Norman Warthmann

Experience

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  Bundeswehr (German Federal Armed Forces)

  Jul 1994 - Jun 1996

  Gebirgsjaegeroffizier

  Gebirgsjaegeroffizier/Reserveoffizier • Completed two years of officer training with the Mountain Ranger Special Forces (2./Gebirgsjägerbataillon 233) in Mittenwald, Germany, specializing in sniper training and leadership development. • Undertook leadership training at the Gebirgs- und Winterkampfschule and Offiziersschule des Heeres, preparing for roles as group leader, platoon leader, and company commander. Consistently ranked in the top 5%. • Served as group leader and deputy platoon leader, commanding up to 30 soldiers and managing equipment and vehicles valued in the tens of millions. • Led platoon preparation for NATO's Implementation Force (IFOR) in Operation Joint Endeavour (1995) and contributed to security training for hundreds of soldiers in readiness for deployment. Show less

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  Salk Institute for Biological Studies

  Jan 2001 - Jan 2002

  Master thesis student

  Diplom (Equivalent to Bachelor's and Master's) – Plant Physiology, Genetics, BiochemistryUniversity of Tübingen, Germany • Conducted thesis research at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, USA, focusing on the natural variation of flowering time control in Arabidopsis. • Graduated with the highest distinction (1.0 overall).

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  Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen

  Nov 2002 - Jan 2012

  Scientist

  PhD, Plant Molecular Biology • Conducted fundamental research in plant developmental biology using state-of-the-art research tools and methods, mostly molecular biology and bioinformatics. • Utilized Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies (Roche/454, Solexa/Illumina) starting in 2007, pioneering sample preparation and data analysis before established standards. • Managed and reported on research projects, fostering both national and international collaborations.Achievements: • PhD, 2012, thesis title: "Finding the Causal Genes: Developing Tools for Natural Variation Research." • Mastered a wide range of molecular biology techniques, from traditional methods (e.g., radioactive Southern and Northern blots) to high-throughput sample processing for Next Generation Sequencing with liquid handling robots. • Developed innovative molecular biology methods, genomic resources, and data analysis tools, including the creation of artificial miRNAs to silence target genes (Schwab et al., 2006; Warthmann et al., 2008). • Published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, contributed to book chapters, and presented at international conferences. • Secured one patent.Additional Training: • Summer School "Food Security – How Can Science and Policy Contribute?" (Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, Sep 2011, Klewenalp, Switzerland). • Summer course in Statistical Genetics at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA (2003). Show less

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  Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB)

  Jun 2010 - Jun 2011

  Research Fellow

  • Conducted metagenomic studies using second-generation DNA sequencing technologies to characterize fungal diversity in freshwater lakes across Brandenburg.• Regular travel to the IGB outstation at Lake Stechlin for sampling expeditions and fieldwork.• Supported IGB in developing expertise in second-generation sequencing by sharing molecular biology protocols and implementing advanced data analysis techniques and software.

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  Bioversity International

  Jul 2012 - Oct 2012

  Guest Researcher

  • Supported a strategic pitch to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to establish a 'Red List' for cultivated species by synthesizing existing literature and preparing presentation materials for the IUCN conference 2012. • Conducted a comprehensive literature review on Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS, aka, traditional/orphan crops), and reported on the current state of research to inform future initiatives.

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  The Australian National University (ANU)

  Nov 2012 - Dec 2017

  Lecturer

  • Lecturer/Research Fellow (Level B) in the Research School of Biology with responsibilities in research and teaching within the departments of Plant Science and Ecology and Evolution.• Developed methods for genomic characterization of genetic resources to support crop improvement, conservation efforts, biodiversity assessments, and advanced functional genomic analyses.• Delivered lectures and practical courses in Genetics, Genomics, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and its applications, and Bioinformatics.• Supervised postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and undergraduate students, providing mentorship and guidance in their academic and research pursuits.• Volunteered as invited lecturer in training courses on virus diagnostics in Kenya, organized by the Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures. Show less

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  FAO

  Mar 2014 - Dec 2014

  Consultant

  • Genomics expert consultancy to the Secretary of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), contributing to the strategic initiative of a ‘Global Information System on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture’ (Article 17).• Authored a background study paper assessing and forecasting the impact of genomics on the management of plant genetic resources and plant breeding: Warthmann, N (2014) "Mainstreaming Agricultural Research Through Genomics", openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/be655en • Attended preparatory meetings at the Global Crop Diversity Trust in Bonn, Germany, and FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, providing technical inputs for the preparation of the Road Map and Global Consultation, facilitating informed discussions and decisions. • Liaised with relevant experts and stakeholders to advance the development of the ITPGRFA Global Information System, fostering collaboration and alignment across initiatives. Show less

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  International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

  Jan 2018 - now

  Technical Officer (P4), Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory (PBGL)

  • Plan, implement, and evaluate Technical Cooperation Projects (TCPs) ensuring efficient use of modern genomics and molecular genetics methods in Member States’ Breeding programs. • Lead international R&D in Coordinated Research Projects (CRPs) developing methodologies and guidelines for technology transfer to Member States in TCPs. • Lead in-house laboratory and bioinformatics activities in molecular breeding and manage the research infrastructure including capable IT resources for genomics research. • Set training objectives and lead capacity-building initiatives in molecular biology and functional genomics, delivering comprehensive training programs to international researchers. • Liaise with relevant internal departments and external stakeholders to create and maintain an enabling environment. • Support fundraising efforts with project proposals and presentations and engage with Member State representatives and ambassadors to secure ongoing support for PBGL’s program. Show less