David Albrecht

David Albrecht is a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) in Erlangen, Germany, affiliated with the Department Sandoghdar under the supervision of Dr. Vahid Sandoghdar. His research focuses on viral membranes and host interactions using advanced optical microscopy techniques, including interferometric scattering (iSCAT) and super-resolution microscopy.

Education:

• BSc in Biochemistry, Hanover University
• MSc in Biochemistry, ETH Zurich
• PhD in Biochemistry, ETH Zurich (2016), thesis on 'The axon initial segment diffusion barrier at the nanoscopic level' under Dr. Helge Ewers

David Albrecht's research interests lie at the intersection of virology, biophysics, and optical imaging. He investigates virus infection mechanisms, particularly how viruses exploit cellular processes and organize their fusion machinery at the nanoscale. His work emphasizes live imaging with molecular specificity and high spatiotemporal resolution. He has made significant contributions to understanding the spatial organization of viral proteins and the development of advanced microscopy methods for label-free and quantitative imaging.

The recent trend in his publications (2019–2024) reflects a strong focus on high-resolution optical techniques applied to virology and nanoparticle analysis. His work spans from fundamental virology—such as vaccinia virus entry mechanisms—to methodological innovations in interferometric microscopy and drift correction. These studies demonstrate a consistent interdisciplinary approach combining biological questions with physical and engineering solutions.

Scientific Awards:

• Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship (awarded during postdoctoral work at University College London)

David Albrecht has been involved in significant research projects funded by competitive fellowships and institutional support. While no formal advising roles are mentioned, his collaborative publications suggest active participation in team-based research. He has contributed to studies involving virus-host interactions, membrane dynamics, and imaging technology development. His current work at MPL is likely supported by institute funding and collaborative grants.

Labs and Research Teams: He has worked in multiple high-profile research environments: the lab of Dr. Helge Ewers (ETH Zurich), the joint group of Dr. Jason Mercer and Dr. Ricardo Henriques (University College London), and currently in the group of Dr. Vahid Sandoghdar at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light. These labs specialize in advanced microscopy and biophysical analysis of cellular and viral systems.