As a versatile biotechnologist with a focus on molecular biology and protein purification, I bring a wealth of experience in accelerating timelines for cutting-edge biopharmaceuticals. My expertise in statistics and DoE enables me to identify significant cost savings and optimize workflows across various modalities, including protein biologics, AAV gene therapies, and siRNA therapies. With experience leading cross-functional teams, I excel at fostering collaboration to achieve shared goals. I am passionate about applying my skills to address complex challenges and am actively seeking new opportunities to make a positive impact.Throughout my professional journey, I have honed my skills in various techniques, including assay development, protein purification by AKTA, and cell culture. My skill in Design of Experiments (DoE) allows me to optimize processes rapidly and effectively, resulting in significant cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency. I am passionate about using data-driven insights to inform decision-making and improve workflows, which has consistently resulted in accelerated project timelines.I thrive in collaborative environments where I can mentor junior scientists and foster a culture of innovation. My strong background in statistics complements my laboratory skills, allowing me to analyze complex datasets and derive meaningful conclusions that drive scientific progress.I believe that science has the power to transform lives, and I am committed to contributing to advancements that improve global health outcomes. If you're interested in discussing potential collaborations or sharing insights about the latest developments in the field, I'd love to hear from you!andrew.knappenberger@gmail.comTechnical skills:Molecular Purification. Protein: ExpiCHO, Expi293, BL-21, Bacillus, Pichia. Protein A/G, His-tag, peptide affinity, gel filtration, desalting. Tandem chromatography. AAV/AdV: AAVX, AEX, finalization. RNA: T7 transcription, SEC, PAGE. In vivo grade, endo-free. AKTA.Assays and Biophysics. NanoDrop, aSEC, LAL, aCEX. LabChip, agarose, SDS-PAGE. Tm/Tagg/DLS (Uncle). Polyspecificity ELISA. AC-SINS. Multiplexed qPCR. X-ray crystallography. Microscale thermophoresis (MST). Circular dichroism (CD). Equilibrium dialysis.Molecular Biology. PCR. Cloning: Gibson, Golden Gate, restriction enzyme. Libraries: GSSM, TMSCA, oligo pools. Construct design. Sequence verification: gDNA prep, NGS, Sanger. Plasmid prep, transfection, transformation.Computation. Design-Expert (DoE/AoE). Python. HPCC. Origin, Prism. Geneious.
Self-Employed
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Independent ConsultantSelf-Employed Nov 2024 - PresentExperienced Principal Scientist with a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, specializing in protein engineering, gene technologies, and sustainable solutions for global challenges. Currently available for new opportunities in biotechnology and related fields.Open to full-time positions, contract work, or consulting opportunities in the biotechnology industry. Let's connect to discuss how my expertise can contribute to your organization's success.
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Principal Scientist Gene Tx RgtdJohnson & Johnson Jul 2024 - Nov 2024Principal Scientist responsible for protein engineering and payload optimization for AAV gene therapy programs, with a focus on designing experiments to enhance protein cargo efficacy. Adapted to evolving project needs by taking on critical AAV downstream processing responsibilities and contributing to siRNA off-target effect analysis using multiplexed qPCR. Demonstrated versatility by supporting lab operations during facility transition, including instrument setup and cross-functional coordination. Leveraged expertise in experimental design and protein biochemistry to drive progress across multiple therapeutic modalities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.Selected Accomplishments:-Facilitated timely transition of JNJ's first internally developed gene therapy to NME.-Saved $274K+ and months of work using DoE in the protein design space.-Engineered novel fusion protein that surpassed all existing performance benchmarks. -
Senior Scientist, Protein SciencesJohnson & Johnson Oct 2023 - Jul 2024Senior Scientist responsible for protein engineering and payload optimization for AAV gene therapy programs, with a focus on designing experiments to enhance protein cargo efficacy. Adapted to evolving project needs by taking on critical AAV downstream processing responsibilities and contributing to siRNA off-target effect analysis using multiplexed qPCR. Demonstrated versatility by supporting lab operations during facility transition, including instrument setup and cross-functional coordination. Leveraged expertise in experimental design and protein biochemistry to drive progress across multiple therapeutic modalities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.Selected Accomplishments:-Facilitated timely transition of JNJ's first internally developed gene therapy to NME.-Saved $274K+ and months of work using DoE in the protein design space.-Engineered novel fusion protein that surpassed all existing performance benchmarks.
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Sr. Scientist/Team LeaderBasf Enzymes Llc May 2022 - Oct 2023Senior Scientist and Team Leader responsible for managing and prioritizing diverse projects in enzyme discovery and screening, with a focus on optimizing workflows and implementing new technologies. Led cross-functional teams to drive efficiency and transparency in gene diversity generation, cloning, and enzyme screening processes. Leveraged project management skills to balance multiple work assignments and ensure timely delivery of results in a fast-paced environment. Applied expertise in molecular biology techniques and Pichia pastoris engineering to enhance protein expression capabilities and contribute to technology development initiatives.Selected Accomplishments:-Mentored a direct report, driving Bacillus transformation success rate from 40% to 90%.-Conceived and secured funding for proposal to make enzyme powders less immunogenic.-Built functional digital infrastructure for high-throughput screening using SharePoint. -
Senior ScientistPfizer Sep 2019 - May 2022Greater San Diego AreaSenior Scientist responsible for designing, expressing, and purifying novel protein biologics for immuno-oncology programs, utilizing mammalian cell culture systems and advanced purification techniques. Led protein engineering efforts for multiple programs, driving successful transitions and implementing process optimizations that resulted in significant cost savings. Developed and validated critical assays for mouse antibodies, expanding the team's analytical capabilities. Demonstrated expertise in vector design, transfection optimization, and bispecific antibody production, while serving as the primary protein engineering point of contact across several key initiatives.Selected Accomplishments:-Led protein engineering efforts for 5 programs, driving 3 successful transitions.-Leveraged DoE to optimize transfections, achieving savings of $7K per person per month.-Developed and validated mouse antibody polyspecificity and AC-SINS assays, enabling team to uncover therapeutic pitfalls earlier in development. -
Postdoctoral AssociateYale University Apr 2017 - Sep 2019Postdoctoral researcher focused on structural and functional characterization of RNA-ligand interactions, employing X-ray crystallography and microscale thermophoresis (MST) techniques. Led efforts to overcome crystallization challenges through strategic construct design and mutation, resulting in rapid generation of initial X-ray datasets. Established MST as a quantitative method for analyzing RNA-ligand binding affinities in the lab. Conducted in-depth investigation of modular RNA domains, successfully identifying minimal mutations required to alter ligand specificity, contributing to two peer-reviewed publications in eLife and Biochemistry.Selected Accomplishments:-Generated initial X-ray data set within 3 months of joining lab.-Overcame crystallization difficulties by designing and testing key mutant construct.-Established MST for quantifying RNA-ligand interactions.
Andrew Knappenberger Education Details
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Biochemistry -
Molecular Biology
Frequently Asked Questions about Andrew Knappenberger
What company does Andrew Knappenberger work for?
Andrew Knappenberger works for Self-Employed
What is Andrew Knappenberger's role at the current company?
Andrew Knappenberger's current role is Innovative Scientist | Expert in Molecular Techniques, Statistics & DoE | Driving Cost Efficiency in Biotech Solutions.
What schools did Andrew Knappenberger attend?
Andrew Knappenberger attended Case Western Reserve University, University Of Pittsburgh.
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