Greater Philadelphia
Motivated scientist with a strong background in regulated bioanalysis with a focus on cell and gene therapy. Previous experience in biologics and small molecule research. Lecture experience in neurobiology of mental health. Specialties: PCR, Gene and Cell Therapy, PK & Immunogenicity
Work within the Molecular Biology team of PSTS to develop and validate biodistribution and shedding assays focusing on cell and gene therapy. Focus is on qPCR/RT-qPCR and digital PCR quantification for detection of CAR-T, AAV, oncolytic virus etc. for non-clinical and clinical studies.
Immunogenicity assay validation/qualification - Conduct pre-clinical and clinical anti-drug antibody sample testing and analysis to deliver immunogenicity testing results in a regulated (GLP/GCLP) environment, including but not limited to planning assay runs in Watson, performing the assay, and data analyses. Makes detailed observations, analyzes data, and interprets results. Responsible for research and development in collaboration with others on multiple projects. Procure, inventory, and track assay reagents. Prepares technical summaries, protocols, and data summary.
• Drug discovery research with focus on small molecule therapeutic for CNS disorders Ex vivo processing of tissue including RNA and protein extraction, qRT-PCR and gene expression analysis, ELISA, and western blot analysis • Utilization of in vitro assays for target engagement and toxicity evaluation including neural activity recording on a Maestro microelectrode array (MEA) system • Primary cell culture of trigeminal ganglion and dorsal root ganglion under aseptic conditions • Development of an in-house platform to assess drug candidates utilizing immunohistochemistry • Electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) documentation following good laboratory practices (GLP) • Responsible for data analysis and data reporting to upper management • Proficient in GraphPad Prism, Odyssey Imaging & Image Studio for Odyssey CLx, QuantStudio 6 & 12K Flex and Expression Suite
Lecturer - Psychobiological Basis of Mental Disorders - Establish online course material and lecture on neurobiology of mental disorders
• Establishment of a transgenic colony from founder animals, including breeding, genotyping, and colony maintenance • Optogenetic experimentation via injection of adeno-associated viral vector • Characterization of neuronal firing rates utilizing acute experiments in transgenic animals • Performance of rat microsurgical procedures, behavioral evaluation, and data acquisition for chronic sleep studies related to obstructive sleep apnea on Spike-2 and Somnologica software • Conducted extensive immunohistochemistry and western blot for multiple projects • Data analysis, manuscript writing, and grant editing • Laboratory management including training junior staff and students and inventory maintenance • Proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and ImageJ
Lectured and provided a neurobiology perspective on mental health disorders and diseases to students to the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program. Course: Pathogenesis of Mental Disorders Across the Lifespan