İrem Harputluoğlu
Ankara,06
Summary
Results-driven and multidisciplinary scientist with a strong foundation in chemistry and biochemistry, complemented by hands-on experience in cell culture, synthetic chemistry, and advanced analytical techniques. Currently serving as a Clinical Research Coordinator, managing complex diagnostic programs and optimizing workflows to ensure high-quality data management and protocol compliance. Experienced in bridging laboratory and operational environments, leveraging problem-solving and process optimization skills.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Research Coordinator
Düzen Laboratory Group
11.2024 - Current
- Supporting the smooth operation of diagnostic programs for lysosomal storage disorders (LSD).
- Ensuring protocol compliance and maintaining high-quality data management systems.
- Leading reporting, documentation, and communication between analytical and clinical teams.
- Identifying opportunities to optimize workflows to improve research efficiency.
Project Staff (ERC Project)
Infradynamics
12.2023 - 08.2025
- Overcoming the Barriers of Brain Cancer Treatment: Targeted and Fully NIR Absorbing Photodynamic Therapy Agents with Extremely Low Molecular Weights and Controlled Lipophilicity – European Research Council (ERC) Project.
- Conducted in vitro photodynamic therapy (PDT) experiments on glioblastoma cell lines.
- Analyzed data, prepared progress reports, and collaborated with a multidisciplinary team.
M.Sc. Researcher
Middle East Technical University
09.2022 - 12.2024
Prof. Dr. Görkem Günbaş’s Research Group
- Investigated photodynamic therapy applications for glioblastoma treatment.
- Designed and characterized novel photosensitizer compounds and nanoparticle systems.
- Conducted in vitro cell culture, cytotoxicity, and photophysical assays.
- Presented findings at internal seminars and prepared manuscripts.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Middle East Technical University
02.2022 - 07.2022
Prof. Dr. Görkem Günbaş’s Research Group
- Researched PDA nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems with Luteolin for glioblastoma cells.
- Performed cell culture, viability assays, and fluorescence/UV-Vis analysis.
Research Intern
University of Antwerp
07.2021 - 10.2021
Prof. Stuart Maudsley's Receptor Biology Lab
- Worked on proteomic profiling of G-protein coupled receptor complexes.
- Applied bioinformatics approaches to drug discovery and receptor signaling pathways.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Middle East Technical University
07.2019 - 02.2020
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serhan Türkyılmaz’s Group
- Synthesized and microbiologically evaluated novel photosensitizers for bacterial photodynamic inactivation.
- Gained experience in synthetic chemistry and quantitative microbiology.
Education
Master of Science - Biochemistry
Middle East Technical University
Ankara, Turkey12-2024
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Middle East Technical University
Ankara, Turkey07-2022
Skills
- Hands-on experience with HPLC, GC, and LC-MS/MS for quantitative and qualitative analysis
- Microbiological Techniques, Human Cell Culture, Recombinant DNA Manipulation
- Protein Extraction and Purification (DDF), BCA / Qubit Protein Assays, MTT Assay
- Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Nanoparticle Design for Drug Delivery
- Mass Spectrometry, UV-Vis-NIR & Photoluminescence Spectroscopy, Cyclic Voltammetry
- Confocal Microscopy, FTIR, NMR, Gel Permeation Chromatography, Contact Angle Measurement
- PCR, Electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, Western Blot
- SQL for data extraction and management
Laboratory & Analytical Skills
Instrumentation & Characterization
Data Analysis & Computational Skills
- Biostatistics & experimental design for data interpretation and quality control
- OriginLab Pro for Data Analysis & Graphing
- Python Programming for basic data processing
- Advanced use of Excel (including programming / macros)
- Scientific Databases (SciFinder, Web of Science)
- ChemDraw / ChemSketch for Chemical Drawing
- Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Neurochemistry, Cancer Biology, Bioethics & Research Methods
- Principles of Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Microscopy
- Biomedical Materials, Sensory Physiology, Stem Cells & Neurobiology
Graduate Coursework & Theoretical Background
Accomplishments
· Certificate of Publication : Certificate of publication for the article titled: Intersection of the Orphan G Protein-Coupled Receptor, GPR19, with the Aging Process(2022)
· Certificate of Publication: Certificate of publication for the article titled GPCRs Are Optimal Regulators of Complex Biologic al Systems and Orchestrate the Interface between Health and Disease
· Dean’s Honor 2021-2022 Spring Semester Awarding institution: Middle East Technical University
· Dean’s Honor 2021-2022 Fall Semester Awarding institution: Middle East Technical University
· Dean's Honor 2019-2020 Spring Semester Awarding institution: Middle East Technical University
· 17th Chemistry Week Participation Certificate(2019) Awarding institution: Middle East Technical University
· 15th Chemistry Week Participation Certificate(2017) Awarding institution: Middle East Technical University
· Crossing Paths' Internship Scholarship(2021) Awarding institution: Crossing Paths https://www.kesisenyollar.org/tr/
· Tubitak Science Festival Participation Certificate(2010) Awarding institution: Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) Award-winning project: Tunnel illuminated by solar energy.
Additional Information
1. Maudsley, S.; Walter, D.; Schrauwen, C.; Van Loon, N.; Harputluoğlu, İ.; Lenaerts, J.; McDonald, P. Intersection of the Orphan G Protein-Coupled Receptor, GPR19, with the Aging Process. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 13598. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232113598
2. Leysen, H.; Walter, D.; Christiaenssen, B.; Vandoren, R.; Harputluoğlu, İ.; Van Loon, N.; Maudsley, S. GPCRs Are Optimal Regulators of Complex Biological Systems and Orchestrate the Interface between Health and Disease. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22, 13387. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222413387
3. Maudsley, S., Schrauwen, C., Harputluoğlu, İ., Walter, D., Leysen, H., & McDonald, P. (2023). GPR19 coordinatesmultiple molecularaspects of stress responses associated with theaging process. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(10), 8499. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24108499
Languages
Turkish
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
French
Elementary
German
Elementary
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Clinical Research Coordinator
Düzen Laboratory Group
11.2024 - Current
Project Staff (ERC Project)
Infradynamics
12.2023 - 08.2025
M.Sc. Researcher
Middle East Technical University
09.2022 - 12.2024
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Middle East Technical University
02.2022 - 07.2022
Research Intern
University of Antwerp
07.2021 - 10.2021
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Middle East Technical University
07.2019 - 02.2020
Master of Science - Biochemistry
Middle East Technical University
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Middle East Technical University