Federica Vaccaro

PhD in Pharmaceutical Biology with experience in preclinical research, phytochemical and analytical characterization, human cell-based assays and molecular biology. Skilled in HPLC-DAD, GC, TLC, PCR/RT-qPCR and sterile cell culture. Experienced in academic-industry projects with Bios Line S.p.A. and Bottega Verde, combining scientific rigor with practical product-development support.

Knowledge of GLP principles and GMP standards, English C1. Seeking R&D, preclinical, analytical-science, or quality control opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector in Florence. Precise, methodical and motivated by the corporate approach.

Comfortable working independently and in teams, coordinating with academic and industrial stakeholders, and adapting scientific methods to different contexts.

Research Fellow – Product formulation & Phytochemical Analysis at University of Siena & Bottega Verde (2025-02 – Present)

• Scientific consultancy and phytochemical assessment of medicinal-plant extracts supporting the formulation of new cosmetic preparations.
• Evaluation of plant-derived ingredients and scientific literature relevant to phytotherapeutic and natural phytocosmetic applications.
• Coordination of scientific and educational activities for Bottega Verde's Botanical Garden, including guided visits and outreach (scientific communication).

PhD Researcher - Pharmaceutical Biology / Preclinical Research at University of Siena (2021-11 – 2024-10)

• Investigated Italian medicinal-plant biodiversity for the development of innovative plant-derived products for health applications.
• Performed extraction and characterization of secondary metabolites using HPLC-DAD, GC, TLC and complementary phytochemical methods.
• Conducted in-vitro studies with human cell lines: sterile cell culture, cytotoxicity testing and stress models.
• Applied DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR and RT-qPCR.
• Collaborated with industrial partner Bios Line S.p.A.: translating experimental findings and literature into practical support for industry partners.

Research Fellow - Plant Biochemistry & Biotechnology at CREA - Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (2020-10 – 2021-10)

• Studied plant secondary metabolites, biochemical characterization and interactions with target pathogenic organisms.
• Contributed to development and characterization of biosynthesis mutants generated through genome-editing approaches in soy (plant genetic transformation).

Webmaster at Italian Society of Phytotherapy (SIFIT) (2023-10 – Present)

• Create and manage website pages, scientific articles and graphics in WordPress, supporting the Society's digital communication and outreach.

PhD in Pharmaceutical Biology – University of Siena (2021-11 – 2025-05)

MSc in Plant Biotechnology – University of Turin (2020-04)

BSc in Biological Sciences – University of Palermo (2017-07)