Zurich, Switzerland
Immunologist with a strong background in Immuno-Oncology and extensive experience in designing, and performing a wide range of in vitro cell-based assays and in vivo studies. Exceptional ability in interpreting experimental data and providing solutions for assay-related problems. Independent and organised scientist, adept at prioritising workload for multiple projects and working efficiently as a member of a matrixed team. Excellent communication and teamwork skills developed through Industry experience and management duties.
• In vitro lead immunologist for the characterisation of Oncology drug candidates (biologics): Responsibility for in vitro assay cascade to profile drug candidates and guide development of CDTP. Screened drug candidates through high-throughput primary cell- and cell line-based assays, designed and performed immunological assays tailored to molecular target of interest in order to assess immune function and phenotype (multiparameter flow cytometry, proliferation, cytokine release, antigen recall assays, cytotoxicity assays), and co-ordinated studies to enable milestone transition. • Developed and led a novel Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL)-based in vitro assay platform: optimised protocols for dissociation of fresh human tumour tissue samples, designed and performed TIL-based functional assays, established timepoints and multi-parameter readouts, and delivered key data to several project teams across Oncology • Supported ex vivo activities for preclinical in vivo studies: processed murine tissue samples, isolated primary cells for downstream PD analysis and assisted with cellular and biochemical readouts • Interpretation, review and presentation of data to stakeholders and at lab and cross-functional team meetings
• Produced investigational medicinal product (IMP) to GMP standards, currently used in a Phase I clinical trial (VAPER) • Designed and conducted IMP stability studies, organised sample QC analysis and kept records • Wrote Batch Manufacturing Record for IMP Production, related SOPs, Risk Assessments and compiled Product Specification File
• Led in vitro studies for the identification of novel, potent immune-modulating agents: established a high-throughput in vitro cell-based screening assay and identified agents that enhance antigen-specific T cell responses (by assessing cytokine production, expression of activation markers and cytotoxic capacity using HTS multi-parameter flow cytometry) • Designed and performed in vitro studies for the preclinical assessment of adjuvants in melanoma: assessed phenotype, functionality and antigen-specific expansion of T cells in the presence/absence of adjuvants, pre- and post-treatment of patients with anti-PD1 antibody • Developed solid tumours and leukaemia cancer models: generated cell lines expressing antigens of interest and studied their tumorigenicity and responsiveness to standard and novel means of treatment in vivo • Co-ordinated in vitro and in vivo studies for the development of anti-tumour vaccines: translated findings from in vitro screening studies into optimized vaccines and characterized vaccine-induced antigen-specific T cell responses in vivo • Improved team performance: optimized several cellular assays for in vitro and ex vivo analyses, provided solutions to experimental problems, trained team members to use new equipment and perform new assays/techniques • Wrote manuscripts, scientific reports, funding applications to several funding bodies • Supervision and training of MRes and PhD students based on individual needs
• Established, performed and analysed data form a range of cell-based, functional and immune-phenotyping assays to evaluate antigen specific responses in peripheral blood samples from cancer patients, mice and non-human primates • Transferred expertise in designing and performing ex vivo and in vitro immunological assays to monitor efficacy of immunotherapeutic strategies
• Designed, developed and performed pre-clinical in vitro studies to assess efficacy of novel adjuvants, using cell lines and primary cells, multi-parameter flow cytometry, cell cytotoxicity and proliferation assays, HPLC and Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-ToF) • Led collaboration project with the Feinstein Institute of Medical Research (New York, USA) for the in vitro and in vivo assessment of a novel MIF inhibitor, ISO-66 • Teaching assistance and active training and full time supervision of undergraduate and MSc students