Rivca Valk is a Senior Scientist at Ardena and an expert in LC-MS method development for bioanalytical applications. With 18 years of experience in the CRO industry, including more than a decade focused on method development, she combines extensive technical expertise with a strong commitment to scientific excellence and innovation.

Since joining Ardena in 2020, Rivca has been responsible for the development and oversight of LC-MS method development projects. Alongside her hands-on scientific work, she mentors colleagues, drives knowledge sharing initiatives, and provides strategic guidance to ensure the successful execution of complex bioanalytical studies.

Rivca earned her PhD from the University of Groningen in 2020, focusing on milk protein glycoprofile analysis. She is passionate about solving complex analytical challenges and is driven by finding solutions where others encounter obstacles, helping advance both scientific understanding and project success.

Mark Boterman is Site Director Operations at Ardena Bioanalysis in Assen. He leads bioanalytical operations and overall site performance, with responsibility for operational execution, capacity planning, process optimization, and cross-site alignment of workflows and systems.

With more than two decades of experience at Ardena, Mark has held various leadership roles contributing to the growth and development of the organization’s bioanalytical capabilities. He combines extensive expertise in ligand binding assays and LC-MS/MS with a strong focus on operational excellence, team development, and organizational performance. At Ardena, he focuses on building high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, and supporting consistent, high-quality delivery to clients.

Mark is passionate about continuous improvement, people development, and creating an environment that supports both individual and organizational growth.

Niels Nijstad is a Subject Matter Expert in bioanalysis at Ardena. He supports Sponsors in aligning drug development needs with Ardena’s scientific and operational capabilities.

His work focuses on phase-appropriate bioanalytical strategies for drug development programs, including PK, ADA, and biomarker assays. He brings over 15 years of experience across biotech and CRO environments, with expertise at the intersection of translational bioanalysis, regulatory expectations, and business operations.

Niels obtained his PhD from the University of Groningen, where his research focused on cholesterol transport.

Esther Biemans is a Senior Scientist and Project Manager at Ardena. She brings extensive experience in large molecule analysis and has specialized in developing and validating PK, PD, and ADA assays for a wide range of drug development projects over the past 15 years.

Since moving into the CRO industry in 2010, Esther has worked as a senior scientist and project manager, building extensive expertise in large molecule bioanalysis.

Esther obtained her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Groningen in 2006, focusing on immunology and enzymology. She subsequently completed postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver before transitioning into the CRO industry.

Henri Meijering is Associate Director Operations at Ardena Bioanalysis. He brings expertise in drug development and pharmacokinetics, with a strong focus on bioanalytical chemistry and mass spectrometric techniques.

Since joining Ardena in 2012, Henri has held several roles across the organization, including Project Manager, Team Lead Project Management, and Business Support Manager. In his current role, he leads teams specializing in small and large molecule LC-MS/MS analysis and oversees laboratory operations and project management activities.

Henri received his master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, specializing in bioanalytical chemistry and mass spectrometric techniques. With more than two decades of experience, he is dedicated to advancing scientific excellence and fostering collaboration within the bioanalytical field.