On the right path: career development at CHDR

‘I did my bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at Utrecht University,’ says Jansen. ‘After that, I stayed in Utrecht to do an MSc in Biology of Disease, in which I focused on immunology. I then did my PhD research in translational immunology, focusing on restoring immune tolerance in rheumatoid arthritis. I worked a lot in the lab and with animal models.’ After her PhD, Jansen was looking for a change. ‘I heard about CHDR through a friend, and had an introductory meeting with Matthijs Moerland. I hoped to work in his Research & Development lab, but there wasn’t a vacancy. However, Matthijs was looking for a Senior Clinical Scientist to help lead clinical trials. And so that’s how I ended up joining!’

Jansen worked as a project leader for over a year, gaining experience by supervising various projects in immunology and dermatology. ‘There was a steep learning curve at the beginning, and I had some educational experiences with a rather demanding client. But I knew that I had chosen the right path: in my PhD research, I missed the direct connection with clinical application. I also wanted to work in a more dynamic environment, engaging and collaborating with other people — and that’s exactly what I found at CHDR.’

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Brainstorming with clients

With that intensive first year under her belt, Jansen quickly grew into her position as Senior Clinical Scientist. Around the same time, Moerland established his Immunology group to perform clinical studies involving in vivo immune challenges and drugs that target the immune system. Jansen is currently the group’s only Senior Clinical Scientist. Together with Moerland, she supervises seven Clinical Scientists who are responsible for the day-to-day running of trials.

‘I am one of the few immunologists here at CHDR, which means I’m regularly called on to brainstorm with scientists from the companies we work with — something I really enjoy. And I have plenty of opportunity to keep developing my career: I’m currently training to become a clinical pharmacologist, gaining expertise which will add a lot of value to my day-to-day work here.’