Olaf studied chemistry and obtained a PhD in physics at the Free University in Amsterdam. After postdoctoral work in New York City and Amsterdam, he continued his career in industry. Olaf worked for ASML, TNO, as consultant life sciences, and headed the science department for Yakult Netherlands for more than 12 years. Next to this, he acted as Asst. Professor for the Free University in Amsterdam. Since 2025, he is heading research for Ausnutria in The Netherlands. Next to this, he also started as Affiliate Professor at Örebro University, focusing on gut microbiota management in relation to One Health.