Dr. Wouter de Jong - PhD 2010

I obtained my PhD in Microbiology in 2010 from the Faculty of Science and Engineering (GBB Institute) studying the role of structural proteins in development of Streptomycetes. During my PhD I noticed that the way research data is organized in academic laboratories is not in any way efficient. For me this has always been an opportunity to make a difference here.

As Founder and Managing Director of Bio-Itech BV, the focus in my job is to drive the transition towards use of Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) in research laboratories around to globe. To achieve these goals I am leading a multidisciplinary team of life science experts and IT specialist to offer scientists the best possible ELN solution. The skills I found most useful from my PhD studies was skills for analytical problem solving, project management and, of course, perserverance.

What I enjoy most about my current position is on the one hand I work together with a team of software developers and on the other hand I have contacts with the end-users of our software products within life science organizations around the globe. My PhD was a very valuable experience for me. My advice to PhD students is your PhD will offer you the opportunity to further develop yourself as a person as well as to guide you to the next steps in your career.