Principal Administrator Molecular Biology Lab - BASF | Nunhems - Nunhem/Haelen

YOUR JOB 

As Principal Administrator Molecular Biology Lab, you play a key role in ensuring that the administrative processes supporting our laboratory services run smoothly, accurately and efficiently. You combine strong administrative expertise with functional leadership, stakeholder coordination and a strong affinity with digital systems. 

In this senior role, you take ownership of administrative processes within the Central Desk and help colleagues work consistently and effectively. At the same time, you act as an important link between laboratory operations, internal stakeholders and digital teams. You support and improve the systems and processes that enable our laboratories to deliver their services reliably across our global Vegetable Seeds organization. 

In the position as Principal Administrator Molecular Biology Lab, you will focus on the following tasks and responsibilities: 

• Coordinate the complete administrative process for laboratory service requests, from intake and registration to prioritization, follow-up, documentation and closure. 

• Take functional leadership within the Central Desk by setting working standards, coordinating priorities and supporting colleagues in consistent ways of working. 

• Act as a trusted point of contact for internal stakeholders and laboratory teams, answering questions, coordinating requests and ensuring timely escalation when needed. 

• Coordinate administrative activities and projects within the laboratory environment, keeping stakeholders aligned and ensuring reliable follow-up. 

• Take ownership of processes, procedures and documentation and identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, traceability and continuity. 

• Act as a key user and business representative for relevant digital applications, including the Genomic Data Platform, translating operational needs into clear system requirements and supporting testing, implementation, releases and user adoption. 

• Support and coach colleagues, share knowledge and maintain clear work instructions and training materials. 

• Work closely with business and digital teams to identify and implement improvements in processes and systems. 

• Monitor operational risks and dependencies that could impact laboratory services and proactively coordinate follow-up with the relevant stakeholders. 

YOUR TEAM 

You will become part of the Central Desk within Applied Technology, supporting the administrative processes behind our laboratory services. The Central Desk works closely with, among others, the Molecular Biology laboratory, Cell Biology, Applied Marker Technology teams and Applied Technology leadership. The role also involves collaboration with global Vegetable Seeds stakeholders and teams working on the Genomic Data Platform and other digital solutions. 

Within this environment, you bring seniority and structure to the administrative side of laboratory operations. Although the role does not have direct reports, you provide functional leadership by coordinating priorities, setting standards, supporting colleagues and helping safeguard critical knowledge within the team. 

You will work in an international and service-oriented environment where clear communication and strong stakeholder management are essential. You enjoy connecting people, processes and digital solutions and feel comfortable taking ownership when priorities shift or improvements are needed. 

YOUR PROFILE 

What knowledge and experience make you successful in this role? 

• You have completed vocational or higher professional education in administration, laboratory operations, business support or a comparable field. 

• You bring substantial experience in a senior administrative, operational support or service coordination role. 

• You have experience with project administration, planning and workflow coordination and are comfortable coordinating multiple activities and priorities. 

• You have a strong affinity with digital systems and experience working with business applications. Experience with LIMS or within a laboratory service environment is strongly preferred. 

• You have experience as a key user, product representative or business representative and are comfortable supporting system implementations and improvement initiatives. 

• You have experience improving processes, supporting stakeholders and transferring knowledge to colleagues. 

• You are comfortable working with international stakeholders and across different functions. 

• You are an advanced user of Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Excel and Word. 

• You are fluent in both Dutch and English, written and spoken, and communicate confidently with colleagues and stakeholders at different levels. 

• Experience with purchasing or procurement processes and purchase orders, for example in a SAP-related environment, would be considered an advantage. 

How do you create impact beyond expertise? 

• You take ownership and are comfortable stepping forward when priorities need to be set or issues need to be resolved. 

• You communicate clearly and assertively while maintaining a helpful and service-oriented approach. 

• You bring structure to complex administrative processes and keep a close eye on accuracy, quality and follow-up. 

• You build effective relationships with different stakeholders and know how to keep people aligned. 

• You enjoy supporting others, sharing knowledge and helping colleagues work confidently and consistently. 

• You are curious about digital solutions and actively look for smarter and more efficient ways of working. 

• You remain calm and solution-focused when working with competing priorities or during process and system changes. 

• You combine attention to detail with the ability to see the bigger picture and understand the impact of administrative processes on laboratory operations.