Sarah Loerch
Assistant Professor
Davenport,CA
Summary
Professional summary - Pharmaceutical scientist and biomedical researcher (PharmD equivalent and PhD) with extensive experience in protein biochemistry, RNA biology, structural biology, and assay development. Proven track record in leading interdisciplinary research teams and securing over $2.5 million in NIH funding. Expert in structural biology approaches, including cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallography techniques. Strong background in protein and RNA purification, coupled with a proven track-record of collaborative and mentoring abilities. Renowned for high-impact publications and advancing protein homeostasis research.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
University Of California, Santa Cruz
07.2020 - Current
- Leading an interdisciplinary research team of chemists, biophysicists, cell biologists, and neuroscientists to reveal novel mechanisms of protein homeostasis and translational control mechanisms related to human disease using structural biology approaches and medium-throughput assays.
- Secured over $2.5 million in research funding from NIH, including MIRA and exploratory R21 grants.
- Developed and applied advanced cryo-EM techniques, including 2D template matching (2DTM) classification.
- Authored and co-authored high-impact publications, and presented research results at invited seminars and conferences.
- Proven track record of successfully mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and placing them in academic and industry positions.
Postdoctoral Associate
Janelia Research Campus
06.2016 - 06.2020
- Authored and co-authored high-impact publications, contributing to novel findings on translational control pathways and amyloid fibril structure and formation.
- · Developed deep expertise cryo-electron microscopy in one of the leading computational methods development labs
- Developed methodologies for in situ particle detection, providing insights into ribosomal maturation intermediates.
Education
Ph.D. - Biophysics, Structural And Computational Biology
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY 05.2001 -
Master of Science - Biophysics, Structural And Computational Biology
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY 05.2001 -
Eidg. Dipl. Apotheker (PharmD Equivalent) - Pharmaceutical Sciences
ETH Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland 05.2001 -
Master of Science - Pharmaceutical Sciences
ETH Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Pharmaceutical Sciences
ETH Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland 05.2001 -
Skills
Strong collaborative skills, working across interdisciplinary teams
Leadership in mentoring and diverse research teams
Protein and RNA production and structural characterization using cryo-EM methods, X-ray crystallography, biophysical, and biochemical methods
Expertise in protein purification, construct design, and protein-protein interactions
Advanced cryo-EM techniques: single particle analysis (SPA) and 2D template matching (2DTM)
Effective science communicator
Timeline
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
University Of California, Santa Cruz
07.2020 - Current
Postdoctoral Associate
Janelia Research Campus
06.2016 - 06.2020
Ph.D. - Biophysics, Structural And Computational Biology
University of Rochester
05.2001 -
Master of Science - Biophysics, Structural And Computational Biology
University of Rochester
05.2001 -
Eidg. Dipl. Apotheker (PharmD Equivalent) - Pharmaceutical Sciences
ETH Zurich
05.2001 -
Master of Science - Pharmaceutical Sciences
ETH Zurich
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Pharmaceutical Sciences
ETH Zurich
05.2001 -