Team

Saskia Biskup, MD PhD, co-founded CeGaT GmbH in 2009. As a Human Geneticist, Research Scientist and Bioinformatician she positions herself at the interface of diagnostics, research and clinic.

During a two year scholarship sponsored by the German Research Foundation she gathered international experience at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, USA. Her own research revolves around LRRK2, a gene involved in Parkinson’s disease, and the development of new biomarkers to enable early prediction of neurodegenerative diseases. Saskia Biskup was the first to discover variations in the LRRK2 gene; LRRK2 is the gene which is most often associated with Parkinson’s Disease (Neuron 2004). She was awarded multiple international prizes for her research.

Dirk Biskup, PhD, cofounded CeGaT GmbH in 2009.

After graduating from the University of Hamburg, specializing in Economics and Business Administration, Dirk Biskup worked as Scientific Assistant at the University of Bielefeld, finishing his PhD thesis on combinatorial optimization and complexity theory in 1999. At the end of 1999, Mr. Biskup left the University and took different positions within the industry.

He worked as Senior Director at Bertelsmann AG being involved in approx. 50 M&A deals. At the start of 2005, he took the position as CFO of Berryville Graphics, the largest single printing location in the United States. From 2007 to mid-2012, he was the European CFO of AEG Electric Tools Division and Managing Director of multiple European sales, logistics, and holding companies of this group. Since July 2012, he has been exclusively working for CeGaT.

Florian Battke, PhD, is Director of Development. He is tasked with coordinating product development. Together with his team, he develops and integrates software for genetic data analysis, for laboratory management, and to support reporting of medical findings. A second focus is on data analysis in the context of method development, in collaborative research projects, and customers’ projects.

Florian Battke studied bioinformatics at the universities of Tübingen and Uppsala, with a focus on molecular biology and genetics. During his PhD he developed computational methods for the analysis of high-throughput transcriptome data. He joined CeGaT in 2012 and in March 2017 became a member of the management team.​

Jiri Ködding, PhD, is Director of the Laboratory and R&D department.

He graduated from the University of Konstanz specializing in analytical spectroscopy and protein chemistry with a focus on protein crystallography. He gained extensive experience in the establishment of DNA diagnostics and next-generation sequencing technologies.

Tim Scheurenbrand is Director IT. He is responsible for the IT infrastructure at CeGaT. Tim and his team are tasked to ensure the availability and reliability of all IT based processes and IT systems and to search for continual improvements. Another focus of his work is the facility management and the data protection coordination.

Tim Scheurenbrand studied Bioinformatics at the University of Tübingen with a focus on next-generation sequencing, genetics and IT infrastructure. His master thesis was titled “Metagenomic Pathway Analysis”.

Andrea Becker is part of the team Data Analytics at CeGaT. Her main tasks are analysis of next generation sequencing data and software development.

Andrea Becker studied Bioinformatics at the University of Tübingen. During her Diploma at the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, she assessed the precision of different assembly tools which are used for the analysis of next generation sequencing data.

Andreas Behn works in the Human Resources Department. He is the contact person for all job candidates and coordinates the recruiting process. He takes care of personnel-related matters and manages the personnel data.

Andreas is business economist with a focus on human resources and labor law.

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Veronika Böttcher is part of the team Data Analytics of CeGaT. She supports the team in processing customer projects and data analysis.

Veronika Böttcher studied Biomathematics at the Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University in Greifswald with a focus on molecular biology. During her master‘s thesis at the University of Tübingen she evaluated alignment-free phylogenetic reconstruction methods for ancient DNA.

Dr. rer. nat. Alexander Fuchs leads the Customer Care Team in the Research & Pharma Solutions division. Together with his team, he is responsible for customer support and communication, offer preparation as well as pricing.

After studying biology at the University of Tübingen with the focus on cell biology and immunology, he did his PhD at the University Hospital Tübingen. Here, he investigated molecular mechanisms in the pathophysiology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Additionally, he gained experience as lab manager at the DKFZ partner site Tübingen.

Swantje Dettweiler is part of the backoffice team.

After many years in the advertising industry she is now supporting CeGaT in organizational and administrative matters.

Christfried Dornis heads the Marketing & Communication team and is responsible for the strategic direction of marketing and the management of communication and advertising channels.

Christfried Dornis studied media management and journalism in Wilhelmshaven as well as communication sciences in Passau. He managed the marketing of several brands in the healthcare industry.

Magdalena Feldhahn, PhD, is part of the team Data Analytics of CeGaT.
She supports the Tumor Diagnostics team in research projects and with the development and implementation of new methods.

Magdalena Feldhahn studied Bioinformatics with a focus on pharmacy and immunology at the University of Tübingen. During her PhD studies at the Applied Bioinfomatics group of the University of Tübingen, she analyzed genome and trancriptome data from cancer patients. The aim of these
analyses was the development of personalized immunotherapies based on tumor specific mutations.

Andreas Gerasch is team leader of the software development team at CeGaT. His team develops software solutions used in the laboratory, diagnostic and bioinformatic field.

Andreas Gerasch studied Bioinformatics at the University of Tübingen with focus on Microbiology and Genetics. Currently, he is also finishing his PhD in the field of biological network visualization and analysis at the Algorithmics group at the University of Tübingen.

Jeannette Gogel is in CeGaT’s Sanger Sequencing team.

Jeannette Gogel successfully finished her education at the school for medical-technical assistant at the University of Tübingen and gained work experience in different research groups at the University Hospital of Tübingen.

Dr. rer. nat. Nicola Hanig is working as Project Manager at CeGaT. She coordinates customer-specific next-generation sequencing projects in the field of Research & Pharma Solutions (RPS).

Nicola Hanig studied Biology at the University of Tübingen with focus on human genetics, cell biology and pharmacology. During her doctoral thesis at the University of Tübingen, Institute of Medical Genetics she focused on searching for mutations responsible for neurologic diseases. Afterwards she worked for CeGaT GmbH and Praxis für Humangenetik Tübingen as a teamleader in the field of genetic diagnostics.

Stefan Griesbach, PhD, is team leader of the Sales team of CeGaT. His responsibilities include shaping the distribution strategy, planning for and representing CeGaT at public appearance, supporting service partners, and managing business-to-business contacts.

After studying Biochemistry at the universities of Tübingen and Munich, he earned his Doctorate in the Department of Molecular Biology at the University of Tübingen. His research focused on the role of the ubiquitous transcription factor Serum Response Factor (SRF) in the liver. Based on this work, he then established a new mouse model for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Dr. rer. nat. Nicole Grünheit arbeitet als Bioinformatikerin im Team Datenanalyse bei CeGaT.

Nicole Grünheit studierte Biomathematik mit den Schwerpunkten Molekularbiologie und Statistik an der Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald. Während ihrer Promotion in der Arbeitsgruppe „Molekulare Evolution“ an der HHU Düsseldorf analysierte sie die Verteilung der Gene, die von den primären oder sekundären Plastiden rezenter Pflanzen und Algen in die jeweiligen Kerngenome transferiert wurden. Nach Abschluss ihrer Promotion erhielt sie ein 2-jähriges Postdoc Stipendium des DAAD für einen Forschungsaufenthalt an der Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Hier entwickelte sie eine Methode für die de novo Assemblierung von Transkriptomen polyploider Pflanzen. Danach hat sie an der University of Manchester die Genome wilder Dictyostelium discoideum Stämme mittels genotyping by sequencing analysiert, um Gene zu bestimmen, die diverse Phänotypen hervorrufen.

Johannes Harter, PhD, is team leader of the research team. Together with his team he is responsible for the development and realization of research projects. He is specialized on planning, coordination, and analysis of research projects in the field of microbiome research.

Johannes Harter studied Geoecology at the University of Tübingen. In his diploma thesis he focused on the development and application of molecular biological methods for the detection of bacteria in environmental samples. During his PhD in Molecular Microbial Ecology at the University of Tübingen, he carried out microbiome analyzes using Next-Generation Sequencing at the DNA and RNA level and performed the bioinformatic evaluation of the associated datasets.

Angela Henzler, PhD, works in the software development team at CeGaT.
Her main tasks are the development of the CeGaT laboratory management system as well as support in laboratory process automation.

Angela Henzler studied bioinformatics at the University of Tübingen with a focus on biochemistry and immunology, she joined the group for Computational Molecular Design at the Center of Bioinformatics of the University of Hamburg were she developed computational methods for structure-based drug design.

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No information available.

Michael Hofmann, PhD, is responsible for CeGaT’s sales activities in Western Europe. Michael Hofmann studied molecular genetics and holds a PhD in Genomics from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg and the Max Planck Institute for Immunobiology, Freiburg.

As Laboratory Head Molecular Genetics he acquired significant experience in personalized medicine in oncology. The major focus of his work was in clinical biosampling, processing of patient samples, and in genetic diagnostics of tumors to identify genetic biomarkers predictive for response to therapy.

Prior to joining CeGaT, he worked as Regional Manager Western Europe for a genetic testing provider. He built up the sales structure and was responsible for sales of services and product portfolio in genetic and biochemical diagnostics of rare hereditary diseases.

Günter Jäger, PhD, is part of the CeGaT software development team.
His main tasks include the development of software solutions in the diagnostic context.

Günter Jäger studied bioinformatics at the University of Tübingen with a focus on molecular biology and genetics. During his PhD studies in the „Integrative Transcriptomics“ group, he developed new visual analytics approaches for the integrative study of single nucleotide variations and gene expression data.

Maria Kopp, M.Sc, is part of CeGaT’s Research & Development team. She is involved in the development of new methods and technologies in the field of NGS.

After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Bio and Process Engineering at the Hochschule Furtwangen University, she received a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences at University of Konstanz.

During her Bachelor thesis at the clinic in Stuttgart she established a RT-PCR-based method for the determination of the FOXP3-DNA-methylation as a marker for regulatory T-cells.
During her Master thesis at the Fraunhofer IGB Stuttgart she developed a NGS-based method for rapid detection of infections in the bloodstream.

Cornelia Kreim is part of the Customer Care team at CeGaT. Her responsibilities include answering next-generation sequencing service requests, preparing quotes and advising clients planning their projects.

Cornelia Kreim studied biomedical sciences at the University of Reutlingen and Albstadt-Sigmaringen University. She wrote her final master’s thesis in the research and development departement at Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH.

Dorothea Kemmler is part of the team “Development – Pharma Solutions”. Their responsibilities include advising clients on the use of Next-Generation Sequencing in clinical studies, and support them during the planning phase of their projects. Furthermore, the team is responsible for advancing development of CeGaT’s product portfolio for clinical and pharmaceutical studies.

After completing her biology degree in Konstanz and some research in food technology at the ETH Zurich, she gained professional experience in technical customer support at several international biotechnology companies. In the various positions, she has not only gained experience in next-generation sequencing, she also learned about the side of service providers as well as manufacturers for customers in research and medical diagnostics.

Felix Kenel, PhD, works in the CeGaT software development team. As a software engineer he mainly concentrates on software solutions to support laboratory workflows.

Felix Kenel studied bioinformatics at the University of Tübingen with a focus on genetics and molecular biology. During his Ph.D. studies at the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology and the University of Tübingen he developed data processing and analysis methods for next-generation-sequencing.

Bastian Lang is part of the Marketing & Communication team. As Senior Creative Manager, he is responsible for graphic design. He takes care of the design of print and digital media and is responsible for all photo as well as video content.

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Lisha Mathew, PhD, is part of the team Data Analytics of CeGaT. She supports the diagnostics and R&D department with specialized analysis and she is responsible for the continuous development of our data analysis.

Lisha Mathew studied bioinformatics at the Goethe University in Frankfurt with a focus on cell biology and ecology & evolution of animals. During her PhD studies in the Statistical Genetics group of the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich she worked on the development of a method to estimate model parameters from genetic data. She spend her postdoc at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne and worked on the evolution of human KRAB zinc finger genes based on the 1000 Genomes Project.

Dr. Judith Necker, PhD is team leader in the area of quality management at CeGaT. Together with her team she is responsible for the maintenance and development of the QM system according to ISO 15189 and CAP/CLIA requirements.

Judith Necker studied biology at the University of Hohenheim and subsequently completed her PhD at the Institute of Medical Genetics at the University of Basel. Afterwards, she was employed in the QM department of a biopharmaceutical company and completed the advanced training to become a QM representative at the German Society for Quality. Before joining CeGaT, she worked for several years in quality management and regulatory affairs at a manufacturer of in vitro diagnostics.

Bernd Müller is the Facility Manager at CeGaT. He is responsible for the coordination and review of construction and maintenance as well as the execution of repairs, and ensures the cleanliness of CeGaT’s facility.

He has worked as a Facility Manager for over eight years in different facilities.

Dmitri Ossipov, PhD as a Head of Sales Europe is responsible for sales in the European market at CeGaT. Development of sales strategies, management of the European sales team as well as direct customer communication in different European countries belong to his daily tasks.

After obtaining his PhD degree during his work in the Department of Molecular Genetics of the Max-Plank-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen and the University of Kassel, he has been working for many years in biotechnology companies.

Cosmin Pocanschi, PhD, is Head of Sales at CeGaT GmbH and in charge of company’s Research & Pharma Solutions business in the DACH and BeNeLux region.

He received his PhD in Biology from University of Konstanz and completed the Business Edge Executive Program at Rotman School of Management in Toronto. Before joining CeGaT, he gained experience in a variety of fields, including biomedical research, health services, quality assurance, process improvement and product management.

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Dr. rer. nat. Andrea Rütschle is Head of CeGaT’s Project Management Department. Together with her team she coordinates customer-specific next-generation sequencing projects in the field of Research & Pharma Solutions (RPS).

Andrea Rütschle studied Molecular Biotechnology at the TU München and the Uppsala University with focus on medical genetics, physiology and microbiology. During her doctoral thesis at the chair of Microbial Ecology at the TU München she gained experience with next-generation sequencing and numerous biomolecular methods.

Dr. rer. nat. Bettina Rohde is working as Project Manager at CeGaT. She coordinates customer-specific next-generation sequencing projects in the field of Research & Pharma Solutions (RPS).

Bettina Rohde studied chemistry at Phillips-Universität Marburg with focus on biochemistry. After finishing her PhD thesis at MPI for terrestrial microbiology in Marburg, she worked as postdoc at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. Afterwards she gained professional experience at a sequencing company, and worked as senior scientist in the laboratory, as project manager, and as data analysis specialist. Besides coordinating service projects for customers, she also managed publicly funded projects.

Sonja Sändig works in the customer care Team at CeGaT. Her responsibilities include answering next-generation sequencing service requests in the Research and Pharma Solutions area, preparing quotes and advising clients planning their projects..

Sonja Sändig studied biology at the University of Tübingen with a focus on animal physiology.

Verena Schattel, PhD, is working in the process and project management at CeGaT. She supports CeGaT in the implementation of complex internal projects. Responsible for all ERP projects, she ensures successful integration into CeGaT’s process landscape.

Verena studied bioinformatics at the University of Tübingen with a focus on pharmacy. Afterwards she did her PhD at the group of medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry and submitted a PhD thesis in the area of computational chemistry for host-ligand interactions of protein kinases. After the PhD she worked as an IT-Consultant and was involved in customer projects working with laboratory information systems and middleware which are used in regulated environments worldwide.

Lea Schenke supports the sales department at CeGaT. Her job includes the calculation of sales, organization and conduction of CeGaT´s appearance of exhibitions as well as intensive care of regular costumers.

Lea Schenke has studied molecular biotechnology at the RWTH University in Aachen with focus in immunology and medicine. During her dissertation she worked on the generation and characterization of specific cancer therapeutics against myeloid leukemia.

Gözdenur Schmelzer is a part of the CeGaT Sales team. She supports the team in answering customer requests, acquisition of new customers and helping with the coordination on trade-shows and exhibitions.

Gözdenur Schmelzer has a Bachelor`s degree in Biology from Middle East Technical University in Turkey. During her studies she focused mostly on microbial ecology. Previously she has worked in the microbiology and haematology laboratories in an oncology hospital in Ankara. After graduating, she was a freelance science-writer, mostly focusing on microbiology related articles. Since December 2019 she is a part of the CeGaT team.

Tina Schmidt is part of CeGaT´s Customer Solutions team. He task include the handling of custom NGS projects.

Tina Schmidt absolved her education as a biological laboratory technician at the “EUROIMMUN AG” in Lübeck. She gained first professional experience in a laboratory at the “Universitätsklinikum Tübingen” in the Transgenic Facility.

Sabrina Stiefel is part of the finance team at CeGaT. She is responsible for accounts receivable.

She finished her job education as a legal assistant in 2009 where she gained work experience in secretarial and administrative tasks. That followed a bachelor study at the University of Reutlingen in applied chemistry, with a focus on bioanalysis which she successfully completed in August 2014.

Isabelle Titel works in the Human Resources Department. She coordinates the recruiting process and is the contact person for all job candidates as well as for all employees regarding personnel-related questions. She manages the personnel data.

Isabelle Titel worked in the Finance Department and was amongst others responsible for payroll and several personnel-related tasks.

If you are interested in working at CeGaT, please send your job application to jobs@cegat.de.

Julia Unger supports CeGaT in the area of ​​purchasing and warehouse management, with a focus on warehouse management. Her tasks include the administration, provision, and reordering of consumer goods and inventory of capital goods.

Angelos Vachaviolos, PhD is part of CeGaT’s Sales team, where he focuses on tumor diagnostics. He is entrusted with advising customers on tumor-specific products and the aquisition of new customers, as well as with the coordination of internal projects.

After completing his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology in Greece he went to the UK, where he pursued a master’s degree in Molecular Genetics and Diagnostics at the University of Nottingham. Angelos continued his studies at a doctoral level at the University of Tübingen. During his PhD, he investigated the role of cGMP-dependent protein kinase I in thermogenesis in mice.

Daniel Walz is part of the IT department of CeGaT. He supports all IT-Infrastructure operations and is responsible for the backend Infrastructure.

Daniel Walz completed after his education as electronics technician for industrial systems a study as state-certified technician specialized in information technology. He gained experience as System administrator at several larger companies in the medical and automotive industry.

Nicole Weiblen leads the Product Management team in the Research & Pharma Solutions division. Together with her team, she is responsible for the strategic planning of products, launching new products, and maintaining existing products.

Nicole Weiblein studied biotechnology and bioprocess engineering. During her studies, various stays abroad, and her many years of work at CeGaT, she gained in-depth knowledge in molecular biology and sequencing.

Mandy Winkler has been supporting CeGaT in the back office team since July 2019 as assistant to the management. She is responsible for various administrative matters such as appointment coordination.

As a certified business economist, she has worked for the last few years as an assistant to the management and board of directors of a medical technology investor and a medical technology company in the field of ophthalmology, gaining a great deal of experience in the assistance area.

Irene-A. Zimmer, PhD, is part of CeGaT’s quality management team with her main focus being the American quality systems accreditation.

She received her veterinary degree and PhD from the LMU Munich before gathering work experience in the UK and USA for a total of 15 years. Amongst others, she was responsible for establishing and maintaining the quality system for a parasitology diagnostic laboratory, coordinated international EU projects, lectured at the North Shore Community and Gordon College in Massachusetts and was managing the laboratory for NSIV, a Biotech and Cleantech Incubator.