Matt Scheffel, Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

Redwood City, California, US

Redwood City, California, US

• Developed and optimized flow cytometry method for detecting the novel CoStAR transgene-modified TIL. Revamped no-wash cell counting approach improving the resolution of TILs in obscured tumor digest material.
• Generated characterization panels (up to 10 parameters) in partnership with the dynamic needs of the Process Development team.
• Orchestrated QC technology transfer activities for lot release methods: cross-functional alignment with the QC team, writing GMP-compliant SOPs, and the planning and execution of method qualification and transfer.
• Established positive control cell bank of transgene-modified cells. Collaborated with Research and Development to utilize single-cell cloning for custom blending of control cells.
• Coordinated with vendors and evaluated new reagents and platforms to determine feasibility and benefit to current methods and operations.
• Trained and provided subject matter expert guidance to Quality Control and Analytical Operations analysts.

Santa Monica, California, US

• Coordinated the testing priorities of up to 7 analysts conducting flow cytometry, ELISA, and PCR based assays to ensure on-time disposition of final CAR-T cell therapy product.
• Provided technical guidance on resolving invalid assays and conducting laboratory investigations of OOS results.
• Executed validation protocols of analytical methods.
• Troubleshot instrument malfunctions, working with internal departments and external suppliers to successfully decrease equipment downtime and the need for outside vendor dispatch.

Santa Monica, California, US

Charleston, SC, US

• Engaged in productive collaborations with other projects within the lab and with external partner laboratories across 2 institutions resulting in 4+ publications in the fields of cancer immunology and ceramide.
• Improved the in vivo tumor control efficacy of adoptively transferred anti-melanoma T cells by evaluating novel mechanisms whereby the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine could modulate T cell functionality.
• Pioneered the investigation of T cell immunotherapy and use of multi-color flow cytometry in the laboratory – establishing, optimizing, and troubleshooting assays and protocols to characterize the phenotype of.
• Conveyed research findings at 8+ poster presentations and 13+ oral presentations, including an invitation to speak at the 2016 American Association of Immunologists annual conference.
• Trained 5 visiting students and 1 staff scientist on flow cytometry, scientific techniques, and research acumen.

Bridgewater, NJ, US

• Tested medical device grade regulated eye-care solutions as part of a team preparing samples and monitoring up to 8 HPLCs simultaneously in addition to wet chemistry assays for in-process and final product analysis.
• Surveyed employees and the environment in an aseptic production area for microbial contamination and further evaluated found organisms.

• Assured that cellular products met cGMP standards in a Phase II clinical trial of an immune-cell vaccine therapy for Stage IV melanoma.
• Spearheaded the organization of assay records by streamlining results into 1 patient-centered dashboard.
• Advised on the SOP drafting for endotoxin testing.

Analyzed the toxicology of aquatic samples in compliance with SC-DHEC, EPA, and NELAC regulations

Ph.D., Immunology

B.S., Biology