Research Assistant · Histology & Molecular Biology

From the laboratory to the patient.

Histology and research support specialist in immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and translational biomarker analysis — with a focus on neuroscience and oncology.

Andrea Sanmamed
Open to new opportunities
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01 — About

Trained in curiosity, shaped by practice.

I'm a biologist working at the intersection of histology, cell biology and molecular biology, with hands-on experience across preclinical research and the clinical laboratory.

My work covers immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and ELISA for cellular biomarker analysis — from staining brain tissue for neurodegenerative disease research to validating tools for the early detection of melanoma.

I work efficiently in international, multidisciplinary teams, adapt quickly, and genuinely care about research that reaches the patient. My career covers clinical diagnostics and patient-facing work through translational cancer research and into preclinical neuroscience.

I'm currently strengthening my German and English to collaborate even more naturally across European research environments.

Andrea Sanmamed

At a glance

Based inBilbao
AreasHistology · IHC · IF · Cell culture · ELISA · Data analysis
MobilityNational and international · Driving licence
LanguagesSpanish · Basque · English · German
02 — Impact

A few numbers from the laboratory.

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Slides processed per immunofluorescence incubation
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Years across preclinical and clinical laboratories
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Sample traceability and protocol compliance
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Research areas: neuroscience, oncology and cell biology
03 — In the lab

Where the work happens.

04 — Experience

Where I've worked.

Jan 2025 — Jan 2026

Histology Technical Assistant

Scantox Neuro GmbH · Graz, Austria
  • Technical support for neurodegenerative disease research (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, ALS, MS) at a specialised contract research organisation (CRO).
  • Carried out multichannel immunofluorescence labelling on cryosections — up to 250 slides per incubation.
  • Image acquisition on Zeiss AxioScan microscopes and analysis with Image-Pro 10.
  • Antibody data analysis by ROI (Excel and GraphPad) and protocol optimisation.
  • Prepared images for study reports (Zeiss ZEN) and documented work in a GLP-like environment.
Feb 2025 — Sep 2025

Environmental Management Assistant (remote)

AYUNA · Less is Beauty · Spain
  • Analysed large volumes of sustainability data to assess supplier environmental performance against the brand's Positive Luxury certification criteria.
  • Reviewed scientific literature on cosmetic ingredients to support sustainable product development and raw-material sourcing.
Oct 2024 — Dec 2024

Junior Researcher

DeustoTech — Deusto Institute of Technology · Bilbao, Spain
  • Produced scientific content on the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare, with a focus on the detection and analysis of allergens in cosmetic products.
Apr 2023 — Jul 2024

Research Assistant

Cancer & Translational Medicine Group, UPV/EHU · Bilbao, Spain
  • Worked on the Melanoma Clinical Decision Support System (Melanoma-CDSS), developing tools for the early detection of metastasis in cutaneous melanoma.
  • Carried out IHC biomarker analysis on FFPE (paraffin-embedded) biopsies from 100 patients using automated equipment, and quantified serum cytokines by ELISA to assess circulating biomarkers of tumour progression.
  • Maintained human cell lines under sterile conditions as experimental support for translational studies.
  • Took part in public science outreach at UPV/EHU's «#SheMentoring: female researchers you might come across in the street» event.
Jun 2021 — Sep 2024

Laboratory Technician

IMQ Análisis Clínicos & Quirón Salud · Bilbao, Spain
  • Processed and analysed more than 50 clinical samples a day — blood, urine and COVID-19 diagnostics — following SOPs with 100% traceability and labelling.
  • Maintained accuracy under heavy workload, handling concurrent patient and sample flows.
Feb 2019 — May 2019

Research Intern

Biofisika Institute, UPV/EHU · Basque Country, Spain
  • Internship with the Ion Signaling & Disease in Excitable Membranes group: protein purification, electrophoresis, PCR, bacterial culture and DNA sequencing.
2022

Science Communicator (personal project)

Independent project · Dermo-cosmetics outreach · Bilbao, Spain
  • Built and ran a personal science-communication project, translating peer-reviewed literature on cosmetic ingredients, formulation and safety into accessible content for a general audience.
  • Designed and managed the digital communication strategy — sharpening the ability to convey technical concepts with rigour to non-expert audiences.
2018 — 2024

Private Tutor

Self-employed · Bilbao, Spain
  • Tutored pupils across primary, secondary and pre-university levels for six years — breaking complex material down and tailoring each explanation to the learner's level and needs.
  • A skill that translates directly to the lab: communicating clearly, mentoring others and turning difficult concepts into something anyone can apply.
05 — References

What others say about me.

A motivated, reliable, stress-resistant and organised team member who adapts quickly to new topics and challenges — completing every task to our full satisfaction. I recommend her without hesitation.

Jörg Neddens
Jörg Neddens, PhD Head of Histology · Scantox Neuro GmbH
Download reference letter

She showed a strong interest in biomedical research, a positive attitude towards learning and a clear willingness to develop new technical skills. I was particularly impressed by her initiative and her commitment to expanding her knowledge and laboratory skills.

Cristina Penas Lago
Dr Cristina Penas Lago Postdoctoral Researcher & University Lecturer · Dept. of Cell Biology and Histology, UPV/EHU
Download reference letter
06 — Skills

Tools of the trade.

Laboratory techniques

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)Expert
Immunofluorescence (IF)Expert
Histology and tissue processingAdvanced
ELISA and biomarker analysisAdvanced
Cell culture (human and bacterial)Advanced
PCR · HPLC · DNA/RNA extractionProficient

Imaging and software

Zeiss AxioScan Z1 Zeiss ZEN Image-Pro 10 GraphPad Prism 10 Quantitative image analysis MS Excel GLP-like documentation

Languages

SpanishNative
BasqueNative
EnglishFull professional proficiency
GermanA2 · Elementary

Beyond the lab

Active in science outreach — runs a personal dermo-cosmetics project on social media and took part in UPV/EHU's Science and Innovation Week, championing women in STEAM.

07 — Education

Academic foundations.

2024 — 2025

MSc Cosmetic Industry

Universitat de València

2019 — 2024

BSc Biology

University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) — specialisation in Cell, Molecular and Genetic Biology

2017 — 2019

Clinical and Biomedical Laboratory

Cruz Roja Institute — Higher Technician Diploma

08 — Full CV

Download my CV.

09 — Contact

Let's work together.

Open to histology technician, research support and translational science roles — in the Basque Country, Spain, or internationally.