Chantal Munts

During the establishment phase of a new research laboratory at the Brightlands Future Farming Institute (BFFI) in Venlo, I was involved as a research and laboratory setup consultant, supporting the design, organisation and operational start-up of the lab.

My focus was on translating research ambitions into a functional and safe laboratory environment. I contributed to decisions on laboratory layout, equipment selection and workflow design, with the aim of creating an efficient, practical and compliant research space. A key part of my role was introducing structured and safe working practices, including biosafety procedures and chemical management, tailored to a newly formed research environment.

I developed and implemented protocols and SOPs to ensure clear, reproducible and compliant laboratory processes from day one. In addition, I supported the initial experimental activities and guided researchers and students in adopting these procedures, helping to establish consistent working standards during the start-up phase.

This project-based assignment required a hands-on and solution-oriented approach, combining technical expertise with operational thinking. It strengthened my experience in laboratory setup, change implementation and supporting teams during the transition from concept to a fully operational research laboratory.

For many years, I worked as a senior research technician and laboratory manager within the CARIM Institute at Maastricht University, supporting multiple cardiovascular and biomedical research groups. My role combined hands-on experimental work with responsibility for laboratory operations, safety, continuity and supervision in a complex academic research environment.

I supported research projects through experimental design, execution and scientific data analysis, including gene expression analysis and molecular and cellular biology techniques. In addition, I played a central role in maintaining reproducibility and operational stability across research groups by developing and implementing protocols and SOPs, optimising laboratory workflows and ensuring compliance with biosafety and chemical regulations.

As laboratory manager, I coordinated laboratory organisation, procurement of consumables and equipment, and daily operational processes. I supervised and trained PhD candidates, MSc and BSc students, supporting them in both experimental techniques and structured, safe laboratory working practices. I worked closely with principal investigators and research staff to translate research questions into feasible experimental approaches and to ensure that projects progressed efficiently and reliably.

This long-term role required flexibility, precision and strong communication skills, and provided me with extensive experience in supporting high-quality academic research while keeping laboratory operations running smoothly.