Konrad Mueller Email and Phone Number

Designed and engineered a cell line library of 100+ cell lines, each with modifications specifically targeted for optimizing production of a variety of recombinant proteins based on their unique characteristics. Use of the cell line library resulted in increased production 5-100 fold. Designed and constructed an additional 300+ vectors for chaperone coexpression and genomic modification. Maintained, organized, and analyzed NGS data.All molecular genetics and cell line engineering techniques utilized an in-house protocol I designed in order to minimize turnaround time (~2 weeks/cell line genomic modification requested, ~4 days/expression vector modification requested) at roughly ~5% cost of outsourcing while adhering to unique legal and biological restrictions.

Continued Upstream Scientist responsibilities while incorporating cell line development using a novel, in-house technology I designed to provide targeted cell line modifications within two weeks at ~5% the cost of outsourcing. Incorporated additional cell lines generated by this genomic modification assay to upstream scientist responsibilities while applying JMP analysis to direct cell line development.

Upstream manufacturing of biologics in GMP and non-GMP settings and adherence to cGMP regulations. Fermentation of bacterial host cell lines in flasks and bioreactors (5 L to 200 L), protein purification and quantification. Characterization of protein product using SEC and SDS-PAGE. Process development, including monitoring host cell lysis, enhancing protein expression by isolation of clonal populations, and host cell line engineering.

Bio-surveilled the Austin metropolitan area for pathogen outbreak or bioterrorist activity. Daily Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) evaluation and maintenance. Adhered to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Chain of Custody (CoC).

Developed novel genetic techniques for the manipulation of Chlamydia spp, including the first successful methods of genomic sequence deletion, allelic exchange, and plasmid removal from Chlamydia trachomatis. Established conditional chlamydial knock downs and identified effectors secreted into the host. Trained laboratory students and members in cloning methods as well as newly developed chlamydial genetic techniques.

Established protocols for the transformation of Chlamydia spp with exogenous DNA. Examined the potential for chemical mutagenesis of Chlamydia muridarum. Developed and managed projects for rotation students. Analyzed chemically mutagenized libraries of C. trachomatis by NGS.

Determined the regulatory mechanisms by which Sinorhizobium meliloti modulates motility, exopolysaccharide production, biofilm formation, and nodulation-factor production in order to invade its host plant Medicago sativa and establish a nitrogen-fixing symbiosis.

Designed and provided PowerPoint presentations, reviewed lectures, managed workshops, developed practice questions, and evaluated student comprehension for the following courses:BIOL 2311 - Introduction to Modern Biology: Fundamental concepts of modern biology with an emphasis on the molecular and cellular basis of biological phenomena, covering chemistry and metabolism, genetics, developmental biology, physiology, immunity, and neurophysiology.BIOL 2111 - Introduction to Modern Biology Workshop: Problem solving and discussion related to Introduction to Modern Biology.BIOL 3301 - Classical and Molecular Genetics: The cytological and molecular basis of heredity, covering gene expression and transfer of genetic information, bacterial and model eukaryotic systems, genetic recombination and chromosome mapping, tetrad analysis, mutations and mutagenesis, genetic interactions, and applications of recombinant DNA techniques to genetic analysis.BIOL 3101 - Classical and Molecular Genetics Workshop: Problem solving and discussion related to Classical and Molecular Genetics.BIOL 3V20 - General Microbiology Lab: Skills in classical microbiology, including various staining and pure culture techniques, biochemical and other in vitro testing, as well as isolation and identification of unknown organisms.BIOL 3350 - Biological Basis of Health and Disease: Fundamentals of pathophysiology, focusing on the dynamic processes that cause disease, give rise to symptoms, and signal the body's attempt to overcome disease. Topics include mechanisms of infectious disease, immunity, and inflammation and alterations in structure and function of the reproductive, circulatory, respiratory, and urinary systems.