Using CRISPR for functional genomics and epigenetic editing in drug discovery. Primary function was pooled CRISPR knockout screening with NGS data output. Major focus was on degenerative diseases Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Expanded the technologies of the company by pilot testing techniques such as:CRISPaintPromega Flexi cloning systemNano Glo HiBit detection systemEnabled use of multiplex CRISPR library screening with introduction of 10x Genomics platform into the company.

 Supported new assay development by processing over 9,000 samples in 6 months. Built 12,500 reactions worth of reagents for new assay process improvement in 2 weeks. Identified reagent which would be unstable for current reagent manufacturing timetable. Developed new library processes combining ligate and elution steps to reduce library construction time and improve CLIA process flow. Developed new reagent to combat intellectual property issue with competitor.  Fixed reagent stability issue and increased shelf life to >6 months. Sequenced on the MiSeq up to 4x a week running 200 cycle kits at 12-hour intervals. Handed off new DNA extraction method increasing number of samples able to be processed 3x and in 50% of the time. Processed >28,000 samples during development and optimization of new DNA extraction method. Developed X-chromosome assay to add to current set of assays and offer sex chromosomal abnormality information and sex determination to patients. Investigated hypothesis of a correlation between mother's age and amount of cfDNA present. Extracted DNA from blood bags received from vendor using Qiagen maxi prep kit to be used for synthetic assay controls in CLIA lab.

 Developed wipe test protocol and submitted finalized SOP to DCO. Responsible for daily maintenance of various lab equipment and record keeping.  Part of interview rotation for clinical lab associates and clinical lab scientist positions. Refined protocol for qPCR analysis of DNA yield issues. Accessioned into LIMS and extracted plasma from >200 samples daily.

Validation and pilot study of addition of new lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) to current newborn screening panel. Responsible for quality control of principle reagents used for NBS panel improvement and chemistry on Waters TQD Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer.  Supported assay validation and pilot study by processing ~1,000 samples per month. Developed excel tracking of reagent and lab supply PO's.