Robert Hepler Email & Phone Number

Harleysville, Pa, Us

Raritan, New Jersey, Us

Scientific data strategist focused on developing an ecosystem of tools (ELN, planning and execution dashboards, inventory systems, barcoding and sample inventory) designed from the ground up to streamline laboratory documentation efforts, creating data that is F.A.I.R. and aligned with corporate ontologies while eliminating manual transcription of information that already exists in an electronic format.

Raritan, New Jersey, Us

Lead a team of scientists to develop biophysical and analytical techniques to drive the selection of biological drug candidates. Apply biophysical and biochemical characterizations in multiple stages of drug discovery. Manage and participate in the characterization of biotherapeutics from lead discovery through early development.

Rahway, New Jersey, Us

Manage and maintain a modern analytical laboratory for the biophysical characterization of vaccine antigens and a peptide chemistry laboratory which supports basic research programs with synthetic peptide antigens. Guide the efforts of two direct reports tasked with the preparation and analysis of peptide, protein, carbohydrate, and bio-conjugate vaccines. Participate on cross-functional teams in support of investigational and post-licensure vaccine programs. Present results of research efforts to departmental and divisional management at project review meetings. Establish contact with external laboratories and develop work plans for collaborative research efforts. Maintain knowledge of current analytical method developments through review of the literature and attendance at national and international scientific meetings.

Managerial responsibility for a synthetic peptide laboratory and peptide chemist tasked with the preparation and analysis of antigens for vaccine research programs. Designed and managed the construction of a new synthetic peptide chemistry laboratory.

Scientific oversight and managerial responsibility for an associate scientist. Designed and managed a 1M renovation of outdated laboratory space to create a modern analytical laboratory which houses a MALDI mass spectrometer, atomic force microscope, analytical ultracentrifuge, FTIR, fluorescence, UV-Vis, and CD spectrophotometers, multiple HPLC systems, a capillary electrophoresis system, and static and dynamic light scattering instruments.

Provided analytical support for the development of a poly-gamma-glutamic acid based conjugate vaccine for anthrax. Led internal efforts (purification, formulation, and in vivo evaluation) on a recombinant anthrax protective antigen vaccine. Supported non-traditional vaccine efforts through the biophysical characterization of amyloid-derived-diffusible ligands, which are small soluble oligomers of the amyloid beta peptide associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Developed analytical methods for the characterization of counterfeit drug products using FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microanalysis, gas chromatography, and liquid chromatography.

Development of analytical methods for vaccine development programs. Analytical support in the form of wet chemistry, HPLC, spectroscopy, immunological assays.

Performed glycoprotein purifications, biochemical assays, immunoassays in support of vaccine development programs. Supported IND filings and responses to regulatory agencies related to vaccine programs.

Ms, Biochemistry

Bs, Marine Biology

Education record