Biomarkers & Precision Medicine 2026 (Oxford)

Business Development Director

Nick Woudberg is Business Development Director, Bioanalysis, at Ardena Assen. He has seven years of experience in regulated bioanalysis, having worked as a bench scientist before moving into commercial roles over the last five years. His experience as a subject matter expert in translational biomarker strategy and bioanalysis forms the core of his focus. Nick has a deep passion for working with Ardena's clients, helping to provide bespoke, tailored scientific solutions alongside our scientific team. His commercial experience includes strategic pricing, key account management, new account prospecting, scientific content creation and contract negotiation. Nick holds a PhD in Medical Biochemistry.

Scientific Director

Theo de Boer is Scientific Director at Ardena Assen, where he leads the multidisciplinary Science Team and sets the site's method development strategy. The team brings together expertise in LC-MS, ligand-binding and cell-based assays. Theo has 25 years of CRO experience in regulated bioanalysis and has been with the Assen site since 2013. He acts as scientific lead for client programs in LC-MS/MS bioanalysis of small and large molecules. Theo holds an MSc in Pharmacy and a PhD in Analytical Chemistry and Toxicology from the University of Groningen. 

Scientist, Project Manager & Study Director

Gerda de Vries is Scientist, Project Manager and Study Director at Ardena Assen, where she manages bioanalytical studies conducted under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). She joined Ardena in 2020 as Quality Assurance Officer and moved into project management in 2022. Her background in quality assurance informs her hands-on approach to study management. Before joining Ardena, Gerda spent six years in oncology research at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). Her doctoral research focused on mechanistic and translational studies to improve cisplatin sensitivity in testicular cancer. Her expertise includes GLP and GxP compliance, data integrity, and the planning and delivery of regulated bioanalytical studies. Gerda holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Groningen.