Strategic LC-MS.
Driven by expertise.
Built on results.
I work on analytical problems where standard LC–MS
approaches fail.
My expertise is built on a combination of high-level academic training, 10+ years in hands-on method development and MS data analysis, and 3+ years of independent work across complex biological systems.
Julia Bauzá-Martinez, PhD
Independent LC-MS consultant
KEY CONTRIBUTIONS
A few selected contributions where analytical strategy was not a support function, but the limiting factor.
PEPTIDOMICS
Mapping gut hormone repertoire and prohormone processing
EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
Extending MS to intact vesicle protein complexes
IMMUNOPEPTIDOMICS
Defining antigen presentation in extracellular vesicles
PEPTIDOMICS
Decoding proteolytic activity through plasma peptidomics
PNAS (2022)
Prohormone processing in enteroendocrine cells.
High-Resolution Secretome Atlas of Human Enteroendocrine Cells
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Contributed to one of the highest-resolution peptide-centric datasets
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Required specialized and robust MS workflows, tailored searching strategies and data analytics
Journal of Extracellular Vesicles (2022)
iEVXL crosslinking MS for protein complexes in EVs.
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First successful attempt at intact EVs cross-linking
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Introduced structural dimension into EV proteomics
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Required redesign of both sample handling and acquisition strategy
Communications Biology (2021)
HLA-B and cysteinylated ligands in EVs.
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Downscaled 20x state-of-the-art immunopeptidomic workflow
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Identified thousands of HLA-I ligands from ~100 μg starting cell / EVs material
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Identified distinct immunopeptidome features of EVs vs cells, including PTMs
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Expanded the conceptual framework of antigen presentation
Studied plasma peptide profiles in relation to septic shock.
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Mapped plasma peptide profiles to underlying proteolytic processes
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Shifted analysis from static protein presence to dynamic peptide generation
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Established peptidomics as a tool to resolve complex, system-level biological mechanisms
"Operating at the limits of detection, I design workflows beyond standard methods to translate analytical constraints into biological insight."
EDUCATION & RECOGNITION
PhD in Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry
Biomolecular mass spectrometry & Proteomics (BMSP), Utrecht University
In 2022, I completed my PhD in biomolecular mass spectrometry at the Heck Lab, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Albert. J.R. Heck and Prof. Dr. Wei Wu. The BMSP group is one of the leading mass spectrometry groups worldwide, where I was awarded the Best PhD Thesis distinction.
My work focused on high-sensitivity peptide-centric MS approaches, sitting at the interface of analytical chemistry and intercellular communication, requiring both profound technical control and careful biological interpretation.
I have developed state-of-the-art methods and contributed to key studies in:
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Peptidomics
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Extracellular vesicles (EVs)
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Immunopeptidomics
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Peptide hormone analysis
including publications in high-impact journals where analytical strategy and data interpretation were central to the findings.
My PhD Thesis - Understanding the nuances of intercellular communication with sensitive mass spectrometric approaches.
This work received the Bert Leufkens Thesis Award (2023)
EXPERIENCE TIMELINE
2023 - present
2023 - present
2018 - 2022
2016 - 2018
2012 - 2016
2026 - present
Freelance researcher & data visualization expert
Following my PhD, I established an independent studio (Skid Visual Science) working with academic and industry teams on analytical interpretation and scientific visual communication. My work has spanned the full analytical pipeline, from data analysis to figure design and manuscript development, ensuring that complex LC–MS datasets are not only generated, but clearly understood and effectively communicated. I collaborate with international clients across research and industry.
Independent LC-MS consultant
Independent consultant specialized in high-sensitivity, peptide-centric LC–MS workflows, supporting academic and industry teams in analytical strategy and data interpretation.
Proteomics lecturer - Universitat de Vic
PhD in Biomolecular mass spectrometry - Utrecht University
During my PhD, I became proficient in operating and troubleshooting various mass spectrometers (Orbitrap HF, Fusion, Lumos, etc.), HPLC systems (1290, Ultimate 3000), and I specialized in various mass-spectrometric techniques (proteomics, phosphoproteomics, peptidomics, etc.). I continued to develop my skills in data analysis softwares (MaxQuant, Proteome Discoverer, etc.), as well as in analytical techniques, powered by my passion in R programming. I also adquired advanced skills in Adobe Illustrator for scientific illustration.
MSc in Biomedical Research - Pompeu Fabra University
During my MSc in Biomedical Research internship, I gained valuable experience in human blood plasma sample preparation and MS data analysis, focusing on studying proteolysis dysregulation in shock and sepsis within the ShockOmics project. I worked with LC-MS instruments, performed proteomics sample preparation techniques, and developed skills in data analysis software, techniques and programming.
BSc in Biotechnology - Universitat de Vic
During my BSc in Biotechnology, I gained practical experience through various internships. At the Molecular Biology department of Vic University, I performed techniques such as PCR and DNA extraction. In the Microbiology Area of Ibiza’s hospital, I conducted bacterial culture and identification, along with serological analysis. At Bioingenium, I worked with bacterial and yeast cell culture, protein production, and purification. Lastly, at the Proteomics Platform, I optimized plasma sample preparation and applied mass spectrometry for peptidome analysis in septic shock patients.