Motahareh Solina Safari
Munich
Summary
Nationality: Austrian
Results-driven neuroscientist with expertise in translational research, preclinical models, and molecular neuroscience. Skilled in designing and executing complex experiments, quantitative analysis, data interpretation, and publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Proven ability to lead projects, cross-functional collaboration, and translating complex findings supporting target discovery, validation, and regulatory submissions. Seeking opportunities in biotech, pharma, or health-tech to apply innovative science to real-world applications.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Preclinical Research Scientist - The Cluster of Development, Regeneration and Neurophysiology
The University of Sheffield
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Led & designed in vivo and ex vivo experimental studies on homeostatic plasticity supporting target discovery and validation pipelines
- Analyzed large-scale imaging & quantitative analysis to identify biomarkers of synaptic adaptation
- Interpreted mechanistic findings in the context of preclinical & translational applications
- Collaborated in a cross-functional teams ensuring data integrity, documentation, and alignment with GLP-like standards suitable for preclinical studies and regulatory submissions.
Research Scientist - PhD Researcher at Institute of Neurobiochemistry
Medical University Innsbruck (MUI)
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Investigated Protein Kinase N1 (PKN1) in brain development and ischemic injury, identifying therapeutic targets for stroke intervention.
- Mapped functionally relevant phosphorylation sites on PKN1 and characterized its interaction with the AKT signaling pathway, providing insights into post-stroke cellular recovery mechanisms
- Analyzed bulk RNA-seq datasets from post-ischemic brain slices to uncover transcriptional changes linked to metabolic regulation and neuroprotective gene networks.
- Identification PKN1 interactions with key metabolic proteins, supporting its potential role as a modulator of energy homeostasis and neuronal survival under ischemic conditions
- Led experimental design and troubleshooting, ensuring robust data generation and documentations
- Mentoring hands-on guidance in image acquisition, quantitative data analysis, and interpretation, fostering skills applicable to preclinical pharmacology and target validation studies.
Research Associate - Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology
University of Vienna
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Contributed to a cross-institutional translational neuroscience project between the University of Vienna and IST Austria, integrating proteomic profiling with functional synaptic assays to investigate molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity
- Coordinated multi-site data collection and analysis, ensuring standardised acquisition and cross-platforms consistency
- Developed and optimised experimental protocols, improving reproducibility and data reliability for synaptic function assessments
- Interpreted and reported complex datasets in collaboration with senior investigators, supporting target validation and biomarker identification for CNS disorders
Research Associate
DZNE (Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen)
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Conducted vector-based synaptic manipulation and high-resolution imaging to study neuroplasticity and neurodegeneration mechanisms in preclinical models
- Analyzed high-volume structural plasticity datasets, translating findings into insights for mechanistic interpretation and target validation
Education
PhD Researcher - Neuroscience
Medical University Innsbruck (MUI)
Innsbruck01.2024
Master of Science - Biotechnology
Technische Universität Graz (NAWI) & Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg
Graz01.2019
Internship - Immunology
Pohang University Of Science & Technology (POSTECH)
Pohang08.2016
Internship -
Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology at ACIB - Technische Universität Graz
Graz06.2016
Master of Science - Biotechnology
Jamia Millia Islamia
New Delhi10.2015
Internship -
Molecular Biology Training: Jamia Millia Islamia
New Delhi11.2014
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
Jamia Millia Islamia
New Delhi01.2014
Skills
- In Vivo & Ex Vivo Techniques
- Craniotomy, stereotaxic implantation, miniscope neural recordings, Drosophila brain dissection, acute brain slice preparation, and in vitro ischemia/reperfusion models
- Two-photon and confocal microscopy, imaging acquisition and analysis with ScanImage, ZEN, ImageJ/Fiji, and Huygens Professional
- Western blot imaging with LI-COR Odyssey CLx and chemiluminescence detection
- Primary hippocampal neurons and cell line cultures (SH-SY5Y, HEK293T, HeLa), transfection techniques (nucleofection, lipofection)
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC), co-immunoprecipitation, and colocalization studies
- PCR, synaptosome and RNA isolation, quantitative analysis, exosome-enriched AAV vector production, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting
- ScanImage, Fiji/ImageJ, ZEN, Huygens Professional, LI-COR systems
Research Skills
Microscopy & Imaging
Cell Culture & Molecular Biology
Molecular Techniques
Software Proficiency
Certification
Driving Licence: B
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Mother tongue(s): PERSIAN
Other language(s): ENGLISH | GERMAN | HINDI
Publications
- Safari MS et al. (2024). Glucose-1,6-Bisphosphate: A New Gatekeeper of Cerebral Mitochondrial Pyruvate Uptake. Molecular Metabolism, 88:102018.
- Zur Nedden S, Safari MS et al. (2024). Protein kinase N1 deficiency enhances cerebral energy metabolism and provides neuroprotection in stroke models. Metabolism – Clinical & Experimental, 161:156039.
- Brunner M, Safari MS et al. (2024). Role of PKN1 in retinal cell type formation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(5):2848.
- Zur Nedden S, Safari MS et al. (2023). PKN1 Exerts Neurodegenerative Effects via AKT/GSK3β Inhibition. Biomolecules, 13(11):1599.
- Ferrer-Ferrer M, Safari MS et al. (2023). Neurotrypsin deficiency impairs long-term potentiation and dendritic spine modulation. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 80(4):82.
- Safari MS et al. (2021). PKN1 Is a Novel Regulator of Hippocampal GluA1 Levels. Frontiers in Synaptic Neuroscience, 13:640495.
Work Type
Full TimeContract WorkWork Location
RemoteHybridOn-SiteTimeline
Preclinical Research Scientist - The Cluster of Development, Regeneration and Neurophysiology
The University of Sheffield
01.2024 - 01.2025
Research Scientist - PhD Researcher at Institute of Neurobiochemistry
Medical University Innsbruck (MUI)
01.2019 - 01.2024
Research Associate - Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology
University of Vienna
01.2018 - 01.2019
Research Associate
DZNE (Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen)
01.2017 - 01.2018
PhD Researcher - Neuroscience
Medical University Innsbruck (MUI)
Master of Science - Biotechnology
Technische Universität Graz (NAWI) & Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg
Internship - Immunology
Pohang University Of Science & Technology (POSTECH)
Internship -
Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology at ACIB - Technische Universität Graz
Master of Science - Biotechnology
Jamia Millia Islamia
Internship -
Molecular Biology Training: Jamia Millia Islamia
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
Jamia Millia Islamia
Similar Profiles
ANDREW OSAKWEANDREW OSAKWE
Facilities Assistant at The University of SheffieldFacilities Assistant at The University of Sheffield
AKINFENWA ABOBARINAKINFENWA ABOBARIN
Shift Supervisor (EFM) at The University of SheffieldShift Supervisor (EFM) at The University of Sheffield
Alireza SoltaniAlireza Soltani
PhD Student at The University of SheffieldPhD Student at The University of Sheffield
Christopher KanChristopher Kan
North American University Counselor at Bavarian International SchoolNorth American University Counselor at Bavarian International School
Noel WestNoel West
Business Development at EGYM WellpassBusiness Development at EGYM Wellpass