I am a biotechnologist with a PhD in Genetics and Biomolecular Sciences and a strong interdisciplinary background in microbiology, molecular biology, and infectious disease research, developed across both academic and healthcare settings. My work has consistently focused on antimicrobial resistance, genomic surveillance, and host–pathogen interactions, combining wet-lab techniques, in vivo models, and bioinformatic workflows to generate clinically relevant insights and support public health decision-making.
In my current role as Research Biologist at the South Tyrol Health Authority, I lead molecular epidemiological investigations on respiratory viruses and multidrug-resistant bacteria. I am responsible for genomic data analysis to support outbreak detection and infection control, and I oversee the development of SOPs and the training of laboratory staff in GLP-compliant and BSL-2 environments.
My research career has included senior roles as Researcher in national and international institutions, where I contributed to the study of acute and chronic bacterial infections, resistance evolution, and vaccine development. I have authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and contributed to a patent on Pseudomonas aeruginosa antigens. I also have extensive experience in academic teaching and mentoring at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
I hold the Italian National Scientific Qualification as Associate Professor in Microbiology and am professionally qualified to practise as a biologist.
I am recognised for my ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, communicate complex scientific concepts clearly, and foster collaborative and productive research environments.
I am now seeking a position within an academic or research institution where I can contribute to advancing translational microbiology, genomic epidemiology, and infection prevention, and where my scientific and leadership skills can support innovation and impact in the field.

Female

Italian

Bolzano

Italy

Manager (Manager/Supervisor of Staff)

Microbiology

I am a multidisciplinary biotechnologist with a PhD in Genetics and Biomolecular Sciences and extensive experience in microbiology, molecular epidemiology, and infectious disease research. My expertise includes antimicrobial resistance, genomic surveillance, host–pathogen interactions, and healthcare-associated infections.
I have worked with bacterial and viral pathogens using a wide range of experimental approaches, including molecular biology techniques, immunoassays, in vitro cell culture systems, and in vivo infection models. I have also applied genomic methods to investigate pathogen diversity, transmission dynamics, and molecular epidemiology in both clinical and public health contexts.

Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, South Tyrol Health Authority

Elisabetta Pagani

Bolzano

Italy

Research Biologist

03-25-2020

Currently, my primary focus is on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), genomic surveillance and the molecular epidemiology of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). I have led and co-led numerous genomic investigations into multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens and respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. This work has contributed directly to regional and national public health responses.
My research integrates whole genome sequencing, phylogenetics and bioinformatics to support the detection of outbreaks, the control of infections and the monitoring of AMR. These activities have resulted in peer-reviewed publications and collaborations with national reference centres and public health institutions.
In my current role, I contribute to the development of GLP-compliant standard operating procedures (SOPs). I supervise and mentor laboratory staff and trainees, fostering a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment that promotes scientific rigour and innovation.
Prior to my current position, at the University of Trento, I led projects investigating antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa through genomic and transcriptomic approaches, and conducted molecular epidemiology studies on multidrug-resistant strains from both clinical and environmental sources. I also contributed to biosafety management and SOP development in BSL-2 laboratories. During this period, I actively mentored undergraduate, MSc, and PhD students in experimental techniques and data analysis, and taught courses in General Microbiology, Molecular Biology of the Cell, and Microbial Biotechnology.
Earlier, at the San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan, I carried out extensive research on chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis, focusing on the persistence and adaptation of P. aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. My work included the preclinical evaluation of vaccine candidates using animal models, functional genomics studies, and the application of in silico approaches to identify immunotherapeutic targets. I also participated in GLP-compliant infection studies and contributed to whole genome sequencing of persistent clinical isolates, while supporting biosafety procedures and training activities within the laboratory.
I also briefly contributed to studies on Clostridium difficile pathogenesis at Royal Holloway, University of London, using in vitro and in vivo models to investigate host–pathogen interactions.

Education
- PhD in Genetics and Biomolecular Sciences
University of Milan, Italy – May 2011
Thesis: Functional genomics approaches to identify Pseudomonas aeruginosa functions involved in persistence and disease progression in chronic airway infections
- MSc in Biotechnology for Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Vaccine Production
University of Urbino “Carlo Bo,” Italy – Oct 2006
Thesis: Bioinformatic analysis of Photobacterium damselae genomic DNA for vaccine candidate identification
- BSc in Biotechnology for Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Vaccine Production
University of Urbino “Carlo Bo,” Italy – Jul 2004
Thesis: Sequencing of cosmidic clones from a genomic library of Photobacterium damselae

Qualifications
- National Scientific Qualification (ASN) as Associate Professor (II fascia) in Microbiology (BIO/19), Italy – Oct 2021
- Professional Qualification to practise as Biologist (Section A), University of Urbino “Carlo Bo,” Italy – Oct 2006

Italian

Native

English

Excellent

German

Basic

Extensive experience in molecular epidemiology and comparative genomics of bacterial and viral pathogens, with a focus on multidrug-resistant organisms and healthcare-associated infections. Skilled in molecular biology techniques (PCR, RT-PCR, dPCR, cloning, recombinant protein expression), immunoassays (ELISA, Western blot), and the use of in vitro cell culture systems and in vivo infection models. Competent in antimicrobial susceptibility testing, biosafety management in BSL-2 laboratories, and GLP-compliant SOP development. Experienced in academic teaching, scientific communication, and laboratory staff supervision.

Proficient in Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems. Experienced with Microsoft Office suite and bioinformatics tools for genomic analysis, including whole genome sequencing workflows, phylogenetic analysis, and functional annotation.

Co-inventor of a patent for vaccine antigens targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa (WO 2014083060), developed through functional genomics and preclinical in vivo testing.

Research position, Laboratory position

Clinical Microbiology, InfectiousDiseases, Microbiology

Research Scientist, Senior Research Scientist, Assistant Professor

Permanent, Temporary/contract/project

Full-time

15

Europe

01-01-2026

I am seeking a senior research position in microbiology, with a particular focus on molecular epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and pathogen genomics. I am especially interested in roles that involve experimental research on bacterial pathogens, integrating in vitro and in vivo models with molecular biology techniques and genomic approaches to investigate transmission dynamics, evolutionary mechanisms, and host–pathogen interactions. I value environments that promote scientific collaboration, mentoring, and the opportunity to contribute to research with a clear public health impact.