Amandine Lemetayer, Laboratory Technician at Exact

Precision and good spirits!

The day after this visit, on Friday, April 3, Amandine celebrated her tenth anniversary with the Exact Laboratory. An adventure that began in Mâcon, where the lab was based before moving to Murlin in 2016. Ten years of analyses, tests, and protocols. Ten years — and still the same motivation, the same drive, the same passion… contagious.

White lab coat, hair tied back, safety glasses, gloves… that’s Amandine’s everyday attire. She is one of the smiling faces of the lab, whose team is entirely female. I see her every day — my office is just above the laboratory — yet I don’t really know her. I imagine her to be a little shy, reserved. Except when you ask her about her work. Then she doesn’t stop — passion takes over, shyness fades, and the smile remains.

“I love my job; I’m happy to come in every morning. What I do fascinates me.”

During that morning spent with Amandine, I found myself back in childhood, playing with my “little chemist” kit… The day begins. The morning ritual: checking that the tests started the day before are complete, going through emails, analyzing results… and launching a new series of tests and analyses.

Today, it’s the interior wooden lining of a container — which will carry barrels across the oceans — that needs to be analyzed before departure, along with a wine sample.

At a brisk pace

At Charlois, we optimize materials. In the lab, it’s time that Amandine optimizes — and at a brisk pace. She never stops. “There’s always something to do; we never get bored.” While the wood from the container is macerating in ether, Amandine prepares the nine tubes that will be used to detect phthalates — their levels and concentrations — in the rosé wine sample sent by a client. “Some of these molecules are tolerated up to a maximum limit set by regulations — that’s what we’re going to check.”

For each sample, one or more molecules; for each molecule, a protocol. Weighing, measuring, drying, tracking the defect, its threshold, its concentration. We’re talking about nano- and micrograms… infinitesimal concentrations, imperceptible to the eye, yet potentially dangerous for humans and contaminating for staves or barrels. It’s a language of insiders, with its own codes and instruments. In the lab, there is a place for everything, and everything in its place. Cleanliness is essential; rigor is everywhere.

“Whatever analysis we’re asked to perform, we have a duty to deliver results for our clients. There is no room for error, no matter how small. Keeping the workbenches clean is the bare minimum — just like wearing gloves, it’s essential.”

Policing or chemistry?

We move from one room to another, from flasks to test tubes. The liquid is evaporated to extract the very essence of the wooden flooring being analyzed. “Sometimes we’re also asked to identify the source of a defect or contamination without knowing which molecule is involved. So we search, analyze, test, compare… and we always end up identifying the origin of the problem. It’s fascinating.”

It was toward biology that the young woman from Prémery initially intended to orient her studies. She earned a vocational baccalaureate in laboratory science and technology in Nevers, followed by a BTS in bioanalysis and control in Metz. Amandine has continued along her path, guided by her interests and what drives her. A diligent and curious student, she also chose to commit, alongside her studies, to a career as a reserve gendarme.

“I first completed a proper training program (a lot of sports, weapons handling, combat training…), which I really enjoyed. Then I was assigned to brigades during holidays and weekends… but it didn’t quite match what I was expecting — not enough action. After five years, I decided not to continue.”

During that time, Amandine landed her first job as a laboratory technician at Biodiesel in Prémery. “I held that position for three and a half years; it was an interesting experience. Then, in 2016, I joined Charlois and the Exact Laboratory.”

The importance of detail

Spending this half-day with Amandine, I understood why there are so many pens and markers in the pockets of her lab coat. Markers for writing on glass flasks, colored pens for labeling files, a four-color pen for records, notes, and annotations. Not to mention a calculator, a well-set watch, notebooks, A4 sheets folded into quarters filled with figures to be recorded, logs of hours, minutes, even seconds…

“It’s mainly so I don’t forget anything. A day like today is manageable (two samples and two different analyses), but when there are 40 samples for one analysis and 10 more for a research project, it’s safer to write everything down,” Amandine insists as she walks toward the gas chromatography room.

The final step before results. “Depending on what we’re looking for and the number of samples, this phase can last from an hour to an entire night. In the latter case, we start them at the end of the day.”

I glance at my watch — it’s 12:30 p.m. I haven’t seen the time go by, and I’ve almost walked 10,000 steps.

Questions for Amandine

Amandine, you’ve just celebrated your tenth anniversary at Charlois, at the Exact Laboratory — what does that represent for you?

First of all, time flies — already ten years! Honestly, I haven’t seen them go by. I love my job: searching, finding solutions, analyzing results… We work in a positive atmosphere, both focused and rigorous — it’s essential for us, as there’s no room for error. We also benefit from an ideal working environment, with bright facilities and all the equipment we need to do our job properly.

Ten years — just like La Chênaie!

Exactly. I was already part of the lab team when the brand was launched. It’s a coincidence!

How did you come to join Charlois?

Like many people, through word of mouth. My aunt (Nicole Bonneau) works at Nièvre Merrain. Ten years ago, she told me that an analysis, research, and development laboratory was going to be set up here in Murlin. I sent my résumé, was invited for an interview, and that was it. I started on April 4, 2016 — at the time, the lab was based in Mâcon. I was renting a room there in a private home. In September of that same year, the lab moved to Murlin. I was part of the move — and I can tell you, relocating a laboratory like Exact is no small undertaking.

You live in Prémery and work in Murlin. Are you attached to the Nièvre region?

Very much so. To the Nièvre, and to this countryside where life is good. I consider myself lucky to have a job I enjoy, in a region I love, which gives me the opportunity to raise my son in a pleasant environment. I could have chosen to leave to pursue a career in biology, which was my original plan, but I preferred to stay — and I have absolutely no regrets, quite the opposite. I love my job, we have an idyllic working environment, and Charlois gives us the means to carry out high-quality work with state-of-the-art equipment. And there’s a great atmosphere within the team. Honestly, what more could I ask for?

Photographs © Christophe Deschanel