Alumni Profile: Max Görlitz (2023-2024)

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE MSC IN GENOMIC MEDICINE AT OXFORD?

I studied clinical medicine in Munich for three years, but realised I didn't want to work as a physician. I still cared deeply about biomedical research, especially infectious diseases and pandemics. The MSc was a clear way to pivot from clinical work to research. Oxford offered rigorous genomics training, strong supervision, and a community where I could focus on what I cared about most and explore further career steps.

WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MSC IN GENOMIC MEDICINE FOR YOU?

The people were the best part: classmates, tutors, and visiting speakers with diverse backgrounds and ideas. One highlight for me was Catherine Green’s talk on personal lessons from the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine project, from making the first vaccine batch to communicating well with the public to deal with misinformation. It was incredibly moving and motivating. My thesis work was another highlight, and more broadly there are so many opportunities in Oxford that you’re never short of things to learn and do.

WHICH SPECIFIC ADVANCED ELECTIVE MODULES DID YOU CHOOSE, AND WHY?

I chose A2 (Advanced Quantitative Methods: Bioinformatics and Statistics) and A4 (Single cell applications of Omic Approaches) because they were quantitative and coding-focused. They are complementary and helped me level up my data handling and analysis skills. For the B elective, I took B2 (Application of genomics in therapeutics, vaccinology and industry) since I was pivoting out of clinical medicine and wanted to understand how genomics is relevant to product development in industry contexts.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MSC RESEARCH PROJECT AND HOW IT CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF GENOMICS AND RESEARCH SKILLS.

My project was on “Computational Optimisation of Probe Design for Bait Capture Enrichment Sequencing,” a technique for improving the signal-to-noise ratio of metagenomic sequencing. I worked on improving probe design for hepatitis C virus and HIV to improve capture efficiency and better understand how probes interact with their target sequences. The project strengthened my skills in bioinformatics, and it deepened my understanding of pathogen genomics.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE MSC IN GENOMIC MEDICINE BENEFITING YOUR FUTURE CAREER OR ACADEMIC PURSUITS? 

The MSc has already helped me greatly. After graduating I joined the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (DG HERA), working on R&D funding for pandemic preparedness and AMR. I now work on managing funding opportunities for metagenomics, genomic sequencing-based surveillance, and diagnostics—areas that connect closely to my MSc research. The degree gave me the credibility and technical knowledge to work at the intersection of research and policy.

IF YOU COULD OFFER ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS CONSIDERING THE MSC IN GENOMIC MEDICINE AT OXFORD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Apply even if you’re unsure! I had a big mental barrier and felt anxious about applying but I am extremely glad and happy that I did! Reach out to the administrative team (Academic Programmes Office) early with questions. They’re very kind and helpful and can provide clear guidance. Once you’re in Oxford, choose projects and social activities that genuinely interest you rather than what seems “classic Oxford.” The amount of opportunities can feel overwhelming. Don’t feel pressured to start rowing and going to lots of formals if you don’t want to, you can craft your own path!