Daniela Costa

Early-career life sciences professional with a strong background in molecular biology, immunology, and inflammation, with a focus on translational research and real-world applications. I have experience working on immunometabolism, chronic inflammation, and biomarker discovery, using both in vitro and human-derived samples. My work has involved supporting national and international projects in areas such as immune dysfunction, lysosomal disorders, and multiple sclerosis, contributing to experimental design, data generation, and technical reporting.

I have developed solid expertise in human sample processing (including PBMC isolation, cryopreservation, and functional immune assays), as well as molecular and cellular techniques such as flow cytometry, PCR, and Western blotting. In parallel, I have hands-on experience with laboratory operations, including reagent planning, inventory management, documentation, and coordination of routine lab activities. Beyond experimental work, I have contributed to scientific publications and presentations, collaborated in multidisciplinary teams, and supported student training and supervision.

Laboratory Technician at Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), UM (2026-02 – Present)

• Supported translational research on immune dysregulation in multiple sclerosis
• Performed human blood processing, including PBMC isolation, cryopreservation, and sample management for biobank generation
• Maintained and handled primary cell cultures under sterile laboratory conditions
• Assisted in multiparametric flow cytometry experiments, contributing to assay execution, data acquisition, and immune profiling analysis
• Contributed to laboratory organization, reagent management, and daily operational workflow in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Contributing to publications and international collaborations

Research Fellow at Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), UM (2024 – 2026)

• Established and managed a patient cohort for metabolic and chronic inflammatory disease studies
• Processed human blood samples, including PBMC isolation and cytokine quantification
• Isolated extracellular vesicles (EVs) from blood samples and performed multi-method EV characterization
• Conducted multi-omics analysis of EV cargo and surface markers, including miRNA and lncRNA
• Contributed to biomarker discovery and selection for disease diagnostics and monitoring
• Contributing to publications and international collaborations

Research Fellow at Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), UM; Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), UM (2024 – 2024)

• Supported molecular and cellular biology research using yeast as a model system to study protein dynamics and cellular processes
• Performed experimental work including yeast culture, genetic manipulation, and fluorescence-based assays (GFP-tagged proteins)

Research Fellow at Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), UM; Al-Balqa' Applied University, Jordan (2023 – 2024)

Participated in an international study on autophagy and aging using wild rodents (Acomys cahirinus) from the Jordanian Great Rift Valley.

• Isolated genomic DNA and RNA from liver, lung, and heart; synthesized cDNA
• Quantified gene expression of autophagy and epigenetic regulators by RT‑qPCR
• Measured global DNA methylation by ELISA
• Ran Western blots for autophagy‑related proteins
• Manuscript submitted to Gene Journal (Q2, Elsevier)

Research Internship / Master's Thesis Researcher at Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), UM (2021 – 2022)

Led a project on the impact of maternal hyperglycemia on early embryonic development using a chicken embryo model

• Analyzed gene expression of glucose transporters and oxidative stress markers
• Manuscript published in Tissue and Cell (Q1, Elsevier) DOI:

Research Internship at Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), UM (2019 – 2020)

• Conducted Bachelor's project characterizing, for the first time, TGF-β pathway gene expression in chicken embryonic lungs via in situ hybridization
• Led a microscopy-based project comparing fetal and chicken lung morphology in collaboration with Dr. Rosete Cardoso
• Contributed to lung explant culture studies investigating NOTCH signaling
• Revision as co-author published in Cells (Q2, MDPI) DOI:

Master in Molecular Genetics – Minho University (2022)

Bachelor in Biochemistry – Minho University (2019)