Giulia Sciandrone

Virologist and final-year PhD candidate with expertise in molecular virology, host–pathogen interactions, and translational research. Experienced in BSL2/3 laboratory environments, with hands-on expertise in cell-based assays, molecular biology, and antiviral research workflows. Author of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, with international research experience across Italy and Portugal.

Interested in R&D opportunities in biotechnology, vaccine development, and antiviral research. PhD expected in December 2026.

PhD Researcher in Virology - Università di Siena - Siena, IT

(2023-10 - 2026-10)

Developing and executing an independent doctoral research project in virology and molecular infectious diseases, covering experimental design, laboratory work, and data interpretation. Concurrently contributing to antiviral and anticancer drug screening projects and supporting student training activities.

• Worked on BSL-2 virology models (ZIKV, HSV, IAV, USUV)
• Performed viral expansion, titration, and infectivity assays
• Applied Western blot and confocal microscopy
• Supervised BSc and MSc students
• Managed research timelines independently

PhD Training Placement - I.R.C.C.S. Ospedale San Raffaele - IT

(2025-10 - 2026-03)

Completed a six-month research placement in a clinical virology environment equipped with Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) facilities, supporting PhD research objectives in high-containment conditions.

• Worked on BSL-3 virology models (WNV, DENV)
• Adapted to diverse experimental systems
• Collaborated with clinical virology teams under BSL-3 conditions

Visiting PhD Researcher - Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) - Lisbon, PT

(2026-04)

Conducting a research stay at the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) in Lisbon, contributing to PhD objectives in a biophysics-focused environment centred on biomembranes and nanomedicine.

• Engaging in interdisciplinary molecular biology–biophysics approaches
• Strengthening translational research experience in an EU research setting

Master's Thesis Researcher - Università di Pisa - Pisa, IT

(2021-03 - 2022-07)

Contributed to the EU biotechnology project I-GENE, progressing from supervised training to independent experimental work in molecular biotechnology and gene-related applications. Supported project objectives through experimental execution, data generation, and analysis.

• Maintained mammalian cell culture (HEK293, A375, SK-MEL28)
• Performed CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in eukaryotic cells
• Applied molecular biology techniques (PCR, RT-qPCR, cloning)
• Acquired and analyzed imaging and cytometry data (fluorescence/confocal microscopy, flow cytometry)
• Completed master's thesis in English using research tools (Benchling, BioRender)

Research Fellow (Scholarship Holder) - Università di Pisa - Pisa, IT

(2021-10 - 2022-10)

Worked on the characterization of recombinant coagulation Factor VIII (FVIII) variants carrying site-specific phosphorylation mutations, focusing on protein function, secretion, and immunogenicity in comparison with therapeutic standards.

• Performed transient transfection of HEK293T cells
• Conducted ELISA and chromogenic functional assays
• Contributed to data interpretation and scientific reporting
• Assisted in preparation of manuscripts and research documentation

PhD - Innovation in the Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Epidemic and Pandemic Infectious Diseases - Università di Siena (2023-10 - 2026-12)

MSc - Industrial Biotechnology - Università di Pisa (2019-09 - 2022-07)

BSc - Biological Sciences - Università di Pisa (2016-09 - 2019-07)