Simon Berner

Project Manager at RAILplus AG

Aarau, Aargau, Switzerland

About

I am an experimental physicist with a sound background in material and surface science. In my current position, I work as a project manager at RAILplus AG on a project related to vehicle-track interaction with the aim to increase overall cost-effectiveness by reducing wear on the different components. Previously, I worked in medical technology on implant materials and surfaces. I was head of research and development at Medicoat AG and worked on plasma sprayed coatings for implants. At Institut Straumann AG I was a team leader in the research department and worked on structural and chemical modifications of surfaces for dental implants. During my PhD (University of Basel) and Postdocs (Uppsala University and University of Zurich) I worked on functional molecular layers (self-assembly, biomimetic catalysis) on various substrates. Inventor/co-inventor of 18 patent applications and author/co-author of 47 peer reviewed publications.

Experience

  • Project Manager at RAILplus AG
    Mar 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 5 mos

    I work on a project related to vehicle-track interaction for meter gauge railways (Systemführerschaft Interaktion Fahrzeug/Fahrweg). The project aims to increase overall cost-effectiveness by reducing wear on both the vehicle and the track system and by adapting and improving maintenance processes. - Project manager of the sub-project knowledge management - Support in coordinating the overall project for vehicle-track interaction

  • Karriereübergang at Career Break
    Sep 2023 - Feb 2024 · 6 mos

    Sabbatical Travelling

  • Head of Research and Development at Medicoat AG
    Feb 2018 - Aug 2023 · 5 yrs 7 mos

    Research and development on plasma spraying and plasma sprayed coatings for implants. - Head of the department Research and Development, member of the executive board - Personnel and technical management of the R&D team - Responsible for the project portfolio of research and development projects on new coatings and technologies - Project management and coordination of projects with internal and industrial customers and academic partners - Responsible for processes in the R&D department such as development, innovation, validation and qualification process - Technical support of the business units and other departments (system engineering, medical coating, powder department, laboratory, quality management)

  • Straumann ()
    • Head of Surfaces Research
      Jun 2013 - Jan 2018 · 4 yrs 8 mos

      Team leader in the research department. Responsible for the chemistry laboratory and research on implant materials and surfaces. Project leader and coordination of internal research projects as well as projects with external industrial and academic partners. Technology scouting in the field of surfaces for dental implants. Support of various departments, e.g. development, production, regulatory affairs, and medical marketing.

    • Project Scientist
      Dec 2007 - May 2013 · 5 yrs 6 mos

      Project leader and coordination of internal research projects as well as projects with external industrial and academic partners. Support of various departments, e.g. development, production, regulatory affairs, and medical marketing.

  • Postdoc at University of Zurich
    Aug 2005 - Nov 2007 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    Researcher (Postdoc, Department of Physics) in the European project called NanoMesh: Boron Nitride Nanomesh as a scaffold for nanocatalysts and functional surfaces. Research in the field of surface physics and surface chemistry. Responsible for planning and execution of experiments. In charge of a multi-chamber ultra-high vacuum system with its different preparation and characterization facilities. Responsible for the evaluation and implementation of a new variable temperature scanning tunneling microscope. Supervision/co-supervision of bachelor and master students. Assistance of PhD students.