What did you study at A-level and why did you select those subjects?
I undertook my A-levels in Germany, where I selected Maths and Physics as my main subjects. Amongst the additional subjects, there had to be a language (English) and a humanities subject (Economy and Law). I also attended biology and IT lectures, but could not accommodate Chemistry to complete the set of sciences…
What degree and PhD did you study?
In Germany, I studied Technical Physics (Applied Physics), a five-year degree leading to a German Diplom (equivalent to a Master’s degree today) at the Technische Universität Ilmenau. Following this, I completed a PhD in BioNanoEngineering at the University of Liverpool, UK.
What inspired you to choose and study your degree subject?
I was always drawn to science because it follows logic and reasoning. During my A-Levels, my physics teacher was very supportive and motivating, which strengthened my interest in the subject and made the decision to continue studying it much easier.
I also attended a taster week at the University of Ilmenau that was designed to attract students to the Technical Physics course. I really enjoyed the familial atmosphere of the programme, which was relatively small within a medium sized University. This experience sealed my decision about where I wanted to study.
What key skills did you learn at university?
At university, I developed a strong foundation across several areas of physics, from physics fundamentals to more specialised topics such as surface science, physics of the atmosphere, microfluidics, astrophysics and quantum physics. I particularly enjoyed the microfluidics lectures, which also included biology and applications of microfluidics for biology.
Studying at a smaller university allowed me to take first steps into independent research through a summer project. Since then, I’ve been particularly interested in projects and career paths that combine physics and biology.
What jobs have you had during your career?
Throughout my career, I have held several academic positions spanning physics, biology, and imaging. Following completion of my PhD, I joined the University of Southampton, where I investigated bronchial epithelial cells and their barrier integrity using microfluidic devices with integrated electrodes to probe cellular function in a non-invasive manner.
I subsequently returned to the University of Liverpool to develop and implement advanced imaging and analysis approaches for self-assembled kidney spheroids. This was followed by a short postdoctoral position focusing on mixed-cell-type cardiac spheroids.
I then moved into structural biology as a research assistant, marking a full transition from physics into the life sciences. During this time, the opportunity arose to join the Centre for Cell Imaging as an Image Analyst. Imaging and image analysis had been a consistent thread throughout my work since my PhD, and this role allowed me to consolidate and further develop that expertise.
What is your current job and what do you enjoy about it?
Since 2019, I have been working as an Image Analyst at the Centre for Cell Imaging. I particularly value the diversity of the role, as no two days are the same. My work ranges from advising on the analysis of images of cells and bacteria to more unconventional samples, and I am frequently consulted on complex analytical problems that others have been unable to resolve.
I'm especially motivated by the problem-solving aspect of the position and the opportunity to support a wide range of research projects. I also appreciate being part of the image analysis community, which is still relatively young and strongly committed to open science, as well as the sharing of tools and workflows.
As a physicist by training and a lateral entrant into the life sciences, I have found the field to be particularly welcoming.
Do you have an area of expertise?
Yes, my primary area of expertise is the quantitative analysis of light microscopy images. This work involves the use of a wide range of software tools and analytical approaches, and my prior training has fostered a high degree of adaptability when working across different platforms, workflows, and imaging modalities.
What has been your most exciting project or career role?
My current role is the most exciting stage of my career to date. After several temporary positions that required relocating between cities and countries, I now feel I have finally “arrived” and have stability and the opportunity to focus on developing and refining a clearly defined area of expertise.
Earlier roles were intellectually stimulating but often project-specific and time-limited, which made long-term professional continuity more difficult. In my present position, I can concentrate on consolidating my skills, shaping my career progression, and contributing in a sustained way.
As a problem solver by nature, the role of Image Analyst is particularly rewarding. While the research questions are not my own, I am still deeply engaged in resolving complex analytical challenges, and that remains highly motivating.
What are your top tips for working in your industry/sector?
Communicate actively and make a deliberate effort to be part of the community. Engage with peers by attending meetings and workshops—many now offer hybrid formats, making participation more accessible.
Join expert groups and special interest networks; these are generally welcoming, including to those still developing their expertise, and provide valuable opportunities to build connections and exchange knowledge.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Try new things, but say no if it turns out that it is definitely not right for you.
Any advice you’d like to share?
If you are passionate or even simply curious about a particular area, pursue it rather than being deterred by hesitation from others. Many of the most formative experiences in my career and personal development came from taking opportunities that initially felt outside my comfort zone. Those experiences ultimately helped shape both my confidence and professional direction.
Why are you passionate about your career?
I am passionate about my field not only because of the scientific and technical challenges it presents, but also because it provides meaningful opportunities to contribute to a more inclusive STEM culture.
Within the image analysis community, I have found several ways to advocate for the visibility of women in science. For example, the analysis workstations in our facility are named after women who made significant scientific contributions but did not receive due recognition.
More visibly, I am involved in the organising committee for an annual image analysis meeting with a strong emphasis on gender balance. I also organise and deliver workshops, where I actively consider diversity and representation in participant selection, and I contribute as a mentor in an international mentoring scheme.
Although being highly visible as a woman in STEM does not come naturally to me, I have grown more comfortable with this role over time, recognising its importance in supporting others and fostering a more equitable scientific community.
More resources:
Image Analysis Tips and Tricks Blog
Keep up to date with Marie and her research on her University of Liverpool staff profile, ORCID, and LinkedIn.