BERNARD MONTUENGA, Maribel

Academic training

Master's Degree in Biomedicine, University of Barcelona
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Simón Bolívar University

Professional experience

Research Laboratory Technician
International University of Catalonia - Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona province. September 2023 - August 2025
From Cell Metabolism to Metabolic Diseases Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences.
• Production of over 100 batches of viral vectors (lentiviruses), with titration by flow cytometry, MTT, and colony assay, used in multiple transduction experiments.
• Design, construction, and validation of 16+ plasmids, including repository maintenance and development of molecular databases for traceability and experimental use.
• Maintenance and expansion of 8+ human cell lines (293T, A549, RPE1, MCF7, HeLa, among others), including cell banks and comparative studies of sensitivity to antibiotics, drugs, and adverse metabolic conditions.
• Execution of molecular and cellular biology techniques: protein/RNA/DNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR, qPCR, Western blot, immunoprecipitation, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and cell viability assays.
• Key participation in three large-scale CRISPR-Cas9 screenings (genome-wide and combinatorial), including the management of large-volume cultures (64–102 flasks) and functional validation of hits.
• Drafting and standardization of technical protocols, creation of internal databases, and improvement of experimental traceability.
• Training and supervision of researchers (predoc, postdoc, and students) in molecular biology and cell culture techniques.
• Recognized experimental contribution as a co-author in a manuscript submitted to Nucleic Acids Research (under review). Junior Researcher
Leitat - Technology Center - Barcelona, ​​Barcelona Province, November 2022 - January 2023
Junior Researcher in the Regenerative Medicine area of ​​the Department of Health and Biomedicine at LEITAT, based at the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR)
• Processing of biological samples and primary culture isolates.
• Cell culture assays.
• Preparation of cell culture solutions and media.
• Cell and molecular biology assays (immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, Western blot, and ELISA).
• Handling of laboratory animals (rats).
• Laboratory management (stock control and inventory management of laboratory materials and samples).
• Placement of samples in liquid nitrogen.
• Collaboration on specific scientific projects.
• Collaboration in protocol development.
• Drafting of SOPs and operating manuals.