hannah schweizer

As research fellow I was responsible for the cultivation of lentivirus transduced cells for the production of a protein important for liver regerneration as an own project. Furthermore I established protocols for the immunohistochemical identification of the protein and the functional production activity of the cells using ELISA and (q)PCR including DNA and RNA isolation.

I established nonparenchymal liver cells for PRIMACYT Cell Culture Technology GmbH including the isolation, purification and cultivation of the cells. Additionally I characterized the isolated cells regarding their morphology and biochemical function using immunocytochemical staining procedures, ELISA and other functional assays.

My work at Microcoat Biotechnologie GmbH contained the cloning and expression of two proteins in prokaryotic and eukaryotic host systems including subsequent purification via chromatographic methods. Furthermore, basic techniques like electrophoresis, PCR, cell culturing etc. were part of the project. My responsibility was the development of an assay for the determination of biomarkers and its optimization.

I am responsible for the cell line development of several different generica products such as antibodies and hormones. Beside the transfection of mammalian cell lines (CHO), I work on the development of high producer clones and the optimization of culture conditions such as medium composition or culture parameter. Beside small-scale screening studies in culture dishes, the fermentation of certain products was performed as well. Furthermore, one of my responsibilities is the set-up of a QM-System due to my former work experience in GxP-environment. The introduction of a suitable SOP-Reviewing-System and a GMP-conform working routine was part of my daily work. The preparation and leading of audits, the reviewing of client-relevant informations and data and the handling of QA-relevant questions as contact person for QA are also main aspects of my current position.

I am responsible for the validation of diagnostic test kits and assays with parallel and subsequent documentation according to GxP regulations.

I gained a more detailed knowledge in expression systems, cell culture technology, enzyme technology as well as biostatistics. Additional practical courses in all of these domains allowed me the application of my knowledge and I gained a detailed view on new methods Furthermore, I acquired further knowledge on current industrial techniques and acquired skills for the handling of typical equipment.

I learned about basic lab work including sterile techniques and analytical methods. Practical courses in molecular biology, genetic engineering and cell culture technology allowed me the acquisition of routine techniques for the cultivation of cells as well as cloning strategies and basic analytical assays. Additionally I could get insight to fermentation, bioprocess development and downstream processing.