Raphael Feser

PharmD, MSc in Pharmacy


Pharmacist by training with a passion for research, I am currently pursuing a PhD in Biomolecular and Pharmaceutical Modelling. I’m using computers to describe complex biological mechanisms and, ultimately, to design new medicines. 💊

With diverse experiences across institutions in Geneva (UNIGE), Sydney (USYD & MIA), and London (UCL), I have developed a range of skills in Medicinal Chemistry, Cheminformatics, Statistical Modelling, and Machine Learning. 💻🔬

Experience

Education

  • Ph.D in Biomolecular Modelling [more]
    University of Geneva | Ongoing

  • Federal Diploma in Pharmacy (Pharm.D)
    Swiss Federal Departement of Home Affairs (FDHA) | Oct 2023

  • M.Sc in Pharmacy [more]
    University of Geneva | July 2023

  • B.Sc in Pharmaceutical Sciences [more]
    University of Geneva | July 2021

  • Swiss Matura (High School Diploma)
    Gymnase de Nyon | July 2018

Professional training

  • Teaching & Research Assistant - University of Geneva

  • Trainee Pharmacist - Pharmacie de L’Ile [more]

  • Laboratory Assistant - Firmenich SA [more]

Research experience

  • Master’s Thesis in Computational Biophysics [more]
    University College London
    Prof. Shozeb Haider & Prof. Francesco L. Gervasio

  • Research Assistant in Statistics [more]
    University of Geneva
    Prof. Stéphane Guerrier

  • Research Internship in Biostatistics [more]
    Melanoma Institute Australia
    Prof. Serigne Lo

  • Open Synthesis Network [more]
    DNDi & University of Geneva
    Dr Sébastien Tardy & Prof. Leonardo Scapozza

Outreach activities

Outside my studies, I have been involved with several non-profit organisations engaged in pharmacy student’s advocacy and global health, which has allowed me to gain valuable experiences and develop a wide range of soft skills. [see more]

Main Project

Currently, my focus is on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest family of receptors in the human body, which play a crucial role in numerous physiological functions, making them important targets for drug discovery. A detailed understanding of their activation mechanisms, from drug binding to effector signalling, will improve rational drug design. I aim to achieve this by using enhanced sampling molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in conjunction with other molecular modelling methods.

Structure of a typical Class A GPCR (β1-AR in green) bound to an agonist drug (dobutamine) and in complex with a G Protein (GαsGβ1Gγ2). See the PDB Entry - 8DCR.