Asistant, at Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Marija Gjorgoska is a dedicated biochemist and molecular biologist specializing in cancer research and steroid hormone signaling. Currently a Teaching and Research Assistant at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, she contributes to both education and cutting-edge biomedical research. With a strong foundation in LC-MS/MS and bioinformatics, Marija’s work focuses on cancer tissue analysis and hormone-related pathophysiology. Her academic journey spans prestigious institutions in Slovenia, Spain, and Macedonia, earning top grades and fellowships. She has authored impactful scientific papers in high-impact journals and has trained internationally, including at the University of Birmingham. Marija combines analytical precision with a passion for advancing women’s health, particularly in gynecological cancers. Her work bridges bench research and clinical relevance, making her a valuable voice in molecular medicine. Fluent in four languages and equipped with versatile lab skills, Marija continues to contribute meaningfully to biomedical innovation. 🌍🧪📚
Professional Profile
Scopus
🎓 Education
Marija Gjorgoska’s academic journey is marked by interdisciplinary excellence. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Biomedicine with a focus on Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Ljubljana. Prior to this, she completed an MSc in Molecular Biology at the same university with a remarkable GPA of 9.52/10. Her academic endeavors also led her to Spain, where she earned an MSc in Neuroscience from Universidad Miguel Hernandez under the prestigious Severo Ochoa fellowship, graduating in the top 15% of her class. Her foundational education was a BSc in Biochemistry and Physiology at the University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius”, Macedonia, where she was recognized as the best student of her generation with a GPA of 9.74/10. Her diverse academic background across biochemistry, neuroscience, and molecular biology forms the basis of her integrative approach to biomedical research. 📖🧬🎓
🧪 Experience
Marija Gjorgoska currently holds dual roles at the University of Ljubljana’s Faculty of Medicine—as a Teaching Assistant and a Research Assistant. Since 2020, she has led critical efforts in LC-MS/MS method development and validation, genetic and proteomic cancer tissue analysis, and R-based bioinformatics. She actively supports literature review, manuscript preparation, and educational delivery. Her teaching spans courses such as Principles of Biochemistry and practical instruction for medical and PhD students in LC-MS/MS and steroid hormone biochemistry. Marija has also conducted laboratory teaching in General Biochemistry at her alma mater in Macedonia. Her professional development includes internships at the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Metabolism and the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, where she worked on rare diseases and HPV screening. Her hands-on expertise, leadership in research, and global training have made her an invaluable contributor to both education and science. 🔬📊👩🏫
🔬 Research Interests
Marija’s research is rooted in translational biochemistry with a strong focus on hormonal signaling in cancer. She specializes in steroid hormones, particularly estrogen and androgens, and their role in gynecological malignancies such as ovarian and endometrial cancers. Her work employs advanced liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to simultaneously profile endogenous steroid hormones. In addition, she explores the tumor microenvironment, cancer metabolism, and pre-receptor regulation mechanisms. Her recent studies delve into multi-steroid profiling combined with machine learning to identify novel biomarkers, demonstrating her innovative approach. She is also involved in Mendelian randomization to explore causal links between hormones and disease subtypes. Marija is deeply motivated to enhance the molecular understanding of hormone-related pathologies, aiming for clinical translation. Her interdisciplinary research bridges molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and bioinformatics, making significant contributions to cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. 🧬💉📈
🏆 Awards
Marija Gjorgoska’s academic excellence and research innovation have been recognized through several prestigious awards. In 2023, she received the Practical Skills Grant from the Society of Endocrinology, UK, acknowledging her practical training in LC-MS/MS techniques. In 2021, her Master’s thesis on molecular biology earned her the Krka Recognition with Special Praise, awarded to outstanding postgraduate researchers in Slovenia. Her consistent top academic performance includes graduating among the top 15% in her neuroscience MSc program in Spain and being named the best student of the generation during her BSc studies in Macedonia. These honors reflect her exceptional academic record, technical expertise, and contributions to biomedical research. Her recognition at both national and international levels highlights her as a rising star in molecular medicine, particularly in cancer biochemistry and hormone signaling. 🏅🎖️📜
📚Top Noted Publications
✅ 1. Gjorgoska, M., & Lanišnik-Rižner, T. (2024)
Title: From fallopian tube epithelium to high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Journal: Progress in Lipid Research
Volume: 96
Article Number: 101302
DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2024.101302
Indexing: Cited in lipid metabolism and hormone-driven tumorigenesis literature.
✅ 2. Gjorgoska, M., & Lanišnik-Rižner, T. (2022)
Title: Integration of androgen hormones in endometrial cancer biology
Journal: Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism
Volume: 33
Issue: 9
Pages: 639–651
DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2022.06.005
Indexing: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science
✅ 3. Lanišnik-Rižner, T., & Gjorgoska, M. (2024)
Title: Steroid sulfatase and sulfotransferases in gynecological cancers
Journal: Essays in Biochemistry
Article Code: EBC20230096
DOI: 10.1042/EBC20230096
Indexing: Biochemical Society journals, Web of Science
✅ 4. Gjorgoska, M., & Lanišnik-Rižner, T. (2021)
Title: Estrogens and the Schrödinger’s cat in ovarian tumors
Journal: Cancers
Volume: 13
Issue: 19
Article Number: 5011
DOI: 10.3390/cancers13195011
Indexing: PubMed Central, Scopus, DOAJ
✅ 5. Gjorgoska, M., Taylor, A.E., Smrkolj, Š., & Rižner, T.L. (2025)
Title: Multi-Steroid Profiling and Machine Learning in Endometrial Cancer
Journal: Cancers
Volume: 17
Article Number: 1679
DOI: 10.3390/cancers17061679
Indexing: Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed
✅ 6. Gjorgoska, M., & Lanišnik-Rižner, T. (2024)
Title: Simultaneous steroid hormone measurement via LC-MS/MS
Journal: Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Volume: 243
Article Number: 106578
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106578
Indexing: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science
✅ 7. Gjorgoska, M., Šturm, L., & Lanišnik-Rižner, T. (2024)
Title: Pre-receptor regulation of 11-oxyandrogens in endometrial cancer
Journal: Frontiers in Endocrinology
Volume: 15
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1282059
Indexing: PubMed Central, Web of Science
✅ 8. Marolt, N., Pavlič, R., Kreft, T., Gjorgoska, M., & Lanišnik-Rižner, T. (2024)
Title: Targeting estrogen metabolism in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer
Journal: Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy
Volume: 177
Article Number: 117069
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117069
Indexing: Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science
✅ 9. Gjorgoska, M., & Lanišnik-Rižner, T. (In Press)
Title: Effect of androgens on endometriosis and ovarian neoplasms: A Mendelian randomization study
Journal: [Journal name not yet disclosed]
Status: In Press (2025 expected)
DOI: Pending
Indexing: Will be cited by GWAS-based hormonal disease studies.
Conclusion
Marija Gjorgoska exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier early-career researcher: intellectual rigor, consistent scholarly output, and growing leadership in cancer biochemistry. Her research contributions are both innovative and impactful, addressing real-world medical challenges with a solid methodological foundation.