SORAYA HEZZAZ
Profile:
Molecular biologist and R&D specialist with a strong background in cell model development, experimental design, and laboratory operations. Experienced in working across the full research workflow -- from model generation and experiment execution through viability assessment and microscopy -- in both academic and applied settings. At Exobiosphere, Soraya conducts cell biology research developing and maintaining cancer cell models including glioblastoma and neuroblastoma in both spheroid and 2D culture systems. She designs and executes experiments across the full research workflow, manages laboratory equipment, is responsible for procurement and supply orders, and contributes to the development of laboratory infrastructure and standard operating procedures.
Work History:
2025 - CURRENT: EXOBIOSPHERE | LUXEMBOURGLab Technician
Conducts cell biology research, developing and maintaining cell models including glioblastoma and neuroblastoma in both spheroid and 2D culture systems. Designs and executes experiments across the full research workflow, including spheroid generation, multi-modal viability assessments, and microscopy. Manages laboratory equipment and is responsible for laboratory procurement and supply orders. Contributes to the development of laboratory infrastructure and standard operating procedures.
2021 - 2025: Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg | Belval, LuxembourgResearch and Development Specialist
Contributed to and supported the creation of research projects in neuroscience and molecular cell biology, designing and executing experiments using iPSC-derived cell models with a focus on neuroinflammation and Parkinson's disease. She teached and supervised Master's students through both lectures and practical laboratory sessions. Her work has resulted in co-authorship on three peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals between 2023 and 2026.
2020 - 2021: Luxbiologie | Dudelange, LuxembourgLab Technician and Sampler
Conducted sample collection across both private and public sector clients, performed microbiological analysis of food and water samples, and produced risk assessments and compliance reports in accordance with quality and safety standards.
2019 - 2020: CER Groupe | Aye, BelgiumLab Assistant
Delivered laboratory services in the life sciences and animal health sectors, contributed to research project design and development, and performed molecular biology analyses on animal samples.
2018 - 2019: ITELA | Arlon, BelgiumTeacher – Mathematics & Sciences
Taught foundational Mathematics and Sciences courses at upper secondary education level.
EDUcation:
Université Libre de Bruxelles, BelgiumMaster's in Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology
Universite Libre de BruxellesBachelor’s in Biological Sciences
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS:
1. Grünewald A, Knab F, Zimmermann M, … Hezzaz S … (2026) Blood mtDNA markers of mitochondrial subtype and early-onset Parkinson's disease biology. Brain, awag135.
2. Talavera Andújar B, Pereira SL, Busi SB, … Hezzaz S … (2024) Exploring environmental modifiers of LRRK2-associated Parkinson's disease penetrance: An exposomics and metagenomics pilot study on household dust. Environ Int, 194:109151.
3. Mulica P, Venegas C, Landoulsi Z, … Hezzaz S … (2023) Comparison of two protocols for the generation of iPSC-derived human astrocytes. Biol Proced Online, 25(1):26.
4. Lacombe J, Guo K, Bonneau J, … Hezzaz S … (2023) Vitamin K-dependent carboxylation regulates Ca²⁺ flux and adaptation to metabolic stress in β cells. Cell Rep, 42(5):112500.