Senior Scientist
Current• Ran day to day operations of an RNA chemistry R&D and production lab• Developed TC RNA synthesis chemistry for robust, CRISPR sgRNA (100+ base) production• Helped plan and start a high-throughput oligonucleotide production program including designing lab space, equipment, and coordinating wit facilities and safety personnel• Trained and supervised activity of Ph.D. scientists• Developed novel plate-based affinity purification method for high throughput production now transferred to production facility• Developed protocols for liquid handling robot to automate production workflow• Adapted affinity process to HPLC for higher purity gRNA and work in a high throughput production environment with automated fraction collection and pooling to simplify production workflow • Developed and patented two new protecting groups to improve amidite properties • Established impurity profiles for oligo synthesis that led to improved synthesis cycles and development of QC methods and product specifications• Implemented new equipment for increased throughput including oligo synthesizers, high speed concentrator, HPLCs and mass specs• Synthesized modified RNA amidites to explore the potential of TC chemistry • Helped design and evaluate a new, high-throughput DNA/RNA synthesizer and software• Provided production cost analysis for business development• Helped develop database to optimize ordering, production and tracking of RNA oligos• Developed sgRNA synthesis scale-up including reagent, equipment, and time requirements for internal and therapeutic applications (AKTA scale)
