Ine Tijdens on forty years at LACDR: ‘No two days were the same’
She walked into the Sylvius building as a wide-eyed twenty-something in 1984, and next year, she’ll be leaving us as a soon-to-be retiree in her sixties. Ine Tijdens (66) reflects on more than four decades at LACDR. ‘One year, I got a little whip for Sinterklaas. That says something about my personality.’
In the early days, Ine and her colleagues used to skate on the frozen fields around the Sylvius building during their breaks in winter. Today, the Bio Science Park is becoming more and more densely built. As Health & Safety and Environmental Coordinator, Ine has witnessed it all. ‘I’m really proud of how the science campus has developed – and of this new building,’ she says, pointing from the terrace outside the faculty entrance towards the Gorlaeus Building.
‘I’ll come along – no need to apply’
Ine came to Leiden in 1984 from Groningen, following Professor Gerard Mulder, who had just been appointed as a professor and was setting up the new Toxicology department. ‘I’m from Zuidlaren, a village in Drenthe, and I had a few years of work experience. I’d done both the basic and advanced programmes in botany and chemistry at higher vocational level (HBO), and had just completed a more advanced chemistry qualification through evening classes. I thought: this is easy. I’ll just come along, no need to apply. And if I don’t like it, I can always go back up north.’
The move from the quiet north to the fast-paced west turned out to be no problem at all. She built a social life in Leiden through the local korfball club and also forged a solid career. ‘I started out as a lab technician, but over time, more and more responsibilities came my way. Looking back, no two days were the same, which meant I never felt the urge to work elsewhere. Our institute is a great place to work – there’s a lot of freedom here.’
Organising comes naturally
For many years, Ine combined her work in the lab with two other roles. ‘I ended up in management at the animal facilities within the LACDR (Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research) and also became the go-to person for new employees – a kind of jack-of-all-trades. I just enjoy organising and making sure everything runs smoothly.’
That really sums up Ine’s nature: she thrives on structure and coordination. And when necessary, she’s not afraid to speak her mind. ‘I once got a little whip as a Sinterklaas gift. That tells you something about my personality,’ she laughs. ‘But it also meant people listened to me. I really enjoyed the social side of the job as well. I’ve been part of many party and drinks committees over the years.’
Since 1 January this year, all her duties have officially been grouped under one title: Health & Safety and Environmental Coordinator. ‘You can think of me as the link between the lab floor and management. After all these years, I know exactly what issues people run into in the labs. It’s important that the board knows what’s going on at ground level. And the other way around – management decisions also need to reach the lab staff and technicians.’
A lab manager is essential
Ine has seen the organisation grow: more research groups, more courses, more students. And sometimes that puts pressure on the system. That’s why she hopes a new position will be introduced before she retires. ‘We really need a lab manager. We’re already working on it, but to me, it’s essential. The labs need proper coordination. The Biology department has several lab managers – hopefully we’ll follow soon.’
She turns 67 in August next year, but thanks to unused leave, she’ll actually retire in May 2026. ‘It feels strange, to be honest. It plays on your mind. I’m in charge of scheduling maintenance for the flow cabinets in the lab. The technician comes once a year, and he was here last week. Then you realise: this is probably the last time I’ll see you.’
After retirement, Ine is considering a move back north. ‘Back to the top of Drenthe. Back to my roots.’