Naila Umer
Berlin
Summary
Optimized experimental protocols involving CRISPR/Cas9, proteomics, and advanced microscopy to study cellular models, including hiPSC-derived systems. Independently designed and executed research projects aligned with scientific and regulatory standards. Presented findings at international conferences and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to advance blood-brain barrier model development and therapeutic innovation.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Analyst with AI & NLP Expertise in Molecular Biology-Online (Home-office)
Techno Group Originator
11.2024 - Current
- Supporting a churn prediction project for a software company using Python and scikit-learn, aiding data preparation and model evaluation.
- Built NLP workflows with LangChain and Hugging Face to automate literature reviews and semantic search in molecular biology.
Parental Leave
12.2022 - 05.2024
- Effective time management, multitasking and adaptability through childcare and learning the German language.
PhD Research Associate Cell and Molecular Biology
Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn
10.2017 - 10.2022
- Generated CRISPR/Cas9-based knockout mouse models and performed detailed cell-level phenotyping using IF, TEM, and SEM.
- Investigated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and autophagy dysfunction using advanced molecular tools, relevant to barrier and transport mechanisms.
- Presented proteomics-based findings (e.g. TRIM27/ATG2A) in peer-reviewed publications and international conferences.
Research Assistant
Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn
12.2016 - 09.2017
- Performed CRISPR/Cas9 editing, molecular cloning, and mammalian cell culture to support advanced cellular model development.
- Supported generation and analysis of transgenic mouse models; maintained colonies and conducted genotyping.
- Gained experience relevant to hiPSC workflows and functional model validation in translational research settings.
Research Assistant
School of Biological Sciences, Punjab University
09.2015 - 11.2016
- Optimized recombinant expression and purification of human interleukin-24 in E. coli for biotechnological and therapeutic applications.
- Improved protein solubility and yield through buffer screening; validated functionality via cell-based assay protocols.
Teaching Assistant
Forman Christian College (A Chartered University)
12.2013 - 04.2015
- Conducted practical laboratory courses in molecular biology and genetics, fostering hands-on learning for undergraduate students.
- Trained and supervised Bachelor students in PCR, cloning, and protein purification techniques, emphasizing clear communication and troubleshooting.
Education
B2-Professional German Language Course -
11.2024
Doctor of Philosophy - Biology
10.2022
Focus: Molecular biology, reproductive biology, protein expression, cell culture, CRISPR/Cas9, qRT-PCR, cloning, immunohistochemistry, sperm analysis, genetic modifications, animal models, embryo transfer.
M.Phil. - Biotechnology
07.2015
Focus: Profilin isoforms, actin polymerization, gene expression analysis, RNA isolation, qRT-PCR, molecular Biology, cell culture, tissue samples, bioinformatics tools, sequence analysis, statistical analysis (ANOVA).
B.Sc. - Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
07.2013
Focus: Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Cell biology, Bioinformatics, Bioprocess engineering, Immunology, Animal biotechnology, and Environmental biotechnology.
Skills
Molecular Biology & Cell Culture:
CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, DNA/RNA isolation, qRT-PCR, plasmid cloning, mammalian cell culture, apoptosis assays, flow cytometry, protein extraction and quantification
Protein & Pathway Analysis:
Immunodetection (Western blot, immunofluorescence), SDS-PAGE, BCA/Pierce assays, analysis of autophagy and signaling pathways relevant to cellular barrier function
Microscopy & Imaging:
Fluorescence and super-resolution microscopy, electron microscopy (TEM, SEM), immunostaining for subcellular organelles (Golgi, mitochondria)
Model Systems & Experimental Techniques:
Generation and phenotypic analysis of knockout mice, functional validation of genetic modifications, experience transferable to hiPSC and organoid model development
Data & Software Skills:
Microsoft Office, Google Suite, SPSS, R, Google Colab, Trello, Tableau — strong data analysis and visualization capabilities
Soft Skills:
Rapid learner, adaptable, collaborative team player with strong communication skills in interdisciplinary research environments
Languages
Urdu (Mother tongue)
English (C2)
Deutsch (B2)
Timeline
Business Analyst with AI & NLP Expertise in Molecular Biology-Online (Home-office) - Techno Group Originator
11.2024 - Current
Parental Leave -
12.2022 - 05.2024
PhD Research Associate Cell and Molecular Biology - Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn
10.2017 - 10.2022
Research Assistant - Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn
12.2016 - 09.2017
Research Assistant - School of Biological Sciences, Punjab University
09.2015 - 11.2016
Teaching Assistant - Forman Christian College (A Chartered University)
12.2013 - 04.2015
Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn - Doctor of Philosophy, Biology
Forman Christian College, University - M.Phil., Biotechnology
University of Veterinary and Animal sciences - B.Sc., Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
Hartnack Schule - B2-Professional German Language Course,
Awards
Receive a graduation scholarship from the University of Bonn – 2022., Full PhD Scholarship (German Academic Exchange Service), Germany., Highly selective international scholarship (9 out of 150 selected candidates)., Award for the best poster in the Dachverbandes Reproduktionsmedizin (DVR) eV-2021., Poster prize of the society "Biologists in European Testicle Workshop" (ETW) – 2021., Travel grant from the Boehringer Ingelheim Fund (BIF).
Publications
- Umer, N., Phadke, S., Shakeri, F., Arévalo, L., Lohanadan, K., Kirfel, G., Sylvester, M., Buness, A., & Schorle, H. (2022). PFN4 is required for manchette development and acrosome biogenesis during mouse spermiogenesis. Development (Cambridge, England), 149(16), dev200499. https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.200499
- Umer, N., Arévalo, L., Phadke, S., Lohanadan, K., Kirfel, G., Sons, D., Sofia, D., Witke, W., & Schorle, H. (2021). Loss of Profilin3 Impairs Spermiogenesis by Affecting Acrosome Biogenesis, Autophagy, Manchette Development and Mitochondrial Organization. Frontiers in cell and developmental biology, 9, 749559. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2021.749559.
- Tariq, N., Basharat, Z., Butt, S., & Baig, D. N. (2016). Distribution analysis of profilin isoforms at transcript resolution with mRNA-seq and secondary structure in various organs of Rattus norvegicus. Gene, 589(1), 49–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2016.05.023.
Hobbies and Interests
Badminton, Table tennis und Hiking
References
Upon request
References
Auf Anfrage
Hobbies and Interests
Badminton, Tischtennis, Laufen
References
Auf Anfrage
Hobbies and Interests
Badminton, Tischtennis, Laufen
Awards
- Abschlussstipendium der Universität Bonn 2022
- Vollständiges PhD-Stipendium des Deutschen Akademischen Austauschdienstes (DAAD)
- Posterpreis Dachverband Reproduktionsbiologie und -medizin (DVR), 2021
- Posterpreis Biologists in European Testes Workshop (ETW), 2021
- Reisestipendium Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF), 2017
Publications
- Umer et al. (2022). 'PFN4 is required for manchette development and acrosome biogenesis during mouse spermiogenesis', Development (Cambridge, England), 149(16). DOI
- Umer et al. (2021). 'Loss of Profilin3 Impairs Spermiogenesis...', Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 9. DOI
- Tariq et al. (2016). 'Distribution analysis of profilin isoforms...', Gene, 589(1), 4955. DOI
Sonstiges
- Sprachen: Urdu (Muttersprache), Englisch (C2), Deutsch (B2)
- Interessen: Badminton, Tischtennis, Laufen
- Referenzen: Auf Anfrage
References
Auf Anfrage
Hobbys und Interessen
Badminton, Tischtennis, Laufen
Auszeichnungen & Preise
- Abschlussstipendium der Universität Bonn 2022
- Vollständiges PhD-Stipendium des Deutschen Akademischen Austauschdienstes (DAAD)
- Posterpreis Dachverband Reproduktionsbiologie und -medizin (DVR), 2021
- Posterpreis Biologists in European Testes Workshop (ETW), 2021
- Reisestipendium Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF), 2017
Publicationen
- Umer et al. (2022). 'PFN4 is required for manchette development and acrosome biogenesis during mouse spermiogenesis', Development (Cambridge, England), 149(16). DOI
- Umer et al. (2021). 'Loss of Profilin3 Impairs Spermiogenesis...', Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 9. DOI
- Tariq et al. (2016). 'Distribution analysis of profilin isoforms...', Gene, 589(1), 4955. DOI
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