Mireya Catalán Castillo

I am a proactive and curious person who enjoys exploring nature and connecting with people from different cultures. I value new challenges and stepping outside my comfort zone, which led me to move from Spain to the Netherlands five years ago.

I have a background in Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, with experience in R&D, water treatment, safety regulations (GHS, CLP, REACH), and process optimization.

Working in multicultural environments has strengthened my ability to collaborate effectively and contribute to continuous improvement and innovation. I combine strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured, adaptable, and detail-oriented approach to work.

I am often described as reliable, supportive, and eager to learn, with a strong preference for collaborative and team-oriented environments.

Career Break (2024-03 – 2026-02)

Personal development and caregiving

• Provided full-time care for a parent, managing daily needs and adapting to change.
• Achieved B1 Dutch level, improving communication in a personal and professional context.
• Studied sustainability topics such as circular economy and zero waste strategies, and implemented them in personal projects and daily decisions.
• Conducted informal Spanish tutoring, enhancing learners' language skills and my ability to explain concepts effectively.

R&D laboratory technologist at Nijhuis Industries (2022-09 – 2024-02)

• Co-led R&D projects and built laboratory test setups for wastewater treatment innovation.
• Developed and elaborated research plans for commercial innovation-focused studies.
• Conducted standard and advanced wastewater tests, including coagulation-flocculation, electrocoagulation, and ozonation.
• Performed comprehensive analyses of waste, process, and cooling water across the organization.
• Maintained and calibrated analytical equipment to ensure accuracy and operational reliability.
• Monitored staff performance and ensured compliance with laboratory procedures and safety regulations through toolbox talks.
• Implemented sustainability improvements within laboratory processes and infrastructure.
• Co-managed waste flow removal, inventory tracking, safety training, and laboratory administration tasks.

Process and chemical specialist at Salttech BV (2021-07 – 2022-02)

• Performed process simulation calculations for Dynamic Vapor Recovery (DyVaR) technology.
• Prepared, executed, and reported concentration and crystallization bench-scale tests on different brine samples.
• Conducted and analyzed 1-DyVaR pilot-scale tests for performance evaluation.
• Calculated salt precipitation using software based on the Extended UNIQUAC thermodynamic model.
• Provided chemical consultancy to clients.

Project intern at Centre of expertise water technology (CEW) (2020-09 – 2021-02)

Master thesis in the optimization of an electrocoagulation-flotation device for the treatment of toilet water onboard ships.

• Investigated and optimized process conditions to improve performance and efficiency.
• Researched and analyzed European and Dutch wastewater legislation for regulatory compliance.
• Conducted technical analyses to characterize key wastewater parameters and treatment requirements.

Regulatory affairs assistant (Internship) at Tàndem HSE, S.L (2019-01 – 2019-07)

• Advised customers on CLP regulations and GHS implementation strategies.
• Developed safety data sheets (SDS) in compliance with European Regulation No. 2015/830 (REACH).
• Submitted product notifications to the Spanish INTCF (National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Science).
• Created technical reports on product packaging, labelling, and marketing compliance for clients.
• Conducted SEVESO impact studies to support serious accident prevention planning.
• Developed R&D projects involving drug precursors, explosives, medical devices, and pharmaceutical products.
• Authored web content on cosmetic regulations and Brexit-related impacts on chemical product commercialization.

Psicochemical laboratory technician (Internship) at Calitec lab S.L (2018-05 – 2018-08)

• Prepared food samples for chemical and nutritional analysis.
• Performed physicochemical tests to measure protein, fat, ash, moisture, and salt levels in agricultural-food samples.
• Conducted wastewater analysis using the Kjeldahl method to determine nitrogen content.

Master in Environmental Engineering – University of Barcelona (2019-09 – 2021-02)

Bachelor in Chemistry – University of Barcelona (2011-09 – 2018-06)