Dr. Torben Hodl-Kühnast - R&D Scientist & Data Strategy Lead

Executive Profile

I combine deep wet-lab expertise in infectious disease and immunology with advanced data science capabilities. Unlike traditional scientists, I build my own computational pipelines (Python/MICOM) to simulate what I observe in the lab.

With a track record of managing large-scale research projects (€500k+) and leading multi-disciplinary teams, I am looking to bring operational excellence and scientific innovation to the Pharma/Biotech industry.

Technical & Leadership Competencies

Computational Biology & Bioinformatics

Metabolic Modeling: Developed "McMurGut" (Python/MICOM) for microbiome flux simulation.
Pipeline Engineering: Automated workflows using Slurm, Kraken, Bracken, and ATLAS.
Data Science: Proficient in Python (Pandas, NumPy, Jupyter) and R.
Multi-Omics: Integration of WGS, 16S rRNA, and NMR Metabolomics.

Microbiology & Biofilms

Anaerobes: Expert cultivation of C. acnes and methanogens (BSL-2) using anaerobic chambers.
Biofilm Characterization: High-Throughput Screening (HTS) & Flow-cell chamber models.
Genetic Engineering: Vector construction, Knockout strategies (SOE-PCR), and Electroporation.
Target Validation: Enzymatic degradation assays (Proteinase K/DNase I).

Immunology & Diagnostics

Functional Immune Assays: Established and validated an Opsonophagocytosis Assay (OPA) using differentiated HL60 cells and primary macrophages to quantify antibody-mediated pathogen clearance.
Live-Cell Imaging: Developed time-lapse microscopy protocols to monitor real-time interactions between immune cells (macrophages) and pathogens, tracking phagocytosis kinetics and intracellular survival.
Clinical Diagnostics: BSL-2 Viral/RNA diagnostics (qPCR) under strict SOPs (COVID-19 context).

Leadership & Strategy

Budget Management: Managed research funds exceeding €500,000.
Team Leadership: Supervised PhD/MSc students and technicians; formal training in team optimization.
Strategic Planning: Authored roadmaps for space microbiome monitoring (Mars Mission).
Operations: Established SOPs, managed lab safety, and coordinated external providers (Seq/NMR).

Selected Achievements

Computational Disease Modeling (Cancer Cachexia)

Python Metabolic Modeling Target Discovery

Conceived and engineered "McMurGut," a metabolic model achieving 91% taxonomic coverage of the murine microbiome. Integrated multi-omics data to identify microbial formate production and SCFA depletion as key drivers of muscle wasting, validating new therapeutic targets.

High-Throughput Screening & Biofilm R&D

Assay Development Industrial Collaboration HTS

Developed robust 96-well biofilm quantification assays and dynamic flow models. Validated extracellular DNA and proteins as "druggable" targets for biofilm disruption in collaboration with biotech partners (Origimm/Sanofi), generating IP for vaccine candidates.

Strategic Roadmap for Space Missions

Strategy Risk Assessment Review

Authored a strategic commentary defining the research roadmap for microbiome monitoring in long-duration space missions (Mars). Synthesized data from ISS and isolation studies to propose bio-surveillance protocols for crew health and planetary protection.

Clinical Diagnostics & Crisis Management

BSL-2 Diagnostics Operations

Led operational workflows for RNA/Virus diagnostics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Managed high-throughput sample processing, established SOPs for BSL-2 safety, and coordinated laboratory personnel under crisis conditions.

Impressum

Offenlegung gemäß § 25 Mediengesetz

Medieninhaber:
Dr. Torben Hodl-Kühnast

Wohnort:
Graz, Austria

Grundlegende Richtung (Blattlinie):
Persönliches Portfolio zur Präsentation meiner wissenschaftlichen Arbeit und Kompetenzen im Bereich Mikrobiologie und Data Science.

Kontakt:
torben@hodl-kuehnast.com