Since December 2017, Jens has been a valuable member of the A-team. With a master’s degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology, he has developed into a versatile Principal Validation Engineer with extensive expertise in environmental monitoring. In this interview, Jens shares his experiences and insights about his role at Advipro, what motivates him, and why he enjoys going to work every day.

A dynamic role with diverse challenges

Jens started his career at Advipro on a project with Sanofi, where he was involved in project work and the implementation of new processes. He soon transitioned to our MoVE department, where he conducted validation tests for various clients. This practical application of his knowledge provided him with a solid foundation for his later work. Currently, Jens is working on an ambitious project at Janssen Pharmaceutica in Ghent, focusing on environmental control of facilities and utilities. “My role is primarily focused on quality control, where we qualify new facilities and set up a routine program for regular sampling and analysis,” he explains.

Enthusiasm through variety

What Jens appreciates most about his work is the variety and the lack of routine. “Every day is different, and that keeps it exciting,” he says. “It can be challenging when your day suddenly takes an unexpected turn, but that unpredictability makes the work fascinating. You are constantly challenged to bring out the best in yourself.” The opportunity to work on different projects within Advipro is a significant advantage for Jens. “If I want to do something different, there are always new opportunities within Advipro.”

Proud of innovation and collaboration

Jens enjoys the balance between practical work and writing. “I would never want a 100% desk job,” he emphasizes. “It’s important for me to stay connected to what’s happening in the workplace.” He finds the current project, which focuses on a groundbreaking cancer treatment, particularly fascinating. “It’s incredibly inspiring to be part of something that can have such an impact on people’s lives.”

Growing and learning

When asked how he wants to continue growing in his role, Jens mentions that he primarily wants to keep developing within environmental controls. “I still have a lot of room to build expertise here,” he says. Jens appreciates the freedom that Advipro offers to chart your own course, as long as you take your work seriously. “There’s always the opportunity to take training and further develop yourself, something I definitely want to pursue as soon as work allows.”

Challenges and balance

Of course, there are also challenges, such as the lack of structure in the early stages of his current project. “At the beginning, I sometimes felt a bit uncertain about the progress,” Jens admits. But with the right support and perseverance, he has found his place and learned a lot. Regarding work-life balance, Jens values the flexibility that Advipro provides. “It’s important for me to maintain a healthy balance, and the option to work from home contributes significantly to that.”

Advice for future colleagues

For those considering working at Advipro, Jens emphasizes the dynamism and numerous opportunities within the company. “It’s a place where you can grow, learn, and discover what suits you best,” he says. His tip for new colleagues? “Stay open-minded and eager to learn. Be receptive to new ideas and don’t be afraid to keep developing yourself.”