Simon Düttmann

Working on RT-qPCR tests for SARS-Cov2, MERS and hCov. Testing in the laboratory, analysis of results, management of processes, QM measures, everything else that needs to be done to keep on testing thousands of samples per day

Dissertation submitted and waiting to conclude the process, due to the SARS-Cov2-situation the doctorate is still pending

Biochemical characterization of a trifunctional synthetase: cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, heterologous expression of enzyme and peptidic substrates in E. coli, in vitro characterization, FPLC, RP-HPLC, LC-MS, CD spectroscopy, iTC, X-ray crystallography. Supervision of students, preparing peer-review assessments, revision of lecture notes, administrative assistance in the development of the novel masters programme “Biological Chemistry”, planning and implementing a more modern homepage for the group.

Cultivation of L. sericata und C. vicina to analyse applicability of DNA samples after passage through digestive system, DNA fingerprint analyses, multiplex-PCR, capillary electrophoresis, workshop forensic biology, sitting in on court hearings and dissections.

DECHEMA Karl-Winnaker-Institute of Bioprocess Engineering. Trials to increase the expression levels of a fungal enzyme using randomized mutagenesis approaches

Max-Planck Institute of Terrestrial Microbiology, Lab of Prof. Dr. A. Brune. GC analyses of the methane production of gut commensales in Blattodea. Training in working with anaerobic bacteria.

Master Thesis with Prof. Dr. K.-D. Entian: ”Biochemical Characterization of the Methyltransferases Bmt4 and Bmt5.” Heterologous expression in E. coli und S. cerevisiae, density gradient centrifugation and polysome profiles, RP-HPLC, Y2H, SDS-PAGE, WB/SB/NB, iTC, in vivo und in vitro characterizations, micromanipulation for tetrade analysis. Significant contributions in the identification of two methyltransferases involved in ribosome maturation.

Bachelor Thesis with Prof. Dr. E. Bremer: „Molecular studies of the function of a potassium channel (YugO) in Bacillus subtilis.“