About the Founder
Dr Maré Vlok
Biochemist, proteomics specialist and founder of Trace Labs, with more than 20 years of experience in protein chemistry and LC-MS.
- PhD in BiochemistryStellenbosch University
- Founded Trace Labs2024, Cape Town
Maré earned his PhD in Biochemistry at Stellenbosch University, where his passion for the intricate world of proteins began.
Since then he has spent nearly two decades running proteomics facilities and complex analyses for researchers across many disciplines. That experience made him a go-to professional for cutting-edge proteomics research in South Africa.
In late 2024 he founded Trace Labs, where he works independently in biochemistry, proteomics, and LC-MS data acquisition and analysis.
Career
Experience
From lecturing to running national proteomics platforms.
-
2026 - Present
Expert Research Fellow, Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University
Expanding proteomics and protein chemistry capability at the university, alongside his work at Trace Labs.
-
2024 - Present
Founder and Principal Scientist, Trace Labs
Independent biochemistry, proteomics and LC-MS services for academic, industry and biomedical clients.
-
2014 - 2024
Senior Analyst, Central Analytical Facility (CAF), Stellenbosch University
Managed the Proteomics lab independently and ran complex proteomic analyses for researchers across the university and beyond.
-
2007 - 2014
Proteomics Platform Manager, Centre for Proteomic and Genomic Research (CPGR)
Oversaw advanced proteomic projects and collaborated with researchers across a range of disciplines.
-
2005 - 2006
Lecturer and Co-supervisor, Stellenbosch University
Taught and co-supervised biochemistry students while completing his PhD.
Research Record
Published and Widely Cited
Maré's H-index of 15 means 15 of his papers have each been cited at least 15 times. It measures both how much a researcher publishes and how much that work is used by others in the field.
- 27Peer-reviewed publications
- 12,000+Reads
- 1,500+Citations
- 15H-index
The Name
Why "Trace" Labs
When a sample passes through a mass spectrometer, the ion current is displayed as a trace. To Maré, that trace is more than data. It is a picture of the invisible compounds he works to uncover.
The name also stands for detecting even the smallest amounts of a compound, and for the attention to detail and precision that every project needs.
Trace Labs grew out of a gap Maré saw in the market. As an analyst at Stellenbosch University, he saw that researchers and industry needed one provider who could advise, analyse and deliver world-class results. Encouraged by his clients, he left the university to build that service himself.
Outside the Lab
Beyond Proteomics
Maré lives in Cape Town with his wife, Claire, whom he met on campus a decade ago, their baby boy and their two dogs.
In his free time he's an avid DIY enthusiast, with a particular love of electronics and network tinkering. Their home now runs entirely on Google devices, which says a lot about his knack for efficiency and practicality.
Work With Maré
Whether you need a single analysis or support across a whole study, start with a conversation about your samples and goals.