Can you give us a brief description of your role at Toxys?

In our team for genetic toxicology, I take on a variety of tasks to ensure everything runs smoothly. A significant portion of my time is dedicated to planning and data analysis, which is crucial for keeping our projects on track. On the administrative side, I manage customer orders, maintain our electronic lab notebook (ELN), and ensure that everything is prepared before we begin testing compounds. When the lab is busy, I step in to assist the team with their work. This includes helping with cell culture, diluting compounds, exposing cells to these compounds, and measuring cell responses. Additionally, I contribute to writing reports and ensuring our documentation is on point.

Which methods, tools and equipment have the biggest impact on your work?

We employ a range of techniques to ensure the quality and efficiency of our assays. Of course, cell culture is at the center of what we do, but we also rely on flow cytometry to measure induction levels and carry out cell cycle analysis. One of the tools that really boosts our productivity is our pipetting robot. It’s a big improvement in helping us streamline lab work and focus on the more complex aspects of our research.

What are the roles of other people whom you often collaborate with?

My role involves close collaboration with the lab team who carry out the experiments for customer projects and with our Study Director for long-term planning. I also collaborate with our scientists on R&D projects.

Can you think of an occasion in your work that was out of the ordinary?

Yes! We have tested quite a few memorable compounds with ToxTracker. These range from 3D-printed teeth to numerous soaps and gels, or compounds with strong smells, like vapes and fragrances. A particularly unforgettable example was a solvent with a powerful fish oil scent. I must say, not the most pleasant experience...

Tell us about your educational background and previous experiences.

I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Leiden in 2020, with a focus on molecular biotechnology. For my internship at Waterlaboratorium Haarlem, I studied the correlation between certain types of micro- and nanoplastics at different locations throughout the Netherlands. I then obtained my master’s degree in Toxicology and Environmental Health at Utrecht University. During my major internship at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences in Utrecht, I studied the effects of micro- and nanoplastics on macrophages.

When and how did you join Toxys?

Towards the end of my master’s, I was looking for an internship and was directed to Toxys via a connection at the Leiden University Medical Center. So, I first joined the team as an intern, investigating the applicability of human skin S9 in ToxTracker. After I finished my studies, Toxys invited me to come on board full time, and welcomed me as a Study Investigator.

What are the most challenging and rewarding things about your work?

When testing unknown compounds, we need to be prepared to adapt our approach best suited to the specific case. Of course, this is possible only after an initial set of testing. So, we may come to the lab, confident and ready to start our day, only to have the Study Director walk in and announce that everything will be done differently. It’s moments like these that keep us sharp and remind us how dynamic lab work can be.

One of the best aspects of my role is the variety I have in my tasks. I also appreciate my team and the comfortable work environment, where I feel free to share suggestions and ideas.

Finish this sentence: “At Toxys, we always…”

Eat cake on Tuesdays! Everyone knows that Tuesday 3pm is the time to put your pipette or computer aside and join your colleagues for a little break.

Learn more!

Would you like to learn more about Mathyn’s main focus? Check out our ToxTracker page or reach out.

If you are interested in joining the team, visit our career page.