ChemPartner is a science-based, technology-driven global CRO and CDMO offering a broad range of services including discovery chemistry, biology, pharmacology, DMPK, and exploratory toxicology as well as biologics discovery, CMC development, and manufacturing.

• Built and led Nkarta’s binder discovery R&D team (experienced scientists and research associates (5 direct reports) to identify binders to develop CAR-NKs against Nkarta pipeline targets for both hematological and solid tumors• Execute all aspects of antibody generation and characterization using hybridoma, single B cell cloning and display technology platforms. including target selection, hit generation and optimization, protein expression/purification, and antibody engineering• Design and lead high throughput screening strategies to identify hits from hybridoma and phage display libraries and evaluation of hits in in vitro assays for target cell binding, affinity and epitope binning, cross reactivity, and their biological activity• Support analytical and translational teams in identifying and developing tool and anti-idiotype antibodies for specific CAR-NK product detection, characterization, and product release assays• Develop and execute high-throughput screening platform for identification of optimal CAR design variants (expression, activation, and tonic assessment) for the downstream NK functional screens• Identify external partners, execute service agreements, manage timeline, and program budget, and lead external partnership research and CRO activities• Provide leadership and manage discovery programs both internally and through external partnership• Contribute to patent filing and scientific publications/abstracts for poster presentation for the company• Support BD activities as subject matter expert for technical diligence and contribute to scope/project proposals for potential collaborations/ partnerships• On a leadership team for the new target nomination for the pipeline and discussion on strategic planning and new research initiatives

• Project Team Leader for client/collaborator projects, which includes defining project strategy/workplan, writing study proposals, executing antibody discovery projects, setting meeting agenda and project update presentations to clients, team discussions to manage project activities by engaging closely with global team members and BD team• Built the single B cell cloning antibody discovery workflow and screening capabilities for global clients using the Berkeley Lights Beacon platform. Developed novel assays and trained the group to gain proficiency on Beacon platform• Lead biology support, including assay development and screening efforts for client projects out of CP-SF site for both small and large molecule discovery projects• Work closely with the leadership and BD team to present CP biologics capabilities to potential clients, alliance, and academic collaborators• Managing and mentoring RA and junior staff, including sharing technical knowledge, providing suggestions, and planning future activities to promote their career growth and development

• Establish a sustainable product pipeline by ensuring antibody discovery on selected targets (6-7 targets per year) and complete upto 3 therapeutic discovery programs per year with lead selection as per design goals of in-vitro or in-vivo functional testing in collaboration with biology discovery group. • Provide support to validation and translational programs for identification of diagnostic antibodies for multiplex IHC target expression and patient identification in clinical setting as per pre-defined criteria and project timeline. • Production and characterization (Specificity, Purity, Endotoxin level, SPR target affinity and cell based target affinity screening funnel) of antibodies to meet target goals of validation/therapeutic programs.• Core team member to evaluate drugability, novel target review/assessment and develop work plan for antibody generation and screening funnel. Provide project update to project management teams across different sites.

Product development in emerging research topics in Cell Biology, Protein and Antibody Technologies, Enzymology and Exosome Research. Lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage research associates by providing guidance and supervising projects. Work simultaneously on multiple projects under strict deadlines with changing priorities.Regularly analyze, interpret and effectively present data at group and departmental meetings, present research proposals, updates and reviews to R&D, marketing and senior management. Write internal and external reports.

Identified a novel therapeutic target, orphan G-protein coupled receptor, GPR158 through pharmacogenomics studies for glaucoma, which is under pre-clinical evaluation using GPR158 knockout mice. Identified full-length GPR158 receptor internalization to nucleus from plasma membrane in target cells and role in gene regulation.Discovered and validated the role of GPR158 as a novel molecular target in prostate cancer progression, for which antibody therapeutics and clinical validation of the target is ongoing.

Discovered several original molecular mechanisms, biomarkers and signaling pathways for vascular pathophysiological complications in Sickle Cell Disease, some of which are currently in clinical trials.Postdoctoral research work led to five first author publications in high impact journals with one article in Inside Blood section on journal Blood for the research findings of potential clinical use, one as Paper of the Week by JBC (top 1% articles) and one as corresponding author in Biochemical Journal on microRNA as biomarkers for disease complications.

Screening of novel synthetic compounds for their anti-diabetic and anti-lipidemic activity in various transgenic animal models of including ob/ob and db/db mouse, and Zucker fatty rats.