Julia Pizzolato PhD
Commercial Scientific Liaison
Career highlights
- Commercial Scientific Liaison, evitria AG (Jan 2026–present): Technical consultation, feasibility checks, and scientific training materials for complex client projects in antibody engineering and recombinant protein expression.
- Senior Scientist in Antibody Engineering, InCephalo (May 2022–Nov 2024): Led protein design, purification, and characterization (ELISA, bioactivity assays, flow cytometry) for immuno-oncology programs and guided strategy decisions with literature/patent synthesis.
- Senior Scientist / Technical Expert Data Management, CSL Behring (Oct 2020–Sep 2021): Built analytics pipelines used daily by scientists; delivered technical training and support for data integration.
- Head of Business Development | Data Scientist, Propulsion Academy Zurich (Jan 2020–Aug 2020): Taught data science (SQL, BigQuery) and delivered large-scale training sessions with strong participant feedback.
- Research Scientist, Heptares Therapeutics Zurich (Dec 2017–Jan 2019): Engineered thermostable GPCR variants while operating effectively within a matrixed organizational environment.
Publications
Julia has published peer-reviewed research in molecular biology and DNA repair, including articles in Nature Communications and The Journal of Biological Chemistry. This track record underpins her approach to evidence-based writing, with a strong focus on experimental rigor and clear data interpretation. Selected publications are listed below, with additional references available via ResearchGate.
- FAN1 interaction with ubiquitylated PCNA alleviates replication stress and preserves genomic integrity independently of BRCA2 (Oct. 2017)
Interstrand cross-link (ICL) hypersensitivity is a characteristic trait of Fanconi anemia (FA). Although FANCD2-associated nuclease 1 (FAN1) contributes to ICL repair, FAN1 mutations predispose to karyomegalic interstitial nephritis (KIN) and cancer rather than to FA. Thus, the biological role of FAN1 remains unclear. Because fork stalling in FAN1-…view - FANCD2-associated Nuclease 1, but Not Exonuclease 1 or Flap Endonuclease 1, Is Able to Unhook DNA Interstrand Cross-links in Vitro (Jul 2015)
Cisplatin and its derivatives, nitrogen mustards (NMs) and mitomycin C (MMC) are widely used in cancer chemotherapy. Their efficacy is linked primarily to their ability to generate DNA interstrand cross-links (ICLs), which effectively block the progression of transcription and replication machineries. Release of this block, referred to as unhooking…view - Stochastic signalling rewires the interaction map of a multiple feedback network during yeast evolution (Feb. 2012)
During evolution, genetic networks are rewired through strengthening or weakening their interactions to develop new regulatory schemes. In the galactose network, the GAL1/GAL3 paralogues and the GAL2 gene enhance their own expression mediated by the Gal4p transcriptional activator. The wiring strength in these feedback loops is set by the number of…view - Supplementary Information (Feb. 2012)
Supplementary Figures S1-S3 and Supplementary Tables S1-S5 view
Articles written by Julia Pizzolato PhD (37)
Julia writes about recombinant antibody production and CHO transient expression, antibody fundamentals (e.g., IgG), Fc biology and effector functions (e.g., ADCC), and complex modalities such as bispecific and multispecific antibodies. Her articles are designed to support practical R&D decision-making and are grounded in primary literature and evitria’s operational experience. Content is reviewed and updated as technical standards, terminology, or best practices evolve.
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What is the Typical Turnaround Time for HTP Antibody Production?
evitria’s HTP Antibody Production Service delivers purified, analytics-confirmed material within a 4-week cycle from sequence approval. Learn what factors influence turnaround time and how to plan your screening campaign effectively.

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Developability-by-Design: The 5 Readouts to Check Before Picking Winners
Identifying a high-affinity binder is only the first hurdle in antibody discovery. Developability-by-Design integrates five key biophysical readouts into the selection process to ensure only manufacturable candidates advance.

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Why HTP Screening Results Sometimes Fail to Translate to Manufacturing
Top-tier HTP screening leads frequently fail to translate to manufacturing due to host system incompatibilities and production artefacts. This article examines the root causes and how to close the translation gap.

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High-Throughput Screening (HTS): Moving from Production to Data
High-Throughput Screening bridges antibody production and data generation, transforming large panels of expressed proteins into actionable biological insights. Understanding this workflow is essential for designing a productive discovery campaign.

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Benefits of High-Throughput Antibody Expression in Early-Stage Discovery
High-Throughput Antibody Expression accelerates early-stage discovery by translating digital sequence libraries into physical proteins at unprecedented speed. Discover how HTP production compresses the path from sequence to validated lead.

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The Top 5 Problems with High-Throughput Antibody Expression and How to Avoid Them
High-throughput antibody expression exposes technical liabilities that remain invisible until they cause failure at scale. This article identifies the five most common problems and how to proactively avoid them.

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How to Design an HTP Screening Campaign for Reliable Lead Comparability
Reliable lead comparability in an HTP screening campaign depends on high-fidelity production and a consistent host system. This guide outlines how to structure your campaign to generate decision-grade data.

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Primary vs. Secondary Screening: Why CHO-Based Material is Essential
The host system used during primary screening determines whether lead candidates are genuinely ready for development. CHO-based material ensures data generated at the screening stage translates directly to manufacturing.

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Hidden Costs in HTP: Why “Cheap” HEK293 Material Costs Millions Later
Choosing HEK293 cells based on lower upfront cost introduces hidden downstream risks that can cost millions in failed preclinical development. Understanding the true economics of host system selection is critical.

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Batch Effects in HTP: Identifying Sources and Strategies for Reduction
Batch effects are systematic, non-biological sources of variation that distort HTP screening results. Identifying their root causes and applying targeted reduction strategies is essential for reliable lead selection.

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Transient vs. Stable Expression in HTP: When to Make the Switch
Learn when to switch from transient to stable expression in HTP antibody programs. Three technical triggers and a CHO-based strategy that de-risks the move.

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Recombinant protein: definition, examples & production
This article will highlight the role of recombinant proteins in several scientific areas and have a closer look at how they are produced.


