Open to opportunities

Daniela Ristova

@danielaristova

Message

I lead plant genetics and nutrient-efficiency research with translational impact.

Germany

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a role where I can lead research on plant nutrition and transcriptional networks, build resilient nutrient-efficient crops, and mentor teams—while combining rigorous omics methods with practical agricultural translation.

I am a Ph.D. plant scientist with 15+ years of experience in plant genetics, transcriptomics, and biotechnology, focused on crop resilience and nutrient efficiency. In my current role, I direct research on molecular plant nutrition and transcriptional networks, translating complex molecular insights into actionable agricultural outcomes while managing lab budgets and resources, including CEPLAS Seed Funding and Helping Hands research grants.

I also bring strong leadership and education experience: I have delivered 5 semesters of lecturing across 4 subjects and mentor 5 BSc/MSc/PhD students, alongside serving on selection committees for metabolic reconstruction and flux modeling professorships. Previously, I led high-impact scientific communication as an editor for Methods in Molecular Biology—helping realize the Root Development - Methods and Protocols book (generated $2 million in revenue and 55,000+ downloads within four years)—and as a postdoctoral fellow I discovered genetic variations shaping root system responses to phytohormones, laying groundwork for nutrient use efficient crops; I developed RootScape, a high-speed landmark-based screening system for rapid root architecture analysis.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Group Lead and Lecturer

Current

CEPLAS

Dec 2020 - Present (5 years 6 months)

Lead molecular plant nutrition and transcriptional-network research to support crop resilience and nutrient efficiency. Manage lab budgets/resources, contribute to metabolic reconstruction and flux-modeling selection committees, and mentor 5 BSc/MSc/PhD students while lecturing across 4 subjects over 5 semesters.

Nutrient Efficiency Research Leadership Mentoring Metabolic Reconstruction

Research Associate

Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research

Oct 2019 - Nov 2020 (1 year 1 month)

Conducted research at the Department of Chromosome Biology, contributing to ongoing molecular plant biology investigations in support of crop breeding objectives.

Plant Molecular Biology Genomics laboratory operations Research Support Data Analysis Cross Functional Collaboration

Book Methods Editor

Springer Publishing

Sep 2017 - Mar 2018 (6 months)

Edited the Methods in Molecular Biology series volume “Root Development - Methods and Protocols,” generating $2M in revenue and 55,000+ downloads within four years. Coordinated global contributors to deliver complex technical content on a strict publishing timeline.

Scientific Editing Stakeholder Management Technical Writing Research Communication

Postdoctoral Fellow

Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology

Oct 2013 - May 2017 (3 years 7 months)

Identified genetic variations underlying root system responses to phytohormones, supporting the development of nutrient-use-efficient crops. Earned Marie Curie Actions Plant Fellow recognition and the TPJ Outstanding Paper Award.

Root Trait Discovery Phytohormone Response

PhD Teaching Assistant

New York University

Sep 2008 - May 2013 (4 years 8 months)

Developed RootScape, a high-speed landmark-based screening system for rapid analysis of root architecture, to enable efficient phenotyping workflows. Served as a teaching and research assistant while supporting genomics and systems biology projects.

Root Architecture Analysis Scientific Software Development Experimental Design Genomics Data Analysis

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

New York University

Ph.D. in Biology, Biology

Activities and societies: Doctoral awards included the Fulbright Doctoral Science & Technology Award and the Henry M. MacCracken Award; teaching/mentoring as a teaching assistant/adjunct.

Earned a Ph.D. in Biology from New York University under advisor Gloria Coruzzi.

University of Cyril and Methodius

M.Sc. in Agriculture, Plant Genetics and Breeding

Activities and societies: Included an international research semester at the University of Agriculture in Zagreb, Croatia; received a CEEPUS award from the University of Zagreb faculty of agriculture.

Earned an M.Sc. in Agriculture (Plant Genetics and Breeding) from the University of Cyril and Methodius.