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since 2021: comparis.ch

Since 2021, I’m working as a data analyst in Comparis’ newsroom team. My typical tasks comprise

  • creating SQL queries/views/tables in BigQuery via dbt,
  • loading data from BigQuery and other sources into R or Python scripts,
  • performing explorative data analysis in R/Python to identify patterns/stories,
  • performing various analysis in R/Python to test ideas and produce stories,
  • researching 3rd-party data to enrich analysis and provide context,
  • using moderate statistical models to gain further insights,
  • visualising results in ggplot2 of plotly (static/semi-interactive),
  • visualising results in Flourish for web (interactive),
  • creating interactive reports (Quarto or RMarkdown),
  • creating automated text blocks for press releases, and
  • creating sophisticated and appealing Tableau dashboards as a self-service to inform subject matter experts.

comparis.ch is well known in Switzerland (at least 90% of people are aware of this platform and millions make use of it) and, hence, it is interesting and fun to see analysis performed in the newsroom being discussed by media and the public.


2020 – 2021: Further education

In 2020 I decided to dig deeper into the topics of full-stack development (front-end + back-end) and data science. I decided to go with two bootcamps with Constructor Learning (back than called Propulsion Acedemy). Although being tough from a time effort perspective, I enjoyed the time as the instructors are competent and very nice, and the topics covered allowed for a very good overview.


2018 – 2020: PwC

Data analyst with PwC in their Zurich office in Oerlikon. I was part of a small data analytics team exclusively assigned to Deals, i.e. mergers and acquisitions. Typical tasks comprised

  • collecting, wrangling and analyzing client and internal data (Alteryx, R),
  • designing sophisticated dashboards (Tableau, PowerBI) and other types of data visualizations that allow for an instant overview of the information available (R).
  • working for various lines of services (strategy, financial services, corporate finance, valuations, real estate…) and businesses/industries (banking, retail, pharmaceuticals, healthcare…), and
  • educating business people in data analytics software (Tableau, Alteryx, PowerQuery, PowerPivot) and competencies (visualization techniques, storytelling, data wrangling…).


2017: Personal sabbatical

For 1.5 years, I was taking a personal sabbatical to (a) spend more time with my family, (b) educate myself in topics I never really found the time before, and (c) figure out what to do in the future. I really enjoyed that break.


2012 – 2016: Postdoctoral researcher

  • Location: University of Zurich (Switzerland)
  • Project title: Predicting ecological responses to environmental change.
  • Supervisor: Prof. Owen L. Petchey
  • Keywords: bacteria · ciliates · community dynamics · functional responses · mathematical modelling · microcosm experiments · non-linear dynamics · paradox of enrichment · response to environmental changes · statistical modelling


2006 – 2012: Doctoral thesis (PhD)

  • Ecology (summa cum laude)
  • Location: University of Potsdam (Germany)
  • Project title: Dynamic behaviour of phytoplankton populations far from steady-state – chemostat experiments and mathematical modelling.
  • Supervisors: Prof. Ursula Gaedke and Prof. Bernd Blasius
  • Keywords: cell cycle · demography · chemostat experiments · mathematical modelling · Moran effect · non-steady-state behaviour · response to environmental changes · transient population dynamics
  • Thesis: download


2005: Diploma thesis (M.Sc.)

  • Ecology & Nature conservation, Limnology, Microbiology, and Botany
  • Location: University of Potsdam (Germany)
  • Project title: Validation of a simple bottom-up model for the development of phytoplankton blooms – chemostat experiments and mathematical modelling.
  • Supervisors: Prof. Gregor F. Fussmann and Prof. Ursula Gaedke
  • Keywords: chemostat experiments · harmful algae blooms · initial conditions · mathematical modelling · non-linear dynamics · paradox of enrichment


2001: Pre-degree (B.Sc.)