Interview with Dr. Marc Büttner, Senior Data Scientist at Novalytica
Since mid-August, Marc Büttner has been strengthening our Novalytica team as a Senior Data Scientist. In his remarkably diverse background, Marc combines engineering expertise, an entrepreneurial spirit, and neuroscientific research.
During his doctorate, Marc focused intensively on the development of data pipelines, statistical analysis, and machine learning methods. With his additional experience as the founder of Strival GmbH and his work on international research projects at the intersection of technology and biology, he is a valuable addition to the Novalytica team. Just as he scales majestic peaks in the accompanying photo, Marc is set to lead our team to new heights in data science.
Learn more about Marc Büttner in the interview below.
What particularly attracted you to apply to Novalytica?
After completing my doctorate, my goal was to effectively apply the knowledge in Data Science and Machine Learning I acquired during my research outside of the academic environment. Novalytica impressed me with the sheer breadth of its projects; it offers the ideal platform to help organisations unlock the full value of their data.
What were your first impressions?
The entire team gave me a very warm welcome, and I was able to jump straight into my first projects. Naturally, there is a lot of new information to absorb at the beginning, but that is exactly what I am looking forward to. I especially appreciate the support within the team. If I have a question, I can easily turn to an expert within the group, which allows me to handle even complex topics in a short amount of time.
Which experiences from your PhD or your time as a founder do you think will be most valuable here?
I believe a key characteristic of both research and founding a business is the high degree of personal responsibility, which can be incredibly motivating but also very challenging. In addition to this fundamental mindset of independently executing complex projects, I have acquired a wide range of technical skills. Accordingly, I look forward to applying my knowledge of analysing complex datasets using Data Science and specifically Machine Learning methods in upcoming projects.
How do you assess current developments in Artificial Intelligence, and what opportunities do they present for companies?
Generally, I find the developments in Machine Learning and AI fascinating. We are currently experiencing a boom in the research and application of Large Language Models (LLMs) across many sectors of society. I am convinced that many traditional tasks can be made more efficient, creating more space to develop creative solutions for difficult problems. I also find the field of Neuro-AI—at the intersection of neuroscience and AI—particularly exciting. I believe that algorithms based on the brain’s information processing will have a major impact in the future.
What is your passion outside of data?
As a balance to work, I spend a lot of time in nature and enjoy the Swiss mountains, especially hiking in the summer. Since last year, I have also discovered a love for running and am currently training for my first marathon in November.
