Operational Manager in the Flow cytometry Core Facility (FCF)
Leiden University Medical Center
Marjolijn is an Operational Manager in the Flow cytometry Core Facility (FCF) of the Leiden University Medical Center in The Netherlands. Together with a great team she supports over 800 users of which 500+ are regular users by offering 24 advanced analytic and sorting instruments, training, advice and experimental support.
She joined the FCF in 2018. As Operational Manager, Marjolijn is at the helm of the day-to-day processes at the FCF, managing her team of six operators. They try to continuously improve processes, aiming for the highest quality possible. Together with her team she accomplished getting awarded the ISAC SRL recognition in 2023.
Marjolijn is a board member of the Dutch Flow Group, one of the organizers of the Dutch and European Flow Core meetings and is happy to be more involved in the cytometry community to help other core facilities with their challenges.
Scientific Interest and Avenues for Collaboration:
As an operational manager at LUMC, I am passionate about optimizing research facilities to enhance scientific discovery and innovation. With extensive experience in flow and mass cytometry, I strive to implement sustainable improvements, foster collaborations, and support researchers in achieving high-quality outcomes.
My scientific Interests:
• Exploring multi-omics approaches and integrating them with cytometry workflows.
• Optimizing single-cell analysis techniques for enhanced sensitivity and reproducibility.
• (Imaging) Mass cytometry.
• Exploring applications in immunophenotyping, functional assays, and translational research.
I Would Like to Collaborate On:
I welcome opportunities to collaborate on developing cutting-edge cytometry techniques, implementing sustainable solutions for core facilities, and creating impactful educational and training programs. I am particularly interested in fostering partnerships with researchers, vendors, and fellow core managers to advance shared goals.
Participation / Support of ISAC
• Recognized as an ISAC SRL Emerging Leader since 2024 through the Leadership Development Program (LDP).
• Contributed to the ISAC SRL Recognition and ISAC SRL Outreach initiatives, supporting the development and visibility of Shared Resource Labs (SRLs).
• Actively involved in the ISAC Workgroup on Recordkeeping, improving documentation standards and practices in core facilities.
• Participated in the ISAC Workgroup on Mentorship, fostering connections and professional growth within the cytometry community.
CYTO Community Involvement:
I will be one of the panel member from across the globe for the CYTO 2025 Workshop on service contracts, sharing expertise and engaging in discussions about optimizing support agreements for core facilities.
I will be supporting the CYTO 2025 Mentoring Event, helping to guide and inspire the next generation of cytometry professionals.
Website/LinkedIn Profile Link: Marjolijn Hameetman | LinkedIn
What inspired you to apply to the LDP or what are you looking forward to with the LDP?
To benchmark our Flow cytometry Core Facility, we applied for the SRL recognition program last year. Receiving the SRL Recognition felt like a great achievement and recognition of our hard work. This year was my first time visiting CYTO. I had a great time meeting so many kind people which were willing to share their knowledge and get to know me. It was a totally different environment and atmosphere then I am used to. It motivated me even more in wanting to contribute to the organization and community as a whole.
How did you get into Cytometry?
Ever since I was young, it was my desire to help people and to cure them from diseases. I developed an interest for research while in high school and wanted to help people by tackling diseases at their origin. After obtaining my degree, I started working as a research technician in the departments of Rheumatology and Tumor Immunology, where I researched the immune system using flow and mass cytometry. I worked on many different projects, from being the first employee to set up a 4 color FACS panel on a BD FACS Calibur, to developing a mass cytometry panel with over 40 markers many years later. I enjoyed the ever emerging opportunities and challenging aspects of the various research projects.