Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Research Strengths
Timeline
Generic

Sofia Theodorou

Zurich

Summary

Analytical chemist with background in molecular biology and drug discovery, pharmaceutical sciences, and environmental science. Possesses a diverse skill set that includes strong knowledge in method development, in chromatography, mass spectrometry with ESI or MALDI source. Skilled in organizational leadership, effective management, strategic planning, and collaborative teamwork, while demonstrating a strong sense of independence and responsibility Actively seeking an opportunity to advance her career.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Associate Researcher, Department of Cell Biology

Medical School, Harvard University
2022.10 - 2023.08
  • Applying TMT quantification in proteomics and employing separation science (nLC) to study and explore changes expressed in the entire proteome associated with specific cancer or neurodegenerative diseases, leading to enhanced insights into the underlying mechanisms of these conditions. Protein ID, biomarker discovery and absolute quantification.
  • Maintained and operated the mass spectrometry and HPLC instrumentation: LTQ-Orbitrap Exploris 480 and Easy nanoLC.
  • Crafted precision chromatography columns, tips, and packing materials, thereby enhancing the reliability of analytical processes.
  • Contributed to an industrial-scale cell culture facility, infecting 40 cultures weekly with custom-engineered viruses. Ensured rigorous sterilization protocols were followed, maintaining aseptic conditions for optimal cell growth.
  • Collaborated with research groups in HMS to run proteomics experiments.
  • Wrote, reviewed and improved proteomics standard operating procedures for the core service lab.

Assistant Researcher, Bioanalytic Automatation Lab

Nestlé Health Science
2020.05 - 2020.08


  • Developed and optimized an analytical method with QqQ (Waters) to achieve separation of the glutathione analyte from the human plasma. Tested analytical columns and buffers. Developed an MRM strategy for analyte quantification, within a strict GLP-compliant environment.
  • Developed an R code to conduct data analysis, focusing on identifying disparities between two instrumental methods and offering data-driven solutions.

LIMS

  • Design and implement data management protocols and standards.
  • Oversee the input and validation of laboratory data into the LIMS.
  • Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and security.
  • Customized LIMS features and modules to align with evolving laboratory needs.
  • Collaborated with software developers to create custom solutions.

Supervising activities:

  • Supervised and trained an intern.
  • Created successful train and work schedule to maintain deadlines .
  • Mentored newly hired interns on operating equipment and safety and developed training manual to use for reference.

Assistant Researcher

Institute Of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zürich
2018.03 - 2020.02
  • Developed of real single-cell proteomics analytical method using bench-on-a-chip technology.
  • Analytically benchmarked (linearity, precision, accuracy and robustness) a microchip device for limited sample input down to single cell, developed for rare cancers and brain diseases.
  • Assisted in the development and benchmarking of a reliable clinical diagnosis using Evosep chromatography and IM-q-TOF-diaPASEF for chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients at different stages.
  • Operated and maintained an IM-q-TOF (timsTOF pro I, Bruker) and a nanoLC (nanoElute, Bruker).
  • Applied a state-of-the-art statistical modeling in R and run statistical tests for targeted proteomics (TRIC for openSWATH) on large biomedical datasets, enabling evaluation of experimental procedures and identification of biomarkers.
  • Managed end-to-end logistics, including budget oversight, with a weekly budget sometimes reaching up to 50,000 CHF.
  • Collaborated with multiple academic institutions and industry partners in daily basis, to advance the projects.
  • Developed visual content of highly complex scientific topics and represented the team at multiple conferences, showcasing our work and building relations with the academic and industrial community.

Internship Trainer

Department Of Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes For Biomedical Research
2017.06 - 2017.08
  • Developed and validated qualitative and quantitative imaging mass spectrometry methods on UltraflexTreme and Sciex 5800 with MALDI source to investigate their molecular toxicity.
  • Screened matrices for the imaging, developed the matrix application method HTX TM-Sprayer, sectioned with high accuracy the frozen samples, performed histologies and data analysis.
  • Participated in the single cell metabolite project, that utilized a Majusima tip as the ionization source within a custom-made Sciex 5500 mass spectrometer. Identified, structurally elucidated, and successfully removed contamination, significantly enhancing the sensitivity of the method.
  • Initiated, secured funding for, planned, and successfully managed a seminar at Stockholm University, with a full-house attendance of over 60 participants, achieving a commendable 100% participation rate. The seminar was followed by a well-received apéro event.

Education

Advanced Coursework - R Advanced Statistical Analysis And Visualization

Södertörn University
Stockholm, Sweden
06.2020

Master of Science - Analytical Chemistry

Stockholm University
Stockholm, Sweden
2019

Master Thesis - Proteomics & Mass Spectrometry

ETH Zürich
Zürich, Switzerland
2018

Master of Science - Environmental Chemistry & Toxicology

Stockholm University
Stockholm, Sweden
2018

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science

Aegean University
Lesvos, Greece
2013

Skills

  • Advanced chemical research
  • Broad knowledge in analytical instrumentation specially mass spectrometry
  • Knowledge in proteomics and metabolomics
  • Fluent in English and Greek
  • Intermediate in Italian
  • Beginner in German
  • Administrative management
  • Collaborative with high sense of independency
  • Goal setting and implementation
  • Communication and educational skills

Accomplishments

  • Developed and implemented an HPLC-MS/MS methodology to separate and quantify glutathione and its adducts.
  • Developed, validated, and applied analytical methods for use in pharmacy, environmental science, food and water science.
  • Developed a microproteomic sample preparation method for biomarker discovery and quantitation, utilizing label-free proteomics and DIA-MS. Applied this method to investigate cellular changes in the yeast proteome exposed to light in live fluorescence microscopy, resulting in the discovery of 25 biomarkers and the distinction of light toxicity based on the wavelength.
  • Conducted and contributed in research related to the development of a single cell proteomics methodology including capturing a single HeLa cell, releasing proteins, performing sample preparation with enzymatic digestion to peptides all, on a single nanodevice, and then analyzing the content using nLC-DIA-MS on an Orbitrap Lumos.
  • Applied advanced statistical tests in R to assess various bioinformatics tools in the single-cell proteomics project, enhancing the sensitivity of the method.
  • Researched with labeled-proteomics the molecular changes in the proteome induced by the overexpression of the Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome-related gene (BLOC1S3).
  • Collaborated in research project with Bruker Inc. to evaluate the reproducibility of fragmentation of the diaPASEF on a timsTOF Pro I, prior its release to the market.
  • Collaborated in research project with Yokogawa to develop a single cell metabolites method with Majusima tips, on a custom made Sciex-5500.
  • Developed and validated MALDI MS imaging methods, encompassing matrix optimization, tissue thickness optimization, and instrumental method development, thereby contributing significantly to the early stages of drug discovery processes at NIBR.

Research Strengths

Chromatography (Hands-on experience): HPLC, UPLC, nLC, GC

  • Reverse Phase (capillary and analytical scales)
  • Ion Exchange (analytical)
  • Size Exclusion (analytical)
  • HILIC (analytical)

Mass Spectrometry systems (Hands-on experience): GC-MS (EI), MALDI-TOF/TOF (UltraFlextreme, Flextrem Bruker and 5800 ABi), UPLC-QqQ (Waters), UPLC-QTOF-IMS (Synapt G2, Waters), nLC-LTQ/Orbitrap MS (Thermo Exploris 480), nLC-IM-q-TOF (Bruker timsTOF PRO I)

Separation and purification techniques: liquid-liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, sohxlet extraction, centrifugation, thin layer chromatography, protein precipitation methods

Protein Analysis: protein identification and quantification (label-free and TMT-labeled), biomarker discovery

Proteomics: sample preparation, data analysis

Small molecule analysis: identification, quantification, structure analysis, contamination removal

General laboratory equipment: use and maintenance

Specialized software: Bioworks (SEQUEST, Xcalibur), Spectronaut, mapDIA, OpenSWATH, Skyline, UmpireDIA, Chemdraw, MASCOT, ImageJ, 

Knowledge of bioinformatic tools: Gene Ontology, Blast, protein databases.

Knowledge of coding languages: R, Python (basic level)

Knowledge of LIMS system: data entry, data search, data management, experimental data and results management, Shiny R application incorporation in LIMS

General software: Office Microsoft, Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, Vizual Studio Code, BioRender

Timeline

Associate Researcher, Department of Cell Biology

Medical School, Harvard University
2022.10 - 2023.08

Assistant Researcher, Bioanalytic Automatation Lab

Nestlé Health Science
2020.05 - 2020.08

Assistant Researcher

Institute Of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zürich
2018.03 - 2020.02

Internship Trainer

Department Of Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes For Biomedical Research
2017.06 - 2017.08

Advanced Coursework - R Advanced Statistical Analysis And Visualization

Södertörn University

Master of Science - Analytical Chemistry

Stockholm University

Master Thesis - Proteomics & Mass Spectrometry

ETH Zürich

Master of Science - Environmental Chemistry & Toxicology

Stockholm University

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science

Aegean University
Sofia Theodorou