DC14 – Alexandre Locher
Title of your PhD project: Developing a mass spectrometry toolbox to understand the molecular basis of wall teichoic acid/protein interactions
NIBRT
Name of your main supervisor and affiliation:
Title: Principal Investigator
Name: Jonathan
Surname: Bones
Short name of your main supervisor affiliation: NIBRT
Name of your co-supervisor(s) and their affiliation Title: Associate Professor
Name: Yan
Surname: Liu
Short name of your co-supervisor affiliation: ICL
Starting date of your project:
01.10.2025
Could you give a few information about yourself and your scientific background, including previous studies and obtained degrees?
Chemistry has fascinated me since secondary school. Until now, I have pursued all my higher education in Alsace in France. By obtaining my bachelor’s degree in chemistry in the Haute-Alsace University, I discover many fields of chemistry, such as molecular and materials chemistry. Then, during my master’s degree in analytical sciences at the University of Strasbourg, I have focused more on analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry (MS), for which I developed a strong interest.
Could you provide details about your scientific research, and previous projects, listing your key expertise and skills?
During my postgraduate studies in Strasbourg, I completed two research internships in analytical chemistry, at the Institute of Process Chemistry for Energy, Environment and Health (ICPEES), and at the Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry of Interactions and Systems (LSMIS). These internships allowed me to work with different mass spectrometry techniques, adapted to different fields. At ICPEES, I worked on the analysis of pesticides residues in blood samples of birds and turtles, by using gas and liquid chromatography both coupled with tandem MS, and at the LSMIS, I worked on the structural characterization of antimicrobial peptides which are known for their membrane-disruptive effects, using a chemical cross-linking approach coupled to MS.
What was the motivation for joining the Aureus project?
I want to pursue a research career in the biopharmaceutical field, and joining NIBRT as part of the Aureus project appears to be a wonderful fit with my professional experience and personal interests. The multidisciplinary aspect of Aureus is also very exciting. The opportunity to meet scientists from other areas of the project is a considerable asset.
What is the motivation and aim of your PhD project?
My PhD project aims to use advanced mass spectrometry techniques (such as native MS, HDX-MS) to study the interactions between WTA from Staphylococcus aureus and human immune system receptors. Through this work, I will gain strong expertise in structural biology, proteomics and antibody analytics.
Could you write a few sentences about yourself, your hobbies, interests?
During my free time, I enjoy practicing sports, such as going to the gym or participating in team games. I also love meeting up with friends and going out to discover new places and people. Above all, I’m a very calm and chill guy.

