Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Peptidomics scientist with 20+ years in the lab and a specific focus: turning complex human biological samples into characterized bioactive peptide candidates that have a real shot at becoming drugs. My work runs on two offline workflows — multi-step HPLC purification, then high-resolution LC-MS/MS (Orbitrap, MALDI-TOF) — applied to matrices like hemofiltrate, bronchoalveolar lavage, bone marrow, etc. I started in biotech, worked across two continents, and came to Germany through an Alexander von Humboldt fellowship at Hannover Medical School. Since then I've been based at the ULMTec Core Facility at Ulm University, where the research targets endogenous human peptides with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity — including candidates active against CRPA, MRSA, and drug-resistant Candida. Output over the last five years: 40+ publications, and EP4545091A1 (2025). Cumulative record: 70+ peer-reviewed publications, 3 patents (EP4545091A1; WO2016131962A1; US8007776B2, expired 2025). Previous work at Pharis Biotec, a German peptide drug discovery spin-off, covered candidates against HIV, HCV, diphtheria toxin, and MDR bacteria. I'm looking for a scientist or applications scientist role in pharma, biopharma, CRO, or CDMO, primarily in Germany, with openness to Switzerland and Austria. I hold an EU Blue Card and am available to relocate within the region.
Independent scientist leading HPLC-based purification and LC-MS/MS characterization of bioactive peptides from human-derived biological matrices (hemofiltrate, bronchoalveolar lavage, bone marrow, placenta, lung). Project framework: CRC 1279 — Exploiting the Human Peptidome for Novel Antimicrobial and Anticancer Agents. Methods: multi-step orthogonal chromatography (RP-HPLC, SEC, IEX, HIC, affinity) down to sub-milligram active fractions. Analytical characterization by nanoLC-Orbitrap and MALDI-TOF MS (offline), bottom-up sequencing, peptide stability and half-life studies in plasma/serum. Selected outputs: • Endogenous antimicrobial fragments of β2-microglobulin, Angiogenin, and Napsin A • Cystatin C fragment identified as GPR15 ligand (anti-HIV) • Peptide inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 and multidrug-resistant bacteria • Co-inventor on EP4545091A1 (2025): transmembrane serine protease & neutrophil elastase inhibitors • 40+ peer-reviewed publications (J. Chromatogr. B, Nat. Commun., PNAS, Cell. Mol. Life Sci., Adv. Sci.)
Alexander von Humboldt Fellow embedded in an industry-adjacent environment (IPF Pharmaceuticals/Pharis Biotec). Core work: HPLC-based purification and LC-MS characterization of human hemofiltrate peptides screened for antimicrobial and antiviral activity. Key findings: endogenous peptides active against HIV, HCV, diphtheria toxin, Clostridium botulinum C2 toxin, and pathogenic bacteria. Novel peptides acting on voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels from sea anemones. 4 years, 2013–2017. Georg Forster Fellowship, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
Research scientist focused on the discovery and characterization of bioactive peptides from marine organisms, primarily sea anemones. Responsibilities included extraction, chromatographic purification, toxicity assays, and peptidomic/transcriptomic analysis of venom fractions. Introduced pH-gradient ion-exchange chromatography and a novel buffer system (BMpH) for linear gradient generation — both adopted as standard methods in the lab. Discovered seven novel sea anemone peptides acting on ion channels. Led one national and three international research projects. 15 publications, 20 international conferences, 8 international fellowships and travel grants.
Research scientist and chromatography lab manager at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana — a state biotechnology institute with industrial-scale recombinant protein production and an active pharmaceutical pipeline. Responsibilities included designing and executing purification strategies for recombinant proteins (cytokines, fusion proteins, viral/bacterial antigens), human proteins from plasma and leukocytes, and low molecular weight compounds from biological extracts. Provided purification services to internal and external institutes. Managed the Chromatography Lab of the Physical Chemistry Division. Trained and supervised MSc students, graduate students, and technicians. Established purification protocols with improved purity and recovery. 15 publications, 8 international conferences.