Maja Starostecka Email & Phone Number

Copenhagen, Capital Region Of Denmark, Denmark

Minerva Imaging is a CRO and CDMO specializing in advanced oncology models and molecular imaging, driving translational cancer research and drug development, particularly in the field of radioligand therapies. I am a scientist in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology focused on in vitro assays with radiolabeled compounds.

Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

- Independently managed a PhD project involving complex experimental design and data analysis (multi-disciplinary research on drug resistance, structural variants and mutational signatures in breast cancer)- Demonstrated strong time and organizational skills by efficiently contributing to 3 additional collaborative projects with scientists from different institutes- Wrote progress reports, and prepared presentations (for lab and unit seminars)- Presented at 2 international conferences (posters) and co-organized the 2019 EMBL PhD symposium with over 150 participants (responsible for securing sponsorships)Technical skills:- Single-cell methods: library preparation for Strand-seq, scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, data analysis- Cell culture: 3D organoids, non-transformed and cancer cell lines, isolation and culture of primary cells, drug testing (cytotoxicity assays)- Molecular biology methods: RNA and DNA extraction (in RNA/DNA-free environment) and library preparation, real-time qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry- Advanced experience with Office package and creating high-quality figures using R and Adobe IllustratorGroup of Prof. Dr. Jan Korbel, Genome Biology Unit

Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

- Conducted research on a novel genome engineering tool with CRISPR/Cas12a in fruit fly (Drosophila), resulting in co-authoring a peer-reviewed article (co-first author, PMID: 32843348). This new genome editing approach is now widely adopted and cited by other researchers- Gained extensive training in molecular biology techniques and analytical skillsTechnical skills:- Culture of fruit fly (Drosophila) and maintenance of stocks- Molecular biology methods: genome engineering (CRISPR/Cas12a), RNA and DNA extraction (in RNA/DNA-free environment), PCR genotyping, molecular cloning with restriction enzymes, vector design, immunofluorescenceGroup of Prof. Dr. Michael Boutros, Signaling and Functional Genomics

Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

- Contributed to a study on a new method for the detection of off-targets of genome editing (after TALEN or CRISPR/Cas9)Technical skills:- Molecular biology methods: genome engineering (CRISPR/Cas9), detection of off-targets, RNA and DNA extraction (in RNA/DNA-free environment), PCR genotyping, vector designGroup of Dr. Manfred Schmidt, Molecular and Gene Therapy

Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

- Performed experiments to characterize novel molecular causes of liver fibrosis (semaphorins-mediated) and analyzed the results. These findings are included in a peer-reviewed study in which I am a co-author (PMID: 37055018)- Prepared updates and regularly shared the results with the supervisor and other lab membersTechnical skills:- Cell culture: non-transformed and cancer cell lines- Molecular biology methods: RNA and DNA extraction (in RNA/DNA-free environment), real-time qRT-PCR, SDS-PAGE, Western blotGroup of Prof. Dr. Andreas Fischer, Vascular Signaling and Cancer

Wrocław, Dolnośląskie, Poland

- Researched a new approach to overcoming drug resistance in colon cancer by applying vitamin D analogs- Developed a strong foundation in cell culture, high-throughput drug testing, molecular biology techniques, and data analysis- Awarded a scholarship for the duration of the studies funded by the University dean for top-performing studentsTechnical skills:- Cell culture: cancer cell lines, generation of drug-resistant clones, drug testing (high-throughput cytotoxicity assays)- Molecular biology methods: SDS-PAGE, Western blotGroup of Prof. Dr. Joanna Wietrzyk, Department of Experimental Oncology

Oslo, Norway

- Arranged and secured external funding for a scientific internship at the Institute of Cancer Research (the EEA grant)- Performed experiments to characterize newly synthesized cytotoxic FGF2-conjugates as potential targeted therapy for cancer patients, and analyzed the results- Prepared data summaries in the forms of presentations and written reportsTechnical skills:- Cell culture: cancer cell lines- Molecular biology methods: RNA extraction (in RNA-free environment), real-time qRT-PCR, SDS-PAGE, Western blotGroup of Prof. Dr. Harald Stenmark (project with a group of Prof. Dr. Antoni Wiedlocha), Department of Molecular Cell Biology

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Molecular Genetics

Final grade: 1.1 (magna cum laude) As a part of EMBL International PhD Program Doctoral dissertation entitled: "Characterization.

Master Of Science - Ms, Molecular Biosciences With Major In Cancer Biology

Final grade: 1.2 (very good) Major Cancer Biology within the International Master Program 'Molecular Biosciences' in collaboration.

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Biotechnology

Final grade: 5/5.5 (very good) Bachelor's thesis entitled: "Influence of vitamin D analogs on the antitumor activity of 5-FU against 5-FU.