Roel is a life sciences executive with more than 20 years of experience building and scaling organizations at the intersection of science, innovation, and business. He holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from Ghent University and NYU, completed postdoctoral research in human genetics at Columbia University, and holds an MBA from the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management. His career includes leadership roles at Biogazelle, Janssen’s Human Microbiome Institute, and Droia Oncology Ventures, where he gained extensive experience in M&A, strategic partnerships, fundraising, and the commercialization of scientific innovation. Roel has authored and co-authored publications in top-tier journals including NEJM and PNAS. At BaseClear, he is focused on building a future-ready European CRO and believes that trust, scientific excellence, and a commitment to customer success are the foundations of meaningful long-term partnerships.
Rick is a commercial leader with 14 years of experience across CRO, CDMO, and scientific service environments in Europe and the United States. Before joining BaseClear, he held senior roles at GenScript, including Sales Director for the US and EU and VP Commercial Lead for GMP and Cell & Gene Therapy Services in Europe. His expertise spans sales leadership, business development, multi-site account management, complex multi-year agreements, and cross-functional execution across advanced therapies, biologics, and vaccine markets. Rick holds a BSc in Biology from Seton Hall University and has completed sales training at Harvard Business School, Wharton School of Business, and Miller Heiman. He is motivated by helping his team reach their full potential and supporting clients in solving complex scientific challenges that ultimately contribute to better patient outcomes.
Gert Jan brings more than 15 years of international leadership experience across Europe, North America, and South America. Prior to joining BaseClear, he held a variety of operational leadership roles within SHV Holdings, working in Brazil, the United States, Northern Ireland, and the Czech Republic. He specializes in operational excellence, business transformation, and organizational development, with a strong focus on translating strategy into execution. Gert Jan holds Master’s degrees in Political Science and Supply Chain Management from the University of Amsterdam and Penn State University. Passionate about people and performance, he believes that sustainable business success starts with great teams, clear goals, and a hands-on approach to leadership.
Almira is a quality management professional with a career spanning laboratory and QA roles at organizations including TNO, Prosensa, Astellas, Kiadis, and Peregrion BV. She specializes in Quality Management, Good (Clinical) Laboratory Practice, and ISO 17025, and has been involved in setting up a paperless laboratory and Quality Management System in compliance with GXP. Almira holds a degree in Business Administration and a qualification in Secondary Laboratory Education, and currently serves as a board member of the Dutch Association of Research Quality Assurance (DARQA). She is motivated by the opportunity to improve processes and contribute to high-quality outcomes, and believes that trust, transparency, and open communication are the foundations of strong client relationships.
Ruud is a senior financial executive responsible for BaseClear’s financial strategy, planning, and performance. He built his expertise through evening studies, achieving professional qualifications up to AA level, and has worked as a financial director in the transport sector and as a teacher of Accounting and Payroll Administration in adult and vocational education. At BaseClear, Ruud has led the transformation of the Finance department from basic bookkeeping to fully independent monthly reporting and the preparation of consolidated annual accounts, including implementing the supporting software and developing the team’s capabilities. He also contributed to a foundation’s transition to artificial grass fields and solar-powered field lighting in his role as treasurer. Ruud is motivated by collaboration, tackling complex challenges, and creating a positive team environment where results and enjoyment go hand in hand.
Almira is an experienced HR professional with more than 15 years of expertise across the biotechnology, clinical diagnostics, and oil & gas sectors. Before joining BaseClear, she held senior leadership roles at Eurofins Clinical Diagnostics and Petrogas E&P Netherlands, where she led strategic HR management, organizational development, and performance and reward management. Her project experience includes supporting the rapid setup of a COVID High Volume Laboratory, integrating multiple laboratories, and leading the HR workstream for an offshore asset transition. Almira holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management with a focus on Human Resources from Hotelschool The Hague. She is passionate about building workplaces where employees can thrive and is motivated by helping people and organizations reach their full potential.
Pascal is an experienced scientific operations leader specializing in cell and gene therapy, with a career spanning academic, biotech, and industry settings. He holds a PhD from Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) and completed postdoctoral and staff scientist training at the University of Chicago, where he worked on NK cell therapy for ovarian cancer and was awarded the St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness and Caring Together Research Grant. He subsequently contributed to immune therapy research at Sanofi’s R&D department before joining BaseClear, where he leads GMP-compliant analytical assay development and validation. Pascal’s expertise includes scientific strategy, AqBD, assay validation, project leadership, and team development. He is motivated by solving complex scientific and operational challenges and building high-performing teams that deliver fit-for-purpose solutions in biopharmaceutical development.
Matthijs brings together a strong technical background in molecular biology with nearly a decade of project management experience across a diverse range of services and clients. He holds a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Groningen (RuG) and is certified in project management under the PRINCE2 framework. Before joining BaseClear, Matthijs gained broad experience at another biotech consultancy, leading projects and teams across various disciplines. At BaseClear, he ensures a clear flow of information among all stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. He is motivated by contributing to innovative applications across multiple industries and values working in an agile, expert-driven environment where collaboration and precision drive meaningful outcomes for clients.
Eline brings nearly three decades of experience in microbial genomics and microbiome research. She holds an MSc in Food Science and a PhD in Microbial Molecular Ecology from Wageningen University, complemented by postdoctoral fellowships at NIZO Food Research, CSIRO Livestock Industries in Australia, and the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre. Her expertise spans metagenomics, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, and the application of omics technologies across food, pharmaceutical, and health sectors. Eline has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications, including in Cell and Cell Metabolism, and has presented at international conferences worldwide. At BaseClear, she acts as the key link between client needs and operational execution, translating complex scientific data into actionable insights and innovative solutions.
Hua holds a PhD in Molecular Biotechnology from Leiden University, where she also completed postdoctoral research in microbial genetics, synthetic biology, and natural product biosynthesis. Before joining BaseClear, she held research positions at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Jiangsu University of Technology. Her expertise includes microbial safety assessment, EFSA regulatory requirements, whole genome sequencing-based strain characterization, and antimicrobial resistance assessment for food, feed, enzyme, and novel food applications. Hua is the inventor on a granted patent related to screening methods for microorganisms and has contributed to peer-reviewed publications across microbial biotechnology and synthetic biology. She is motivated by connecting science with real-world applications, helping clients navigate complex regulatory processes with clarity and scientific integrity.
Diana is an experienced scientist with a background spanning academia and industry, specializing in analytical method development and validation. She holds a PhD in Cell Biology from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), a Master’s degree in Biomolecular Sciences from VU Amsterdam, and a Master’s degree in Natural Sciences from the University at Buffalo (SUNY). In her previous role as Principal Scientist and team lead at a biotech company, she developed functional cell-based assays for advanced therapies with a strong focus on robustness and cross-laboratory transferability. Diana has contributed to peer-reviewed publications and has experience with flow cytometry, molecular techniques, and sequencing-based approaches. She is motivated by solving complex scientific questions that have real-world impact and values clear communication and trust in client collaborations.
Jaitip is an innovation-driven scientific and quality expert with over 10 years of experience in research and clinical development of advanced therapies, including Cell and Gene Therapy. She holds a PhD in Medical Science and an MSc in Molecular Biology from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), and a BSc in Biology from Mahidol University in Thailand. Her career includes roles as a Global Quality Control Scientist at Galapagos BV and as an Innovation Research Fellow at Novartis Pharma AG. Jaitip has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, delivered invited talks at international conferences, and received multiple awards for her research contributions. At BaseClear, she focuses on understanding each client’s unique needs and delivering tailored, high-quality service packages with proactive communication and early risk identification.
Merel is a microbiologist and molecular biologist with a background spanning academic research and industry. She holds a PhD in Molecular Microbiology from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Master’s degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Biomolecular Sciences, both awarded Cum Laude. Her postdoctoral research at Newcastle University and training at Institut Pasteur and the University of Oxford gave her a strong foundation in scientific leadership, international collaboration, and mentoring. Merel has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and received several awards, including the Young Talent Award from the Royal Holland Society of Sciences and Humanities. At BaseClear, she oversees sequencing and laboratory operations, combining her scientific expertise with a focus on process optimization and team development to ensure reliable, high-quality results for clients.
Dominika is an accomplished commercial leader with over 10 years of sales experience and a strong scientific foundation in biotechnology, food science, NGS, molecular biology, and microbiology. She holds two Master’s degrees — in Applied Biology and in Food Safety and Control — as well as a PhD in Biotechnology from the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Before joining BaseClear, Dominika held sales positions at several international companies, developing expertise in service selling, laboratory products, reagents, and instruments. She has led the implementation and setup of BaseClear’s new CRM system, defining sales workflows and optimizing processes. Dominika believes that listening carefully and building genuine relationships are the keys to successful client collaboration.
Sander is a laboratory and facility management professional with more than 20 years of experience in the life sciences sector. Before joining BaseClear, he worked as a Senior Analyst at Enza Zaden, introducing new technologies and analytical methods for screening applications, and completed a one-year assignment in China overseeing laboratory operations and pesticide control. His career spans laboratory analysis, sequencing services, microbial identification, quality management, equipment management, and supplier management, with extensive experience across compliance frameworks including ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 27001, and GMP. At BaseClear, Sander led the implementation of a supplier and contract management system and plays a key role in maintaining the infrastructure that supports the company’s advanced genomics and microbiology services. He is motivated by improving how people, processes, and technology work together to create lasting organizational value.
Nathaly is a bioinformatics scientist and machine learning engineer with expertise spanning microbial bioinformatics, metagenomics, genome assembly and annotation, transcriptomics, and causal gene discovery. She holds an MSc in Bioinformatics with Systems Biology from Wageningen University, a BSc in Physiology and Pharmacology from Westminster University, and an LLB in Law from the University of London. Before joining BaseClear, Nathaly held consecutive roles at Rijk Zwaan as a Bioinformatics Researcher and Machine Learning Engineer, where she developed automated pipelines for genome assembly, transcriptomics, and pangenomics, and built scalable deep learning workflows. She is motivated by the puzzle-solving aspect of bioinformatics and is committed to building reproducible, user-friendly solutions that translate complex biological questions into clear, actionable answers.
Wouter is an applied scientist with 20 years of laboratory experience, specializing in molecular cell biology, method development, and next- and third-generation sequencing. He holds a PhD in Molecular Cell Biology from Leiden University and has authored and co-authored over 18 scientific papers. Before joining BaseClear, Wouter worked as a scientist at Future Genomics Technologies (FGT), where he contributed to the MIAMi project — a research initiative focused on refactoring the biosynthesis of Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids in microbial cell factories using genome assembly from rare plants. At BaseClear, he applies his deep technical expertise to support clients by tailoring scientific solutions to their specific biological challenges. Wouter values complete transparency, genuine scientific enthusiasm, and meaningful collaboration as the foundation for building trust with clients and colleagues.
Alex is a commercially driven professional combining a strong scientific background with hands-on sales experience. He holds a PhD in oncology and has conducted research at Harvard Medical School and Amsterdam Medical Center (AMC), with deep expertise in genomics, NGS, 3D cell models, and GMP. During his early career, Alex contributed to one of the first amplicon-based sequencing technologies for breast cancer and established a large database of RNAseq data in organoids. He co-authored a publication in Nature Communications on colorectal cancer metabolic signatures. At BaseClear, Alex applies his scientific credibility and consultative sales approach to help clients identify the right solutions for their research, quality, and regulatory needs, focusing on building trust and developing long-term partnerships.
Andre holds an MSc in Business Administration and Change Management and brings experience in project management, business strategy, and commercial partnerships across the biotech sector. His career includes experience as a Project Commercialization Manager at a global FMCG company, as a Sales Account Manager at a leading B2B CRO, and as a Senior Project Manager at a biotech scale-up where he focused on growth operations, partnerships, and strategic projects. Andre is especially engaged in building commercial partnerships with both pharmaceutical and industrial biotech companies, including GMP and EFSA-related work. He is motivated by developing long-term client relationships and believes that strong partnerships are central to sustainable business growth.
Maurits holds both a BSc and MSc in Nanobiology from Erasmus MC, LUMC, and TU Delft, where his studies focused on viral quantification, hybrid nanoparticle drug delivery, biosensors, bioinformatics, and cell and gene therapy. He published a paper on the quantification of the HIV inducible latent reservoir and holds a patent for the detection of GHB using a bioelectronic sensor. Maurits completed his final internship at BaseClear before joining the team full time. He is motivated by working alongside enthusiastic professionals exploring the latest biotechnology innovations and believes that listening carefully to client needs before proposing solutions is the key to delivering the best possible outcome.