2025/03 – 2025/06
Postdoc (international)
UVA – University of Virginia (USA), Griffin Lab (Biomedical Engineering)
Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Worked in an international academic team
- Conducted independent research in tissue engineering
About
I am a scientist and project lead with a PhD in Chemical Process Engineering and a background in Biotechnology. My work combines scientific expertise with structured project management and team leadership in interdisciplinary environments.
Throughout my academic career, I have worked at the interface of biotechnology and engineering, with a focus on microfluidics, hydrogels and biomaterials, tissue engineering, and cell-based systems. What originally sparked my interest in biomedical questions has remained a consistent driver throughout my work. During my PhD at RWTH Aachen University, Germany, I managed multiple research projects, including budget and resource planning, and contributed to industrial collaborations, working with cross-functional stakeholders. I led teams of up to six PhD researchers, coordinated a research group of 20 scientists, and line-managed, mentored and developed over 40 students while ensuring structured and efficient laboratory operations. I particularly enjoyed leading and mentoring others: supporting their development, creating clarity in complex situations, and building an environment where teams can work in a focused and reliable way. Alongside my research, I developed strong capabilities in SOP development, documentation, and working in structured, quality driven environments. This is complemented by formal training in GMP principles and certification as a Six Sigma Green Belt. Following my PhD, I gained international experience as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Virginia, USA, working in an interdisciplinary biomedical engineering environment. I am particularly known for my structured way of working, attention to detail, and clear communication, and I am motivated by creating reliable environments that enable both high-quality results and effective team performance.
SKILLS
Empowering
Team leadership
Lab operations
Resource planning
Budget ownership
Procurement coordination
Facilitation
Presentations
Structured
Project coordination
Process optimisation
Stakeholder management
Prioritisation
MS Office
Quality-driven
Quality assurance
SOPs
GMP fundamentals
Documentation
Reporting
Laboratory standards
Analytical
Data analysis
Process analysis
Problem solving
Technical writing
Digital mindset
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2020/06 – 2025/06
Research Associate & Project Lead
RWTH Aachen University, Chair of Chemical Process Engineering
Aachen, Germany
- Led a DFG-funded project (4 years, €100,000 annual budget), including timeline, resource, and budget planning
- Managed an industry collaboration (1.5 years)
- Led a project group of 6 Ph.D. candidates within the TriggerINK project (1 year)
- Coordinated a research group (20 Ph.D. candidates, 1.5 years)
- Organised and coordinated daily lab operations for around 10 active users, including equipment ownership and sample management (5 years)
- Line-managed more than 40 students
- Supported and delivered university teaching (4 years)
- Managed around 3–5 projects in parallel and prioritised tasks efficiently
- Coordinated internal and external project stakeholders
2018/03 – 2020/02
Student Assistant
DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials
Aachen, Germany
- Gained practical experience in interdisciplinary laboratory environments
- Conducted microfluidic experiments and cell culture work
EDUCATION
2020/06 – 2025/04
Ph.D. (Dr.-Ing.), summa cum laude
RWTH Aachen University
Aachen, Germany
in Chemical Process Engineering
Dissertation: Tailoring the Characteristics of Complex-Shaped Microgels
- Developed microfluidic fabrication methods for novel hydrogels
- Established structured workflows, documentation, and SOP standards
- Published 6 peer-reviewed papers and presented them at conferences
2018/04 – 2020/03
Master of Science, Grade: 1.3 with distinction
RWTH Aachen University
Aachen, Germany
in Molecular and Applied Biotechnology
2014/09 – 2018/03
Bachelor of Science, Grade: 1.4
RWTH Aachen University
Aachen, Germany
in Molecular and Applied Biotechnology
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Certifications
GMP Specialist
Six Sigma Green Belt
Trainings
Communication & Team Development
Leadership
LANGUAGES
English
Fluent (C1)
German
Native