Reinach, Basel-Country, Switzerland
Scientific leader and high-throughput technology expert with over 15 years of experience in DNA damage repair, synthetic lethality, and high-throughput functional screening. Deep expertise in oncology-focused assay development and advanced imaging analytics. Experience with screening biologics, small molecules and functional genetics. Proven track record in building and leading cross-functional teams, establishing lab automation workflows, and delivering impactful data to guide antibody-based drug discovery.
OTR lead for RadioLigand Therapies
The general responsibilities of this position are: • Develop CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic screen aimed to identify novel biomarkers for both BRCA mutant tumors and/or PARP inhibitor sensitivity/resistance mechanisms • Design and perform drug screens to identify novel treatment strategies in BRCA mutant and other tumor mutated genes (including co-culture systems) • Lead junior researchers in the lab, guiding experimental design, data analysis and laboratory best practices • Develop and maintain industry and academic collaborations • Grant writing and review, project review and publication of scientific papers
During my postdoctoral work in the laboratory of Dr. Emmanuelle Passegué I studied how hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) maintain blood homeostasis through the lifetime of an organism and in the context of genomic insults. In my early postdoctoral career, I investigated the role replication stress plays in driving HSC aging. Subsequently, I identified that HSCs rely on specific genome stability mechanisms that, when perturbed by genetic mutations, lead to chromosomal translocations that can drive blood malignancies. In addition, I am leading a joint laboratory effort to determine whether systemic factors can rejuvenate old HSCs through parabiosis.
I conducted my doctoral training at the NKI where I studied cancer development as a consequence of Fanconi anemia (FA). This rare congenital disorder causes early onset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and bone marrow failure in children. My thesis work contributed to the discovery of novel genes in the FA pathway, and identified a new tumor suppressor gene: Fancm. Moreover, my thesis work resulted in my desire to work further in cancer stem cell biology, especially in the blood system.