Maitane Márquez López, PhD

PhD Scientist with extensive experience in cell-based and immunological assays (ELISA, cytokine bead assays), including complex co-culture systems and patient-derived models. Strong background in assay development and validation, with emphasis on data robustness and reproducibility. Skilled in therapeutic evaluation using flow cytometry, cytokine profiling, and molecular techniques.

Driven to contribute to immunoassay R&D while ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards in a biopharmaceutical environment.

R&D Scientist – PhD Research at Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute and CIC nanoGUNE (2021-09 – 2025-10)

Led development of advanced cell-based models and identified mechanisms of therapeutic response and resistance using molecular and transcriptomic approaches. Optimized workflows and developed innovative 3D-printed Raman-integrated culture systems.

• Led development of advanced cell-based models (2D, 3D, co-culture), including first implementation of co-culture systems in the group
• Identified mechanisms of therapeutic response and resistance using molecular and transcriptomic approaches (qPCR, CRISPR-Cas9, microarrays, Western blotting)
• Optimised workflows and assay conditions to improve data quality, consistency, and reproducibility
• Developed a 3D-printed Raman-integrated culture system to improve the physiological relevance of in vitro models and enable label-free metabolic analysis

Visiting Scientist at The Francis Crick Institute (2024-01 – 2024-07)

Established ex vivo patient-derived models and identified biomarkers predictive of treatment response. Integrated molecular and functional data to generate data-driven insights into therapeutic response.

• Established ex vivo patient-derived models to evaluate treatment response, enabling more physiologically relevant assessment of therapeutic effects
• Identified biomarkers predictive of treatment response using flow cytometry and cytokine profiling, supporting stratification of functional outcomes
• Integrated molecular and functional data to generate data-driven insights into therapeutic response, informing translational decision-making and clinical strategy

Research Assistant at Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute (2020-02 – 2021-09)

Identified molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to targeted therapies through gene and miRNA expression analysis in cell-based models.

• Identified molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to targeted therapies through gene and miRNA expression analysis (qRT-PCR, RNA interference) in cell-based models

PhD in Biomedical Research – University of the Basque Country (2021 – 2025) - Cum Laude Honors and International Doctorate

Postgraduate Diploma in Translational Oncology – Complutense University of Madrid (2024 – 2024)

MSc in Advanced Genetics – Autonomous University of Barcelona (2019 – 2020)

BSc in Biotechnology – University of the Basque Country (2014 – 2018)