and more importantly, raising children to become self-sufficient individuals.
• Superpower you would choose? The ability to fly. As a child, I frequently dreamt of having this power. It would be remarkable to navigate the skies effortlessly without the need for any device.

Dennis

Vice President Software R&D
Joined in 2017