Mikolaj Kocikowski, PhD

Hello! I’m a computational biologist with a PhD in cancer immunology & bioinformatics. Before my PhD, I worked in industrial R&D on an antibody drug now on the market.

My doctoral research focused on profiling and targeting immune checkpoints - the “gas” and “brake” pedals of our immune cells - to enhance cancer immunotherapy. I’ve also developed a “toolbox” of reagents, methods and data to facilitate the study of cancers naturally occurring in dogs as a model for human malignancies. To this aim I used wet-lab techniques along with computational ones: transcriptomics, immune repertoire analysis, protein engineering, NGS, HPC.

I am currently learning about systems biology, network analysis, and spatial transcriptomics in precision medicine. I’m open to new directions and collaborations.

Outside my core work, I’ve explored various interests such as lecturing immunology in a top-security prison, serving as a mentor for Polonium Foundation and racing mountain bikes. I enjoy writing about science and more. Sometimes I photograph and I’m a mediocre bachata dancer too.

PS I’m also developing the ‘Intro to Science’ guidebook - please email me if you would like to contribute!