Her scientific journey began at Tomsk State University, took her to the University of Bern for her master’s and PhD studies, and then onward to the United States: in 2020, she started a postdoctoral position at the University of Pennsylvania. Yulia Gonskikh investigates how the machinery of protein synthesis in our cells is regulated and how errors in this process lead to disease. In doing so, she focused on enzymes such as DIMT1 and NSUN2, which install chemical marks on RNA to regulate these processes. With extensive teaching experience and a strong commitment to mentoring young scientists, she brings a robust didactic profile. Her research has earned her multiple awards. She combines analytical precision in biochemistry with a keen eye for the central questions of translation.
Her move to Vetmeduni was made possible by APART USA, a fellowship program of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), created in response to uncertainty in the U.S. research landscape during the Trump administration. The program is specifically aimed at postdoctoral researchers and offers them the opportunity to continue their work at Austrian universities and non-university research institutions.
Concentrated RNA expertise
At Vetmeduni, Yulia Gonskikh is now working alongside Sebastian Glatt. A professor of systems genetics, he brings long-standing expertise in RNA biochemistry and structural biology, bridging basic research and clinical relevance. His team studies the molecular mechanisms of tRNA biology and the regulation of protein synthesis – processes that play central roles not only in human medicine but also in veterinary medicine. With Yulia Gonskikh’s expertise in non-coding RNAs, RNA-modifying enzymes, and rRNA and tRNA modifications, a productive axis emerges: structure meets function, method meets research question, and from many small building blocks, a clear picture takes shape of how cells make decisions.
Thus, Yulia Gonskikh’s start at Vetmeduni is part of a broader movement: Austria is positioning itself as a safe haven for excellent postdocs who wish to advance their research in a reliable, collaborative environment. For Vetmeduni, this means fresh momentum in RNA diagnostics, therapy, and systems genetics.
Vetmeduni warmly welcomes Yulia Gonskikh!
Interview with Yulia Gonskikh
What motivated your move to Vetmeduni – and what role did the APART USA fellowship play in it?
Yulia Gonskikh: As I was concluding my postdoctoral training, I was seeking the ideal environment to establish and develop my own independent research direction. The Vetmeduni stood out as an exceptional choice due to its vibrant research community and existing expertise in RNA biology, which aligns perfectly with my work. The APART-USA fellowship from the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) played a pivotal role in this transition. It made my relocation to Vienna possible, providing me with the scientific independence and the necessary resources to pursue my research at the intersection of epitranscriptomics and cell-specific translation.
What particularly appealed to you about collaborating at Vetmeduni?
Yulia Gonskikh: My research is rooted in fundamental molecular questions. While we have gained significant insights into how molecular mechanisms function in humans, a substantial knowledge gap remains regarding these same processes in other animal species. What particularly drew me to Vetmeduni is the opportunity to address this imbalance. Exploring mechanisms of translation regulation in a veterinary context provides a unique perspective for evolutionary biology, allowing us to understand which processes are conserved and which are species-specific. The Vetmeduni offers the perfect, specialized environment to bridge this gap.
What fundamental question drives your research?
Yulia Gonskikh: Throughout my academic career, I have studied different mechanisms of translation regulation. During my PhD at the UniBern, I investigated how non-coding RNAs regulate translation. In my postdoc at the UPenn, I focused on RNA methyltransferases that modify components of the translational machinery. These experiences led me to a puzzling question: if protein translation is essential in every cell, why do defects of the translational machinery lead to highly cell-type-specific diseases? In my research at Vetmeduni, I aim to address this by focusing on two key questions: why defects in tRNAs particularly impact the nervous system, and why dysregulated ribosomes preferentially affect blood cells.
How do you integrate structural biology and systems genetics in everyday practice—could you give a concrete example?
Yulia Gonskikh: In brief, I combine these two fields by using structural biology to identify the precise molecular interaction and systems genetics to understand the resulting cellular phenotype. For example, when studying a tRNA methyltransferase, I use structural biology to determine exactly how an enzyme binds to and modifies a tRNA target. Once we understand this atomic-level mechanism, we apply systems genetics to observe how the loss of that specific modification alters the translation profile of the entire cell. This approach allows us to link a single molecular change to the phenotype of a complex biological system.
What skill is essential for research on RNA and genetics?
Yulia Gonskikh: In my view, the most essential skill for research in RNA and genetics is the high technical precision combined with the ability to think across scales, from molecular mechanisms to cellular outcomes. RNA is highly sensitive to work with, requiring careful attention to detail to ensure data quality. At the same time, small molecular changes, like a single RNA modification, can lead to complex and sometimes unexpected cellular effects, so it is crucial to connect mechanistic insights with broader biological consequences.
What excites you outside the lab and helps you unwind?
Yulia Gonskikh: To maintain a clear mind for research, I find that staying active is the best way to decompress. I enjoy going for runs and playing all kinds of racket sports; they are a great way to stay energized. Otherwise, I find balance by spending quality time with my loved ones and traveling. Exploring new places allows me to gain fresh perspectives, which often helps me return to my work with renewed energy and a clear mind.