Cherel Balkema
About Cherel Balkema
Cherel Balkema is a Biosafety Officer currently working at Kite Pharma, with a background in molecular biology and extensive experience in research and laboratory management. She has held various positions in notable institutions, including BaseClear BV, the University of Amsterdam, and NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research.
Current Role at Kite Pharma
Cherel Balkema currently serves as a Biosafety Officer at Kite Pharma, a position she has held since 2021. In this role, she is responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations within the organization. Her expertise contributes to maintaining a safe working environment and promoting best practices in biosafety. Prior to this role, she worked as an Environmental Health & Safety Specialist at Kite Pharma from 2019 to 2021.
Previous Experience in Molecular Biology
Cherel Balkema has extensive experience in molecular biology, having worked at BaseClear BV in various capacities. She served as a Research Technician in Molecular Biology for 11 months in 2019, where she was involved in complex cloning and large screening projects. Additionally, she worked as a Technician in Molecular Biology from 2017 to 2018. Her work focused on developing and improving sequencing techniques and methods.
Academic Background in Molecular Biology
Cherel Balkema studied at the University of Applied Science Leiden, where she earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Molecular Biology from 2009 to 2012. Prior to this, she completed her secondary education at Het Huygenslyceum, achieving a VWO diploma in Natuur en Gezondheid from 2001 to 2008. This academic foundation has equipped her with the knowledge necessary for her roles in research and laboratory management.
Research and Laboratory Management Experience
Balkema has held several research and laboratory management positions. She worked as a Lab Manager and Research Technician at the University of Amsterdam from 2014 to 2017, where she managed the Microbiology lab and taught molecular and microbiological techniques. Her involvement in international sampling trips for metagenomics and transcriptomics research further highlights her practical experience in the field.
Internships and Early Career
Cherel Balkema began her career with internships that provided foundational experience in research. She interned as a Research Technician in Molecular Biochemistry at DSM in 2011 and as a Research Technician in Molecular Marine Biology at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution from 2011 to 2012. These early roles contributed to her skill set in molecular biology and research methodologies.