Mihaela Anitei

Research Scientist @ Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI)

About

Senior scientist working at the intersection of cell biology and new therapeutic targets. My background is unusual: I trained first as a doctor in dental medicine, then as a cell and molecular biologist, and I've built my career at the interface of clinical questions and molecular answers — what goes wrong inside human cells and what it means for patients. My PhD research focused on myelinating oligodendrocytes — CNS biology relevant to multiple sclerosis. Since then, I've worked on rare neurodevelopmental disease, establishing CRISPR/Cas9 genome-edited iPSC-derived neuronal disease models and identifying 6 novel protein targets through cell-based assay development, optimization, and validation. Along the way:- 15 publications, including in Nature Cell Biology and Cell Reports- More than €1.2 million in competitive research funding secured- More than 40 Master's and PhD students mentored and supervised- Collaborations established across 5 departments and 4 research teams- GCP and GMP certified; Laboratory Animal Science (FELASA cat. B) Core techniques: CRISPR/Cas9 · iPSC-derived neurons · cell-based assay development, optimisation and validation · LC-MS/MS proteomics · confocal and high-throughput microscopy · quantitative image analysis I'm now looking to bring this into industry — in preclinical and translational research or as a Medical Science Liaison — anywhere deep science connects directly to patients and the pipeline. Based in Jena, Germany; open to roles across Germany and wider Europe. Languages: Romanian (native), English (fluent), German (working knowledge), French (working knowledge), Italian (basic), Portuguese (basic). Always glad to talk about iPSC disease models, trafficking biology, or the route from clinic to bench and back. Do connect. Wissenschaftlerin (PhD, Zahnärztin): Zellbiologie, Molekularbiologie, Assay-Entwicklung, Mikroskopie und Bildanalyse, iPSC-Modelle, Seltene Erkrankungen.

Country

Germany

City

Jena

Industry

Biotechnology

Skill

Field application scientist, Medical Affairs, Cell Biology, CRISPR-CAS9, Ipsc, Assay Development, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Molecular & Cellular Biology, Stem Cell Research, Gene Editing, Cell Culture, Project Management, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Data Analysis, Statistics, Molecular Biology, Rare Diseases, Neuroscience, Target Identification, Target Validation

Experience

Research Scientist

Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI)

2019 - Present · 7 yrs

Jena

Target identification and validation in rare neurodevelopmental disease, focusing on the microcephaly-associated protein IER3IP1. - Established CRISPR/Cas9 genome-edited iPSC-derived neuronal models and identified 6 novel protein targets through cell-based assay development and validation - Designed and validated high-content imaging assays that identified a selective ER-to-Golgi transport defect as the underlying disease mechanism; published as first author - Performed subcellular proteome isolation and LC-MS/MS multi-omics analysis to prioritize protein targets - Coordinated collaboration across 4 research teams spanning bioinformatics, mass spectrometry, and imaging - Drove grant-writing initiatives that secured more than €200,000 in competitive research funding Key skills: CRISPR/Cas9 · iPSC · Proteomics · Target Identification · Confocal Microscopy · Immunohistochemistry

Research Associate

University of Basel

2018 - 2018

Basel, Switzerland

Established neuronal models to study protein trafficking in C. elegans. Led project design, data analysis, and interpretation of experimental results. Presented findings and facilitated communication with international collaborators.

Research Scientist, Coordinator and Supervisor

BIOTEC, TU Dresden

2006 - 2018 · 12 yrs

Greater Dresden Area

Characterization of protein candidates and pathways in neuronal development and lysosome biology. - Instructed, supervised, and mentored more than 40 Master's and PhD students - Fostered 5 cross-departmental collaborations spanning bioinformatics, mass spectrometry, and high-throughput screening - Led 4+ multidisciplinary projects, including the design, optimization, and interpretation of complex datasets, resulting in first-author publications in Nature Cell Biology (2010) and Cell Reports (2017) - As part of the group's coordinator/supervisor responsibilities, helped secure more than €1,000,000 in competitive research funding through grant proposals - Contributed to 6 successful DFG grant applications Key skills: Membrane Trafficking · Confocal Microscopy · Protein Biochemistry · Scientific Project Leadership · Mentoring