Ankita Desai Email & Phone Number

• Performed 0.5L and 2L bench-scale fermentations using Saccharomyces cerevisiae to troubleshoot and improve yield and efficiency• Managed 3 Associate Scientists, overseeing career development and performance evaluations• Established comprehensive contamination investigation methods by developing robust, data-driven procedures and driving CAPAs by improving operational efficiency and cost savings• Led operational excellence by tracking KPIs with TIBCO Spotfire, training the team to… Show more • Performed 0.5L and 2L bench-scale fermentations using Saccharomyces cerevisiae to troubleshoot and improve yield and efficiency• Managed 3 Associate Scientists, overseeing career development and performance evaluations• Established comprehensive contamination investigation methods by developing robust, data-driven procedures and driving CAPAs by improving operational efficiency and cost savings• Led operational excellence by tracking KPIs with TIBCO Spotfire, training the team to perform root cause analyses, and implementing CAPAs to enhance lab performance• Served as technical advisor, partnering with cross-departmental scientists to drive forward five molecule projects by aligning the department with projects goals and resources • Directed lab safety efforts, partnering with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to ensure compliance with safety protocols• Trained new scientists in aseptic techniques, fermentation processes and professional development• Presented research findings, prepared technical reports and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Show less

San Francisco Bay Area

• Spearheaded advanced expertise and hands-on proficiency in cell culture and fermentation usingEppendorf bioprocess products, including BioFLO 320, BioFLO 120, DASGIP parallel bioreactor systems, DASbox mini bioreactor systems, Scivario Twin system, and BioFLO 720• Facilitated scripting and data analysis with SCADA software, including Biocommand and DASware Control, to optimize bioprocess performance and ensure data integrity• Oversaw technical and application support for scale-up… Show more • Spearheaded advanced expertise and hands-on proficiency in cell culture and fermentation usingEppendorf bioprocess products, including BioFLO 320, BioFLO 120, DASGIP parallel bioreactor systems, DASbox mini bioreactor systems, Scivario Twin system, and BioFLO 720• Facilitated scripting and data analysis with SCADA software, including Biocommand and DASware Control, to optimize bioprocess performance and ensure data integrity• Oversaw technical and application support for scale-up processes, ensuring smooth bench-to-production transitions• Collaborated with the bioprocess sales team to exceed business objectives by providing on-site training, technical assistance, and product demonstrations, enhancing customer experience and satisfaction• Represented the company at trade shows and conferences, delivering webinars and presentations on bioprocess products and principles Show less

Walkersville, Md

• Conducted stem cell culture work using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in various formats (T-flasks, cell factories and spinner flasks) to ensure cell viability and growth.• Managed bioreactor operations using microcarrier-based single-use bioreactors at various scales (1L, 3L, and 50L) using perfusion technology to assist scale up cell culture processes.• Utilized DeltaV software using Finesse controllers, and the ambr15 cell culture system (Sartorius) for process control and… Show more • Conducted stem cell culture work using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in various formats (T-flasks, cell factories and spinner flasks) to ensure cell viability and growth.• Managed bioreactor operations using microcarrier-based single-use bioreactors at various scales (1L, 3L, and 50L) using perfusion technology to assist scale up cell culture processes.• Utilized DeltaV software using Finesse controllers, and the ambr15 cell culture system (Sartorius) for process control and optimization.• Onboarded new employees by providing technical training and SOP writing Show less

Pearl River, Ny

• Performed cell culture work with diverse cell lines (including ARPE-19, MRC-5, IMR90, Vero, HAK, HeLa, HL-60 and HEC-1B) to support vaccine candidate evaluation, contributing to high throughput team activities• Utilized automated liquid handling systems (e.g., BRAVO) to streamline workflows and enhance productivity in laboratory processes• Oversaw the production of critical reagents and monitor and maintain laboratory equipment

Greater Boston Area

- Performed transformation and purification of plasmids using E. coli cells- Transfected mammalian cells [human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells]- Developed a fluorescence based assay for search of novel potassium channel blockers [FLIPR membrane potential assay]

Greater Boston Area

- Conducted mammalian cell culture passaging using renal cancer cell lines: 786O-pVHL positive and negative- Performed Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) detection study in renal cancer cells by preparing and characterizing drug-loaded liposomes, and using Flow Cytometry (FACS) to analyze their effect on renal cancer cells- Performed apoptosis study using annexin v/ 7-AAD and assays like caspase assay, BCA (Bicinchonninic Acid) assay, cell titer blue assay and hydrogen peroxide assay to test… Show more - Conducted mammalian cell culture passaging using renal cancer cell lines: 786O-pVHL positive and negative- Performed Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) detection study in renal cancer cells by preparing and characterizing drug-loaded liposomes, and using Flow Cytometry (FACS) to analyze their effect on renal cancer cells- Performed apoptosis study using annexin v/ 7-AAD and assays like caspase assay, BCA (Bicinchonninic Acid) assay, cell titer blue assay and hydrogen peroxide assay to test the efficacy of drug loaded liposomes on renal cancer cell lines- Prepared concise lab reports and performed data analysis Show less

Masters, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Relevant Courses: Concepts in Pharmaceutical Sciences Human Anatomy and Pathophysiology Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory Advanced.

Bachelor Of Pharmacy

Relevant Courses: Pharmaceutics Pharmacology Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics Physical Pharmacy.