Mounia Benbelkacem

PhD in Biotechnology Docteur en Biotechnologie

Algeria

About

Translational biomedical scientist with experience spanning scientific research, pharmaceutical engagement, scientific communication, grant development, and knowledge mobilization. My expertise is rooted in translational oncology research, with a PhD focused on oral squamous cell carcinoma and innovative combination therapeutic strategies. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a passion for connecting science, people, and opportunities to advance healthcare impact. Whether mentoring students, coordinating multidisciplinary research activities, securing resources for scientific projects, or communicating complex evidence to diverse audiences, I enjoy building bridges between research, clinical practice, industry, and healthcare stakeholders. Recognized through peer-reviewed publications, international conference presentations across North America and Europe, and awards from AACR, EACR, and the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Coalition, I am committed to translating scientific evidence into meaningful outcomes for patients, healthcare professionals, healthcare systems, and evidence-informed decision-making. I am particularly interested in opportunities that combine scientific leadership, knowledge translation, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-informed decision-making across academic, healthcare, public health, and industry settings.

Experience

  • PhD researcher, Biotechnology and molecular pathologies at University of science and technology Houari Boumediene, USTHB
    Sep 2018 - May 2025 · 6 yrs 9 mos

    PhD with distinction 🔵 Upper aerodigestif tract carcinogenesis / Oral tumors and its pharmacological modulation, Triple therapy combination strategy/ molecular targeting and experimental design: Led the development of a novel triple-combination therapeutic strategy that achieved approximately 90% tumor growth inhibition in preclinical head and neck cancer models. 🔸9 communications/presentation in international Congres ( USA, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, France, Serbia, Qatar). 🔸6 presentations in national conferences. 🔸 3 Award winner: USA ( AACR, Teen Cancer America-AYA Coalition) and Europe ( EACR) 🔸 Supervised the internship of master degree students 🔸 2 international articles published ( Free Radical biology and medecine IF: 8.2 / The cancer researcher ) 🔸Grants and funding acquisition

  • Scientific Procurement Coordinator (PhD Period) at USTHB
    Jan 2018 - Apr 2025 · 7 yrs 4 mos

    -Awards and Grants Writing & Funding Acquisition -Managed sourcing and procurement of laboratory reagents, consumables, and research materials for translational oncology projects of the team -Coordinated purchase requests, quotations, and supplier communications with international scientific vendors including Thermo Fisher Scientific and Sigma-Aldrich Merck -Supported laboratory purchasing workflows, order tracking, and inventory coordination to ensure continuity of experimental activities -Assisted research team in identifying appropriate reagents and laboratory resources for preclinical studies

  • Sessional Lecturer at USTHB and University Algiers 1
    Sep 2016 - Apr 2025 · 8 yrs 8 mos

    •Designed and implemented directed and practical work plans and course content. •Co-supervised a Master’s thesis and mentored undergraduate students academically. •Taught Virology, immunology, biochemistry, cell biology, scientific and technical English and communication to life sciences students. •Managed classroom dynamics and fostered student engagement and success.

  • Marketing and sales coordinator at AstraZeneca
    2015 - 2016 · 1 yr

    ·        Supported cross functional coordination between scientific, medical, and commercial teams ·        Assisted in preparation and structuring of scientific communication materials for healthcare professionals and organization of congresses, meetings and workshops ·        Gained exposure to pharmaceutical communication processes, stakeholder engagement, and market dynamics ·        Contributed to structured dissemination of scientific and product-related information in regulated environments

  • Healthcare Promotion Representative (Pharmaceutical) at Sanofi
    Jul 2013 - Sep 2015 · 2 yrs 3 mos

    -Engaged pharmacists and healthcare professionals to communicate product information and educational messages -Supported field-based product awareness and healthcare engagement initiatives -Built and maintained professional relationships within pharmacy and healthcare environments -Contributed to patient-focused communication and healthcare education support activities