Director of Core Facilities

Research techniques today are evolving rapidly and it is almost impossible for a researcher to master all the necessary techniques, methods and equipment for a research project. Thus, we have amassed all our key instruments and expertise within the Core Facilities, which are run by a dedicated team of technical scientists and staff. 

The Core Facilities are an integral part of IMB and were planned and established at the founding of the institute. We provide you with access to all available techniques, methods and equipment in one place. Our technical scientists can help you with planning experiments and learning to use the devices, and in some cases, you can simply hand in samples for analysis through our full service. Moreover, we have in-house biostatisticians and bioinformaticians to assist you with analysing research data at all levels.

It is no longer necessary for every researcher to master all techniques and methods; instead, the Core Facilities provide you with expertise across a range of techniques. This speeds up research and improves data quality.

Our staff do not have other research commitments and can concentrate fully on services and method development for users. Regular training of Core Facilities staff ensures that you receive the best possible support and advice. 

All our equipment is kept well-maintained by our trained experts and regularly serviced and checked. In the event of problems, Core Facility members can provide first-level support on-site. 

Innovation is also an important aspect of the facilities. An example is the recent development of our Competence Hubs, where several Core Facilities are working together to develop new methods that go beyond the standard services of any individual facility.

Andreas Vonderheit

Education

  • 2004:
    PhD in Biochemistry, ETH, Zürich
  • 2000:
    Diploma in Molecular Biology, ZMBH, University of Heidelberg

Positions held

  • Since 2013:
    Director of Core Facilities and Technology, Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz
  • 2011 - 2015:
    Head of Microscopy, Core Facilities and Technology, Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz
  • 2008 - 2011:
    Screening Scientist at the RNAi Image-based Screening Center (RISC), Light Microscopy Center, ETH, Zürich
  • 2005 - 2008:
    Postdoc, Institute of Nanotechnology, ETH, Zürich

"Early in my PhD studies, I was fascinated by the technical possibilities available to researchers. Yet, I still had to learn techniques and understand the technology for my research by myself. This was extremely difficult and time-consuming, as there was no central office or expert available. Eventually, I became the PhD student who maintained the group's microscopes and helped new students. At the end of my PhD, a Microscopy Core Facility, the LMC (Light Microscopy Center) was founded at ETH. I immediately knew this was the path I wanted to take, and became a postdoc and eventually a staff scientist there.”