Brendan Powers, PhD

Senior Manager - Labcorp Biopharma Laboratory Services (Bioanalytical LC-MS)

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

About

Experienced bioanalytical leader with a proven track record of developing and validating sensitive, reliable LC-MS assays for large and small molecule pharmaceuticals in biological matrices. Subject matter expert in LC-MS bioanalysis, with a focus on innovation and large molecules. Proven ability to lead and manage teams, as well as develop and execute departmental plans. Skilled in project management, client relations, and scientific writing. The views expressed on this site are my own and do not represent the views of my employer.

Experience

  • Labcorp (Full-time · 8 yrs 5 mos)
    • Senior Manager
      Apr 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 4 mos

      • Manages the bioanalytical LC-MS method development team (15 chemists and 1 hybrid manager, since April 2022) and validation team (15 chemists, 1 hybrid supervisor, and 1 supervisor, since December 2023) • Previously managed the advanced instrument support team (4 engineers, July 2022-July 2024) • Manages a range of managerial duties, including performance evaluations, salary administration, training plans, affirmative action goals, technical staff skill development, and setting performance goals • Analyzes departmental financial data and productivity metrics, and provides recommendations • Assists in departmental planning, marketing, innovation, and project-related activities • Serves as an internal and external subject matter expert for LC-MS methodology

    • Manager II
      Nov 2020 - Apr 2022 · 1 yr 6 mos

      • Managed the bioanalytical LC-MS method development team (8 reports), managing their performance, salary, training, and development • Provided subject matter expertise on LC-MS methodology, tracking trends and innovations in the field, authoring scientific papers, and presenting at scientific meetings • Assisted in departmental planning, marketing, innovation, and project-related activities

    • Staff Scientist II
      Oct 2020 - Oct 2020 · 1 mo

      • Led research projects to develop and confirm sensitive, reliable LC-MS methodologies for the rapid and accurate analysis of large and small molecule pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals in biological fluids and tissues • Implemented new techniques and instrumentation, and solved challenging bioanalytical problems • Contributed to long-range planning and scientific mentoring • Authored scientific papers and presented at internal and external scientific meetings

  • Senior Scientist at PPD
    Feb 2017 - Mar 2018 · 1 yr 2 mos

    Mass Spectrometry Services • Conducted method development/validation, impurity/metabolite identification, and analytical testing of both large and small molecule pharmaceuticals in a variety of formations and/or delivery systems by LC-MS or 2D-LC-MS/MS • Analyzed and recorded data in adherence with cGMP, FDA, and USP regulations

  • Purdue University (6 yrs 9 mos)
    • Bindley Bioscience Center Science Ambassador
      Aug 2015 - Sep 2016 · 1 yr 2 mos

      Guided tours highlighting translational research and instrumentation to grade school students, prospective faculty, or industry leaders

    • Teaching Assistant
      Aug 2011 - May 2016 · 4 yrs 10 mos

      Taught multiple courses including: Protein Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Analytical Biochemistry Lab, Summer Science Program, Biochemistry of Life Processes, Analytical Biochemistry Lab, and Basic Foundation of Biochemistry Lab Techniques over seven semesters

    • Protein Mass Spectrometry Research Assistant
      2010 - 2016 · 6 yrs

      • Characterized the function of protein phosphatases in cancer by monitoring phospho-proteome dynamics by LC-MS/MS and label-free quantification (DIA) • Bioinformatically and statistically analyzed data to identify trends and measures of confidence. • Performed molecular cloning, protein expression, FPLC-based purification, and enzyme characterization • Collaborated with diverse groups on LC-MS/MS studies, assisting with experimental design and data analysis • Techniques: protein LC-MS/MS, HPLC, FPLC, chromatography (SEC, IEC, RP), molecular cloning, flow cytometry, protein biochemistry, SDS-PAGE, western blot, microscopy, PCR, immunoprecipitation • Instrumentation: Applied Biosystems 4800 MALDI-TOF/TOF, Thermo LTQ-Orbitrap XL, AB Sciex Triple TOF 5600 • Software: R, Bioconductor, Python, Mascot, ProteinPilot, MaxQuant, OpenMS Professor: Dr. Mark Hall

  • Intern at Baxter International Inc.
    Jun 2010 - Aug 2010 · 3 mos

    • Measured leaching of compounds using IC, GC-MS, and GC-FID • Followed GDP and GLP to ensure traceability and reproducibility

  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL)
    • Undergraduate Research Assistant
      May 2008 - May 2010 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      • Characterized genotoxins by biochemical techniques to determine their importance for virulence • Conducted affinity purification, SEC, and dialysis for enzymatic and physiological characterization • Undergraduate Thesis: “Comparative Studies of the In Vitro Enzymatic Activity of Four Cytolethal Distending Toxin Catalytic Domains” Professor: Dr. Steven Blanke

    • Undergraduate Research Assistant
      Aug 2008 - Jul 2009 · 1 yr

      • Developed strategies for bioremediation of explosive compounds • Analyzed samples by IC, HPLC, and anaerobic/aseptic culture techniques Professor: Dr. Kevin Finneran