Navigating a career in science – lessons from my journey to Lab Manager
This session is sponsored by CLS Services

28 May 2025 - Utrecht

Careers in science rarely go as planned. Mine has been more like sailing—sometimes calm, sometimes full of surprises. Along the way, I’ve faced headwinds, changed course, and discovered unexpected opportunities, eventually becoming a Lab Manager and a leader in change management.In this session, I’ll share honest lessons from my scientific journey—what helped, what didn’t, and what I wish I’d known earlier. 

Whether you're just starting out or already underway, come get some inspiration (and practical tips) to help navigate your own career path. I currently work as Lab Manager at Rijkswaterstaat through CLS.

About CLS Services
CLS Services provides recruitment services for companies, multinationals as well as smaller and more specialised companies, who are active in the field of chemistry, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food and feed. We recruit, for example, scientists, product developers, technicians or quality assurers or any other type of job you may be looking for. Through our extensive experience, we have built expert knowledge in our field when it comes to recruitment & selection. We work as a team. We share ideas, knowledge and skills, in order to achieve excellent results.

Floris Hout

CLS Services

Floris Hout | Interim Manager Lab |  Rijkswaterstaat

Floris Hout is a seasoned professional in chemistry and leadership, with over 25 years of experience in both industrial and governmental sectors. After earning his degree in Organic Chemistry from Hogeschool Leiden, he began his career as an organic chemist at Organon in 1996, later becoming team leader in chemical development. He then held management roles at Koppert Biological Systems and Sonneborn, focusing on production and quality control. At Johnson & Johnson, he led pharmaceutical development labs before joining Rijkswaterstaat in 2025 as Departmental Head of Water Quality Laboratories. Alongside his scientific career, Floris founded GoNavigate in 2020, combining team coaching with sailing. He is 53 years old and proud father to a 19-year-old daughter.

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