We explore the field of Cell Therapy with an expert from NecstGen, a Non-Profit Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) for Cell and Gene Therapies. While examining the complex and innovative work that characterises the company’s activities, we also gain insights into what makes working at NecstGen an exceptional experience in cellular medicine. We spoke with Marten Visser, Cell Therapy Specialist, about his work at NecstGen.
Cell Therapy Specialist
Marten Visser joined the company two years ago and has played a significant role ever since. He has extensive experience in T-cell therapy development and manufacture to treat melanoma and ovarian carcinoma. He specialises in cleanroom operation and translational development to create treatments and deepen the field’s understanding.
“I have experience in all parts of the process, from isolating T-cells from patient material to final formulation all under GMP procedures. Because of my expertise, I can contribute to customer projects in many ways.” – Marten Visser, Cell Therapy Specialist at NecstGen.
When Marten was ready for a new challenge, NecstGen crossed his path. From the beginning, Marten witnessed and contributed to the company’s growth in multiple ways. His role at NecstGen proved the ideal opportunity to apply his knowledge in a broader context. So, in addition to his work in the NecstGen development laboratories, he was also closely involved in setting-up general GMP procedures and processes.
“I felt I was ready for something new. I wanted to use the knowledge I have gained in my previous role, and when I saw the available position at NecstGen, there was a good match. At that time the cleanrooms were being constructed. There were cables and construction workers everywhere. When I started, they had just begun contouring the cleanrooms on the third floor. Everything had to be built from scratch, and I had the opportunity to actively contribute to this.” – Marten Visser, Cell Therapy Specialist at NecstGen.
A dynamic workday
A workday at NecstGen is dynamic and open. Being a smaller company there are diverse responsibilities offering scope for growth and development in new areas. For example, when the cleanrooms were still under construction, many workdays revolved around creating processes, procedures and the corresponding documentation. Customer projects are more prominent now, resulting in many days of conducting experiments and working hands-on in the laboratory. Of course, there is also plenty of time dedicated to data analysis, discussion, and learning. On some days, meetings take precedence over other routine tasks. The diverse functions at NecstGen offer many opportunities for growth and learning.
“At NecstGen everyone is aligned with our mission to translate research programs into life-saving treatments. As a company, we are flexible and have the expertise and the commitment to assist customers in translating their processes into GMP procedures and clinical production.” Marten Visser, Cell Therapy Specialist at NecstGen.
All in all, working as a Cell Therapy Specialist at NecstGen comes with many opportunities. Each day may be different, from working in the laboratories to writing GMP documentation. Close collaboration with colleagues and customers is crucial to their and NecstGen’s success. Working at NecstGen enables us to develop as professionals in many ways, all while making a difference to the world by contributing to novel Cell- and Gene Therapies.
