Dr. Epe got his degree in Veterinary Medicine at the Hannover School of Veterinary Medicine, Germany, in 1990. After a post-doctoral position there, he spent 15 years in academia in a tenured position, heading the Diagnostic Labs and Services Unit with full responsibilities in teaching, state examination, and supervision of doctoral students. He has extensive experience in diagnosis, epidemiology, and control of parasite infections. Research activities included molecular parasitology, and working with nematodes and arthropods of companion animals.

In 2003, Dr. Epe became a Diplomat of the European Veterinary Parasitology College (DipEVPC) and was twice re-accredited since then.

In 2007, Dr. Epe transitioned to a commercial research position at Novartis Animal Health, Switzerland, gaining experience in drug profiling, a broader knowledge of parasite models, and a general business acumen of the animal health industry. The period of 2011-2014 saw him taking on the role of Lead Finder in the Human Health Research headquarters of Novartis in Boston, USA, to identify projects for the animal health pipeline, more drug development technologies, and facilitate cross-divisional communication. Returning to Novartis Animal Health Switzerland in 2014 as Head of Parasiticide Research, Dr. Epe managed a research pipeline in Parasitology and a large research team and corresponding budget; his major focus was building, communicating, and implementing a research strategy for Veterinary Parasitology.