Maria Ricart Ortega
About Maria Ricart Ortega
Maria Ricart Ortega is a Research Scientist at Exscientia in Oxford, England, where she has worked since 2021. She has a strong academic background in Biotechnology and Biochemistry, with significant research experience in photopharmacology and GPCR drug discovery.
Work at Exscientia
Maria Ricart Ortega has been employed as a Research Scientist at Exscientia since 2021. She is based in Oxford, England, United Kingdom. Her role focuses on GPCR drug discovery, contributing to the development of innovative therapeutic solutions. Exscientia is known for its application of artificial intelligence in drug discovery, and Maria's work aligns with the company's mission to enhance the efficiency of the drug development process.
Education and Expertise
Maria Ricart Ortega holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biochemistry, which she obtained from both the Universitat de Barcelona and Université de Montpellier between 2016 and 2020. She also earned a Master's degree in Molecular Biotechnology from the Universitat de Barcelona in 2015. Her undergraduate education includes a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from Universitat de Lleida, where she achieved a score of 7.41/10. Her academic background provides a strong foundation in both biotechnology and medicinal chemistry.
Background
Maria Ricart Ortega began her research career at the Instituto de Química Avanzada de Cataluña (IQAC-CSIC), where she worked in various capacities. She served as an Undergraduate Research Fellow in 2013, a Graduate Trainee from 2014 to 2015, and a PhD student with an FPI grant from 2016 to 2020. Following her PhD, she continued at IQAC-CSIC as a Postdoctoral Researcher. Additionally, she gained experience as a Graduate Research Associate at Universitat de Lleida and as a Graduate Research Fellow at Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida.
PhD Research in Photopharmacology
During her PhD studies, Maria Ricart Ortega focused on Photopharmacology, exploring innovative methods to understand the molecular mechanisms of light-regulated ligands. This research contributes to the field of medicinal chemistry by providing insights into how light can be used to control drug activity at the molecular level. Her work in this area reflects her transition from a background in Biotechnology to a specialization in Medicinal Chemistry.