Pascale Smolka

Research Internship bei Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS)

Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

About

I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Molecular Biotechnology (M.Sc.) at Heidelberg University, specializing in bioinformatics. My academic journey has been shaped by a strong focus on bioinformatics and proteomics, starting from my advanced coursework during my Bachelor's studies. For my Bachelor’s thesis at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Bonn, I investigated the impact of amyloid aggregates in various conditions on mitochondrial protein import. This experience deepened my knowledge of molecular mechanisms and enhanced my technical and analytical skills, preparing me for complex research challenges in biotechnology. I’m eager to connect with professionals in the industry and academia and explore opportunities to grow.

Experience

  • Research Internship at Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS)
    Jun 2026 - Present · 1 mo

    Investigation of the nucleation process of microtubules via Brownian dynamics simulations using SDA

  • Research Internship at University of Oxford
    Feb 2026 - May 2026 · 4 mos

    Investigation of a scTranscriptomics dataset in R regarding cell compositional differences, DEGs and pathways regarding progressive multifocal encephalopathy (PML). Clonal occupancy was investigated using TCR data.

  • Research Internship at Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg (UKHD)
    Sep 2025 - Dec 2025 · 4 mos

    Prof. Dr. Stephan Urban Lab, Centre for Integrative Infectious Disease The primary objective was to investigate the established paradigm that the hepatitis D virus particle assembly is strictly dependant on ADAR1-mediated RNA editing. By using an ADAR-knockout model, this research aimed to investigate whether the large delta antigen can be generated through spontaneous mutation in the absence of ADAR and thereby facilitate HBsAG binding and virion assembly. In this context NGS data was generated and the time-resolved intracellular HDV RNA and extracellular RNA release was investigated as well as the role of the JAK/STAT pathway and interferon 𝛼.

  • Research Internship at DKFZ Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum
    Mar 2025 - Jul 2025 · 5 mos

    Working on DeepRVAT, a deep learning–based pipeline for rare variant association testing and phenotype prediction. Focused on implementing and extending the association testing module.

  • Event-Service at A&B events GmbH
    Sep 2023 - Oct 2024 · 1 yr 2 mos