Core Facility Manager at a Research Institute
July 1 @ 13:00 – 14:00
Ever wondered what it takes to manage the cutting-edge technology that drives today’s scientific research?
In our next Beyond the Postdoc lunch talk, we dive into the fascinating world of Core Facility Management — a career path that blends science, strategy, and service. Core facilities are the backbone of modern research institutions, providing high-end technologies, expert guidance, and tailored training to enable groundbreaking science. But behind every smoothly running facility is a skilled manager who makes it all happen.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Barbara Steigenberger, Manager of the Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Facility, and Dr. Daniel Bollschweiler, Cryo-EM Facility Manager, both from the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry. Dr. Steigenberger holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry (LMU Munich) and, after postdoctoral research in crosslinking mass spectrometry at the University of Utrecht, now leads the Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, combining her passion for science with mentoring young researchers. Dr. Bollschweiler transitioned into facility management in 2018 after a PhD in cryo-electron tomography at the MPIB and a postdoc at the University of Cambridge, where he helped establish cryo-EM technologies.
Join us to hear how these two scientists found their path into this growing field, what their day-to-day work involves, and what skills and mindsets are crucial for success in a role that is as scientific as it is strategic. Whether you are curious about careers beyond the bench or want to understand how research infrastructures really work — this is your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look.
Barbara Steigenberger
Barbara Steigenberger is a chemist with a background in organic chemistry and mass spectrometry. She received her PhD from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich) in 2016, where she focused on the synthesis of epigenetic DNA building blocks. After completing her PhD, Barbara held a postdoctoral position at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, where she developed and synthesized a new crosslinking reagent for mass spectrometry. Since 2020, she has been heading the Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, where she enjoys interacting with young researchers and working close to science.
Daniel Boschweiler
Daniel Bollschweiler is a postdoctoral researcher with a background in chemistry and biochemistry. He holds a diploma in chemistry from the University of Freiburg and a PhD in cryo-electron microscopy from the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry. Daniel has a strong focus on cryo-electron tomography and has worked on various projects in this field. He is currently working as an EM facility manager at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry and has been in this position for almost 7 years and really enjoys his role.
