Experience

Orphagen Pharmaceuticals

• United States
• Biotechnology
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Research Scientist I / Lab Manager

  • Feb 2022 - Mar 2023

  San Diego, California Designed, conducted and analyzed weekly cell-based reporter assays to support SAR. Designed and executed experiments to isolate, activate, and differentiate immune cells in support of inflammatory bowel disease project directed at blocking T cell trafficking to the gut through a novel mechanism. Planned and conducted multi-color flow cytometry analyses using both mouse lymphocytes and human PBMCs in support of target validation and lead optimization. Devised and implemented an… Show more Designed, conducted and analyzed weekly cell-based reporter assays to support SAR. Designed and executed experiments to isolate, activate, and differentiate immune cells in support of inflammatory bowel disease project directed at blocking T cell trafficking to the gut through a novel mechanism. Planned and conducted multi-color flow cytometry analyses using both mouse lymphocytes and human PBMCs in support of target validation and lead optimization. Devised and implemented an immunofluorescence staining strategy for the development of custom antibodies to unexplored targets for evaluation in novel cellular systems. Utilized Western blot and qPCR to determine expression of target in various cell lines for potential use in target validation and cellular pharmacology assays. Ensured the smooth day-to-day running of the lab.

• Senior Research Associate / Lab Manager

  • Jan 2014 - Feb 2022

  San Diego, California Designed and implemented cell-based and biochemical assays to support screening for multiple nuclear receptor targets, both internally and as a contract service. Analyzed and presented data. Applied molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein chemistry techniques to prepare reagents for novel screening assays: PCR cloning and maxi/mega scale plasmid preparation; protein expression, extraction, and purification in E. coli and Sf9 insect cells. Responsible for compound library management… Show more Designed and implemented cell-based and biochemical assays to support screening for multiple nuclear receptor targets, both internally and as a contract service. Analyzed and presented data. Applied molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein chemistry techniques to prepare reagents for novel screening assays: PCR cloning and maxi/mega scale plasmid preparation; protein expression, extraction, and purification in E. coli and Sf9 insect cells. Responsible for compound library management including plate replication, registration and storage, and hit picking. Utilized ELISA and multicolor FACS to evaluate RORgamma ligand effects on Th-17 polarization using mouse splenocytes and human PBMCs. Responsible for ordering and inventory management, purchase order and invoice reconciliation, scheduling preventative maintenance, troubleshooting equipment failures, and scheduling repairs and calibrations.

• Research associate

  • Jan 2004 - Dec 2013

  San Diego, California Main duties included cell culture, transient transfection for cell-based luciferase assays, plasmid cloning, compound management, ordering supplies, some in vivo work.