Adobe Illustrator
Francesca Bruno
PhD
Jena
Summary
Passionate about innovation and problem-solving, with extensive experience in cellular and neurobiology, as well as drug development, gained through international work in Europe and the USA. I have a strong track record of quickly assessing research environments, identifying critical gaps, and implementing effective solutions. I thrive in cross-functional, global teams, bringing adaptability and a hands-on approach to advancing scientific knowledge and improving drive meaningful progress in science and medicine.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
5
5
Languages
Work History
Post Doctoral Researcher
Fritz Lipmann Institute-Leibniz Institute on Aging
Jena
2 2024 - Current
- Super-resolution microscopy for live imaging to study defects in the secretory pathway and their contribution to the development of microcephaly.
- Developed and optimized in-utero electroporation protocols to study neuronal development and migration in vivo.
- Utilized molecular docking and high-throughput screening techniques to identify potential small-molecule modulators of protein interactions and pathways relevant to cellular and neurobiological functions
PhD Candidate
Fritz Lipmann Institute-Leibniz Institute on Aging under Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA)-ITN
Jena
02.2020 - 02.2024
- Part of SAND (Secretion Autophagy and the Role in Neurodegeneration), a MSCA Innovative Training Network (ITN). I proactively established and managed collaborations with several laboratories across the ITN to execute and advance the research project's success.
- Clarified the role of the protein YIPF5 in the secretory pathway and its connection to microcephaly.
- Established and optimized protocols for secretome and surfaceome proteomics analysis.
- Identified a novel interactor of YIPF5 using co-immunoprecipitation and validated the interaction with super-resolution microscopy.
Visiting Researcher
Utrecht University- Ginny Farias´s lab
11.2022 - 12.2022
- Acquired expertise in live imaging techniques with rat neuron cultures to investigate lysosome dynamics
- Conducted knockdown experiments on the target protein (YIPF5) to investigate its influence on primary neurons.
Visiting Researcher
Université Libre de Bruxelles - Miriam Cnop´s lab
09.2021 - 10.2021
- Gained expertise in reprogramming induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) into neurons.
- Improved the research team's efficiency by training them in intracellular trafficking assays, specifically the vesicular stomatitis virus G protein transport assay (VSVG).
Research Assistant
IFOM-the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology
09.2019 - 12.2019
- Investigated DNA damage mechanisms using the Xenopus Laevis model
- Developed molecular biology skills through techniques such as RT-PCR and high-throughput screening
Master Thesis Internship
Brown University
Providence
06.2018 - 12.2018
- Developed CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) strategies to control cellular senescence epigenetically.
Bachelor Thesis Internship
Hospital ARNAS Civico
03.2015 - 09.2015
- I cultivated specialized skills in multiparametric flow cytometry at the Oncology and Hematology Laboratory.
Education
Ph.D. - Cellular Biology
Fritz Lipmann Institute-Leibniz Institute On Aging
Jena 05.2020 - 10.2024
Master Degree - Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna
Bologna 10.2016 - 03.2019
Bachelor Degree - Biotechnology
University of Palermo
Palermo 12.2012 - 10.2016
Skills
Project Management
Data analysis
Experimental design
Time management
Problem solving
Leadership
Teamwork
Presentation design
Public speaking
Travel flexibility
Scientific writing
Adaptability
Grant Writing and Acquisition
Technical Training and Mentorship
Websites
Software
R
Prism
Microsoft Office 365
Adobe Photoshop
Pymol
Awards
European Molecular Biology Organization EMBO Scientific Exchange Grant, 9201
Certification
Felasa B
Accomplishments
- PhD Student representative: Demonstrated leadership while fostering community engagement and organizing events.
- Developed New Protocol: Enhanced neuronal migration study protocols by 25%, improving lab efficiency.
- Identified Drug Targets: Identified two novel binding pockets for drug candidates using high-throughput screening.
- Secured Research Funding: Obtained EMBO grant, securing €5000 for research exchange program.
- Trained Research Team: Led training initiative, increasing lab proficiency in trafficking assays by 40%.
- Conference Speaker: Invited speaker at several international conferences in last three years.
Timeline
Visiting Researcher
Utrecht University- Ginny Farias´s lab
11.2022 - 12.2022
Visiting Researcher
Université Libre de Bruxelles - Miriam Cnop´s lab
09.2021 - 10.2021
Felasa B
07-2020
Ph.D. - Cellular Biology
Fritz Lipmann Institute-Leibniz Institute On Aging
05.2020 - 10.2024
PhD Candidate
Fritz Lipmann Institute-Leibniz Institute on Aging under Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA)-ITN
02.2020 - 02.2024
Research Assistant
IFOM-the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology
09.2019 - 12.2019
Master Thesis Internship
Brown University
06.2018 - 12.2018
Master Degree - Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna
10.2016 - 03.2019
Bachelor Thesis Internship
Hospital ARNAS Civico
03.2015 - 09.2015
Bachelor Degree - Biotechnology
University of Palermo
12.2012 - 10.2016
Post Doctoral Researcher
Fritz Lipmann Institute-Leibniz Institute on Aging
2 2024 - Current
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