PhD Doctor at Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, Tunisia
Nadia Hadiji-Abbes is a dedicated Tunisian researcher specializing in molecular and cellular biology, with an impressive career rooted in academic research, biotechnology, and applied sciences. She has contributed significantly to genetic studies, protein expression, and bioprocess development while also expanding her expertise into bioinformatics and bioethics. Her work reflects a commitment to translating scientific insights into practical applications, notably in virology and therapeutic protein production, marking her as an active figure within the biotechnology community.
Profile
Scopus
Education
Nadia pursued her academic journey entirely at the Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, Tunisia. She earned her Doctorate in Molecular and Cellular Biology between 2006 and 2012, preceded by a Master’s degree in the same field, awarded with high honors in 2004. Her foundational training includes a Maîtrise in Life Sciences completed in 2002, a University Diploma in Scientific Studies in 2000, and a Baccalaureate in Experimental Sciences in 1998. Throughout her studies, she complemented her education with specialized training in bioinformatics, confocal microscopy, bioethics, biosafety, patent writing, and advanced biotechnological tools.
Experience
Nadia’s professional experience spans rigorous laboratory research and extensive pedagogical contributions. She undertook various internships in human genetics, molecular genetics of eukaryotes, and bioprocesses, and has served in research units focusing on cancer genetics and therapeutic proteins at the Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax. Her teaching experience covers several years of practical courses in biochemical engineering, fermentation technology, industrial microbiology, and medical microbiology at notable Tunisian institutions. She has also supervised numerous student research projects, demonstrating her dedication to knowledge transfer and scientific mentorship.
Research Interest
Her research interests revolve around microbiology, bioprocesses, protein extraction and purification, gene expression in yeast systems, and the genetic engineering of hepatitis B virus proteins. She has also explored environmental biotechnology through work on membrane bioreactors for industrial effluent treatment. More recently, her interests have expanded to post-doctoral studies in therapeutic protein valorization and natural product applications in cosmetics. Her work integrates bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis and structural modeling, bridging experimental biology with computational techniques.
Award
Nadia’s contributions have been recognized through competitive programs like the POST-DOC MOBIDOC grant (2013–2015), which allowed her to deepen her postdoctoral research within the Laboratory for the Valorization of Therapeutic Proteins and the cosmetic industry. Her involvement in various entrepreneurial training workshops reflects her commitment to bridging academia and industry, promoting innovation and knowledge valorization.
Publication
She has authored multiple publications in reputable journals. Selected works include:
- (2005) Large scale application of membrane bioreactor technology for the treatment and reuse of an anionic surfactant wastewater (Process Biochemistry 40) – cited for its environmental impact.
- (2009) Expression of HBsAg and preS2-S protein in different yeast-based systems: A comparative analysis (Protein Expression and Purification 66) – focusing on hepatitis B surface antigens.
- (2011) Yeasts as a Tool for Heterologous Gene Expression in Methods in Molecular Biology – highlighting yeast expression systems.
- (2013) Extraction by Alumina powder and purification of HBV-like M particles from recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain (Journal of Virological Methods 187) – presenting innovative purification techniques.
- (2013) Negative control glucose dependent mediated by the PreS2 region on the translation efficiency of the reporter Sh-bleomycin gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (FEMS Yeast Research) – exploring gene regulation.
- (2014) Characterisation of the C69R HBsAg variant: Effect on the recognition with anti-HBV antibodies and structure of Virus Like Particles (Archives of Virology) – advancing knowledge in virology and immunology.
- (2015) A novel BRCA2 in frame deletion in a Tunisian woman with early onset sporadic breast cancer (Pathologie Biologie) – contributing to cancer genetics research.
Conclusion
In sum, Nadia Hadiji-Abbes exemplifies the profile of an accomplished scientist whose multifaceted career blends high-level research, teaching, and applied innovations. From investigating the molecular mechanisms of hepatitis B virus proteins to optimizing bio-processes and mentoring future scientists, her journey reflects scientific rigor and societal engagement. Her ongoing work in therapeutic protein production and cosmetic applications underscores her forward-looking approach to biotechnology, positioning her as a valuable contributor to scientific advancement and community development.