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Erika Testa

Ph.D · Applied Biotechnology and Translational Medicine
Rome · Full-time · Researcher · Biotech · Pharma · MedTech

Molecular biologist with hands-on experience in oncology, genetics and rare diseases, ready to turn scientific rigour into real-world results.

R&D Scientist Medical Affairs Scientific Affairs Oncology Genetics Metabolism Murine models 2D/3D cultures ● Available immediately
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Years of research Sapienza · Gemelli · Tor Vergata · Cattolica · IDI
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Technical skills Molecular biology · Cell biology · In vivo · Histology
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Languages Italian · English · Spanish · French
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Therapeutic areas Oncology · Genetics · Metabolism · Neurobiology · Dermatology
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Peer-reviewed publications Molecular Cell · Nucleic Acids Research · CMLS
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International conferences EMBO · Telethon · ESDR · ACC · FISV
Profile

PhD with cross-disciplinary experience

I bring scientific rigour, full lab autonomy and the ability to deliver results under pressure. I've worked across multiple therapeutic areas and institutions, always adapting quickly to new teams and challenges. No ramp-up time needed — I've been doing this for over a decade and I'm ready to contribute from day one.

PhD

Strong scientific foundation

10 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact international journals. Competitive grants awarded on a merit basis. Over 10 years of independent research across 5 distinct biological fields.

BIZ

Goal-oriented work ethic

Accustomed to real deadlines, formal reporting, and measurable deliverables. Able to distinguish priorities from secondary tasks and drive projects to completion.

COM

Effective communicator at all levels

With researchers, clinicians, managers, and stakeholders. Skilled at adapting language to the context without sacrificing precision. A competency built in the field, not in the classroom.

Multidisciplinary by nature

Oncology, genetics, metabolism, developmental biology, molecular dermatology. A broad background that adapts to diverse settings and enables effective work on new topics.

Technical skills

Molecular Biology
Real-time PCR and quantitative RT-PCR
Western Blot and Immunoprecipitation (IP/Co-IP)
RNA · DNA · protein extraction from tissue and cells
Cloning and recombinant DNA
Genotyping PCR (KO/KI lines)
Transient/stable transfections (lentiviral, adenoviral)
Cell Biology
2D and 3D cultures — tumour spheroids
Wound healing assay
Adhesion, proliferation, and viability assays
Protein-binding assay
Tumour microenvironment models (co-cultures)
Primary cell isolation
In Vivo Models — Murine
Autonomous colony management — cert. UCSC 2022
Generation of transgenic KO and KI models
Subcutaneous and orthotopic tumour xenografts
Drug administration (i.p., i.v., oral)
Sacrifice, organ dissection, cell isolation
Histology & Imaging
Immunofluorescence and Immunohistochemistry
FISH — Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization
Paraffin/OCT processing · cryostat · microtome
Staining: H&E · Masson · DHE · PAS · TUNEL
Deconvolution microscopy (Leica)
ImageJ · LAS AF · ImageLab (BioRad)
Therapeutic Areas
Pancreatic oncology — KRAS, PDAC (AIRC)
Tumour microenvironment — neuropilins, exosomes
Glioblastoma · Lung cancer (TGFβ/EGF)
Rare metabolic diseases — purines (PNRR)
Duchenne muscular dystrophy · Diabetes/miRNA
Tools & Software
Scientific writing — 10 published articles
Tutoring LM-41 Medical students (UCSC 2024)
6 international conferences as presenter
GraphPad Prism · BioRender · Photoshop · Office
Languages

Ready to communicate professionally

IT
Italian
Native
EN
English
C1 — Advanced
ES
Spanish
C1 — Advanced
FR
French
B2 — Upper Intermediate
Publications
01
Neuropilin1-dependent paracrine signaling of cancer cells mediated by miRNA exosomal cargo
Palazzo C, Mastrantonio R, Testa E et al., Tamagnone L.
Cell Communication and Signaling · 2025
02
Differential expression of paralog RNA binding proteins establishes a dynamic splicing program required for normal cerebral cortex development
Cesari E, Farini D, Testa E et al.
Nucleic Acids Research · 2024
03
The Proper Interplay Between the Expression of Spo11 Splice Isoforms and the Structure of the Pseudoautosomal Region Promotes XY Chromosomes Recombination
Giannattasio T, Testa E et al.
Pre-print · 2023
04
SEMA6C: a novel adhesion-independent FAK and YAP activator, required for cancer cell viability and growth
Fard D, Testa E et al., Tamagnone L.
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences · 2023
05
The RNA-binding protein FUS/TLS interacts with SPO11 and PRDM9 and localize at meiotic recombination hotspots
Giannattasio T, Testa E et al.
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences · 2023
06
Dynamic Interactions between Tumor Cells and Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells in Glioblastoma
Erika Testa et al.
Cancers · 2022
07
Dysregulation of microRNA expression in diabetic skin
Baldini E, Testa E et al.
Journal of Dermatological Science · 2020
08
Mouse ANKRD31 Regulates Spatiotemporal Patterning of Meiotic Recombination Initiation and Ensures Recombination between X and Y Sex Chromosomes
Papanikos F, Clement J.A.J., Testa E et al.
Molecular Cell · 2019
09
H2AFX and MDC1 promote maintenance of genomic integrity in male germ cells
Testa E, Nardozi E, Antinozzi C et al., Barchi M.
Journal of Cell Science · 2018
10
Increased levels of interleukin-6 exacerbate the dystrophic phenotype in mdx mice
Pelosi L, Berardinelli MG, Testa E et al., Musarò A.
Human Molecular Genetics · 2015
Availability

Open to new opportunities

Full-time · Rome · Available immediately.
On-site, hybrid or full remote.
Open to occasional short trips for meetings or events.

01
R&D · Laboratory
Research Scientist
Senior Scientist
The most direct fit for my background. I have independently managed AIRC and PNRR projects from design through to publication in international journals.
  • In vivo (murine) + in vitro (2D/3D) + data analysis
  • Oncology, metabolism, cell biology
  • Scientific writing and technical reporting
  • Collaboration with clinical and regulatory teams
Let's talk
02
Scientific Affairs · Medical Affairs
Scientific Advisor
Medical Affairs Specialist
Interface roles between science and business — scientific communication, clinical team support, data management, and documentation. Also suited for companies without an in-house laboratory.
  • Scientific communication with KOLs and stakeholders
  • Support for clinical studies, dossiers, and regulatory documentation
  • English C1 · Spanish C1 · French B2
  • 7 international conferences as presenter
Let's talk
03
Data · Management · Coordination
Project Manager
Data & Research Manager
I have coordinated funded projects (AIRC, PNRR), managed experimental pipelines, and produced scientific reports. Hands-on experience in analysing and verifying biological and clinical data across multiple therapeutic areas.
  • Project management with deadlines and formal reporting
  • Data analysis: GraphPad Prism · BioRender · advanced Office
  • Supervision of laboratory activities and teams
  • 5 therapeutic areas · 4 institutions · 10+ years
Let's talk
04
MSL · Field Medical
Medical Science
Liaison
To be considered in contexts where travel is genuinely occasional. Strong scientific competencies and direct experience communicating with clinicians and KOLs.
  • Tutoring Medical students (UCSC, 2024)
  • Presentations at international conferences
  • Oncology, rare diseases, metabolism
  • Italian · English C1 · Spanish C1 · French B2
Let's talk
05
Open to new roles,
even beyond the beaten path
Strong scientific background, used to working independently, fast learner. If you have a need and think there could be a fit, get in touch.
Let's talk

Let's talk.