Dr Thomas Hoefken

Senior Lecturer for Biochemistry and Biotechnology

Senior Lecturer

Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology

Department of Bioscience

Dr Hoefken is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for Biochemistry and Biotechnology BSc. His research focuses on the biochemistry and cell biology of fundamental biological processes.

Qualifications

PhD
Diplom (equivalent to BSc/MSc) in Biology

OVERVIEW

Dr Hoefken has over 20 years of experience as an academic. After completing a PhD on the isolation and characterisation of secretory granule membrane proteins, he worked as a Postdoctoral Scientist at the Cancer Research UK Institutes in Glasgow and Manchester. There, he analysed the role of cell polarity proteins in mitotic exit. He then returned to his native Germany to work as a lecturer at the Institute of Biochemistry at the University of Kiel. From 2010 to 2025, he was a lecturer and then senior lecturer in Biochemistry in the Department of Biosciences at Brunel University London. During that time, he analysed the cell polarity protein Ste20.

MOST RECENT RESEARCH

The p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are highly conserved serine/threonine kinases that contribute to a surprisingly wide range of cellular processes. Dr Hoefken has identified and characterised proteins that bind to and act downstream of the PAK Ste20, using the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system. These proteins play important roles in gene expression, lipid homeostasis, glucose metabolism and lysosomal acidification.

TEACHING

BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Study Biochemistry and Biotechnology at UEL: Explore molecular biology, genetics, and bioengineering. Gain skills for innovative careers in healthcare, research, and biotech industries.
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
Biomedical scientists are key players in the modern healthcare system. At UEL, you will study the causes of disease and the practical ways they can be investigated in the laboratory.
BSc (Hons) Medical Physiology
Study BSc (Hons) in Medical Physiology at UEL: Explore how the human body functions, with hands-on lab experience. Prepare for careers in healthcare, research, and diagnostics.
BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science
Study a Pharmaceutical Science degree at UEL: Explore drug development, formulation, and quality control. Gain essential skills for a career in the pharmaceutical industry.
BSc (Hons) Pharmacology
Earn your BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology at UEL, gaining hands-on experience in drug development, biomedical research, and healthcare, preparing you for a dynamic career in science.