Kelli Armstrong Email & Phone Number

Boston, Ma, Us

Somerville, Ma , Us

Boston, Massachusetts, Us

As the Associate Director of R&D Operations, I utilized a proven track record of orchestrating seamless lab setup, serving as a Program Manager for flagship programs, developing dynamic dashboards for effective progress communication, implementing Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) for data analysis, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to mitigate risks. I also demonstrated expertise in IT operations, budgeting, contract management, and procurement optimization, while proactively anticipating future needs and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. My strategic foresight and proactive approach resulted in successful implementation of scalable solutions and streamlined operations across various operational facets, contributing to the overall success of research functions in a dynamic start-up environment.

In this research-focused professional during the COVID-19 pandemic, I focused on implementing special PPE measures to ensure a safe work environment. I had the privilege of attending the prestigious Third Rock Ventures Leadership EDGE training course for women in biotech, and I optimized the integration between HR and IT to streamline the onboarding process for new employees based on feedback from existing and new team members. I also led the company's COVID task force, developing policies and testing procedures that resulted in no lost work time due to positive tests among essential employees. I collaborated with the Third Rock Ventures HR and Operations task force on remote retention and recruiting strategies. Additionally, I acted as the program manager for Rheos' Precision Medicine initiative 'MetPM,' overseeing target identification, patient sample acquisition, and driving portfolio and pipeline plans, while implementing GDPR standards for patient sample handling to ensure compliance. Additionally, I developed a high-throughput CRISPR screen of individual targets in primary immune cells using Lonza's Amaxa 96w electroporation system, with FACS and MSD readouts and input into a customized data entry system.

As a key member of the cell-based assays team, I played a crucial role in the development, miniaturization, and outsourcing of screening assays, including the characterization of cell line features and transfer of protocols to Contract Research Organizations (CROs). I conducted proliferation assays using luciferase and in-cell Western methods, utilizing small-volume liquid handlers and multidrop dispensers, while successfully monitoring assay progress and troubleshooting issues with CROs. I also performed tissue culture and characterization of cell lines for downstream assays, such as growth curves, long-term proliferation assays, and molecular biology methods including Western blotting and lentiviral CRISPR. I managed multiple cancer cell lines, including NSCLC, SCCOHT, and NHL lines, for downstream readouts and inhibitor/compound treatment assays. In addition, I led combination studies of standard-of-care compounds for alternate cancer indications, utilizing high-throughput cell-based assays in a 384-well format to assess efficacy and synergy in supporting cell lines.

Us

Bachelor'S Degree, Medical Microbiology And Bacteriology

Biology, General