Eric Juskewitz

Target Validation Design and implement experiments to validate bacterial targets for early-stage antimicrobial development. Use a range of in vitro methods to assess biological relevance and support target prioritization Assay Development Develop and optimize microbiological and biochemical assays to evaluate compound efficacy and mechanism of action. Ensure assays are robust, reproducible, and suitable for high-throughput screening. Data Analysis with R/Python Leverage R/Python to process, analyze, and visualize experimental data. Build reproducible workflows aligned with FAIR principles and support data-driven decision-making across project teams.

Early Drug Discovery As part of the DigiBiotics project, I contribute to the identification and characterization of novel antibacterial compounds. Primarily using in vitro assays, I evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of over 50 molecules and investigated the mode of action of two lead candidates. R-Based Data Analysis & Visualization Utilized R programming to implement reproducible data workflows, emphasizing FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles. Developed publication-ready figures and visualizations to support both internal research and external communications. Science Communication (Scientific & Public) Actively engage in science outreach through both public speaking and writing. Developed strong storytelling skills tailored to diverse audiences, resulting in a televised science presentation on Norwegian national TV and the publication of several blog articles, including one featured in Nature Careers.

Technical & Analytical Skills Completed an internship in the medical device industry, focusing on formal verification and R&D of regulated products. Contributed to product application processes in compliance with industry standards. Supported root cause analysis, process optimization, and the development and implementation of new standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance quality and reliability.

Research Skills Conducted my MSc thesis in collaboration with the Center for Biosustainability, focusing on ribosomal mutations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from cystic fibrosis patients. Utilized in vitro assays to analyze and characterize bacterial phenotypes. Integrated these findings with proteomic data from Greifswald, resulting in a comprehensive and successful thesis project.

Research Skills Completed a research internship to deepen my practical experience in the life sciences. Maintained and handled eukaryotic cell lines as part of my daily responsibilities. Received training in plasmid proliferation and isolation, CEACAM protein analysis, cell sorting techniques (FACS and MACS), laboratory animal handling, and the isolation of immunological organs from mice. My contributions led to a co-authorship opportunity on a scientific publication.

Research Skills Supported multiple research projects by assisting senior researchers with in vitro experiments. Gained hands-on experience in bacterial cell culture techniques and molecular assays, providing a strong foundation in microbiological lab work. Successfully obtained clearance to work with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) organisms.

Thesis: "Antimicrobial activity and mode of action - Examples from natural products, peptides, and peptidomimetics"

Thesis: “Molecular characterisation of clinical isolates from Pseudomonas aeruginosa” Research skills With the help of general physiological assays and Proteomics I characterized bacterial mutants retrieved from cystic fibrosis patients. I analysed in vitro multiple mutations in the ribosome to figure out, how those bacteria can survive the concurrence and antibiotic stress within the patients. Drive To challenge myself scientifically and on a personal level, I organized an internship at the Novo Nordisk Research centre for Biosustanabillity. There I adapted to the English speaking surroundings, integrated into an international team and had the first chances to prove my independence. Scientific writing In combination with the internship in Denmark, I decided to write my thesis in english.

Thesis: “Characterisation of small RNAs in Staphylococcus aureus.” Research skills Using Transcriptomics to characterize the adaption of bacteria to suffocation stress. Using the whole workflow from sample generation to in vitro analysis with tiling array and RNA-Seq data, I was able to discover multiple putative small noncoding RNAs. Scientific writing To finish my Bachelor I had to hand in my first formal written document. Mentoring Over multiple years I guided and advised freshman through university administration, introducing them to curricula and helped them to settle in. Through the mentorship, I empowered many undergrads and formed connections.