Basel Metropolitan Area
I am an RNA biologist translating complex biological mechanisms into small-molecule drug discovery. At Roche, I build cellular platforms that bridge RNA biology and therapeutic screening. My work ranges from CRISPR-engineered disease models and iPSC-derived screening systems to a patented small molecule-inducible gene expression system for cell and gene therapy applications. I am drawn to roles where complex cellular engineering is essential to building the right screening model, and where phenotypic complexity is a feature, not a problem to simplify away.
- Operating at Principal Scientist level in a matrix environment: supervising interns, coordinating cross-functional project teams (biology, HTS, medicinal chemistry), and managing vendor relationships and timelines across parallel workstreams. - Developed and patented a small molecule-controlled gene expression system (risdiplam-inducible) enabling precise, dose-dependent transcriptional regulation in AAV gene therapy and cell therapy applications, from concept to filed patent (WO2024251925A1). - Built and led cellular assay platforms for phenotypic small molecule screening across neuroscience, oncology, infectious disease, and cardiovascular programs in close collaboration with HTS teams; results contributed to multiple published studies. - Led cellular engineering across multiple concurrent programs: CRISPR/Cas9 knock-outs, knock-ins, and inducible expression systems in cell lines and primary cells; served as the go-to resource for complex genetic manipulation strategies within the department. - Led RNA-focused scientific due diligence contributing to a strategic partnership and remained embedded in the ongoing collaboration as the internal RNA biology expert.
The main focus of my PhD has been RNA modifications (m6A methylation of RNA) as well as the piRNA pathway. During my PhD, I employed numerous different methods spanning CRISPR/Cas9 generated mouse models (knock-in and knock-out), cell culture, proteomics, RNA-seq and biochemistry. Together with other members of my group we showed that m6A reader protein YTHDC2 is needed for the regulation of meiosis progression in mouse (Wojtas et al., 2017). In addition, we showed that m6A writer protein METTL16 is essential for the proper mouse development because of the regulation of RNA levels of one essential enzyme (S-adenosylmethionine synthase) (Mendel et al. 2018). Recently, we discovered a novel way of m6A-driven splicing modulation (in reviews). I presented results of these projects during short talks at four international meetings in Europe and in the USA (EMBL, Cold Spring Harbor). List of all publications: https://scholar.google.pl/citations?user=TOR_fIkAAAAJ&hl=pl&oi=ao
Completed an intensive business and start-up development program focused on life science commercialization. As part of a cross-institutional team of engineers and scientists from EPFL, CERN, and the University of Geneva, contributed to the development of a soft surgical tool concept aimed at reducing complications in manipulation of fragile organs. The project was awarded two prizes for the best life science project in the Geneva cohort, including an Innosuisse-funded international study trip and six months of support from GENEUS.CH innovation initiator. Responsibilities spanned market validation (structured interviews with surgeons across multiple specializations and domain experts), financial modelling, and external presentation of results.
The goal of my project was to find novel long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved in oligodendrocyte lineage differentiation and maturation. After 8 month I resigned and moved to the University of Geneva. Techniques: primary neural stem cells culture (neurospheres), immunofluorescence staining, RT-PCR, data analysis
I worked in the Department of Medical Biotechnology headed by Prof. Józef Dulak as a volunteer and later as a Bachelor's and a Master's student for over 4 years. I worked in a collaboration with PhD students and post-doctoral scientists. The focus of my research was studying mechanisms of angiogenesis (creation of new blood vessels) and wound healing, using primary cell lines and mouse models. For my master's thesis I developed a murine wound healing model using miRNA-378 knock-out mouse to study effects of miRNA-378 depletion on wound healing process. Techniques: mouse models, Western Blot, PCR, RT-PCR, histology, ELISA, cell culture, primary cell culture, murine bone marrow isolation