Gene therapy and Cell therapy

Responsible for Protein analytics, biologic developability assessment and immunogenicity

Developed novel Ab mimetic (protein scaffold) for non-antibody drug lead discovery, including phagemid library construction, phage display, lead screen, protein expression, purification and characterization.Utilized knowledge of structural-based modeling and rational design to guide antigen engineering, selection and screen of antibody candidates with unique binding property and mode of action for enhanced efficacy and improved safety profile to support patent application and late stage drug development.Served as project leader and led research activities to reach key decision points in discovery and development of drugs in company’s pipeline. Represent biological research in different therapeutic areas covering hematology and inflammation to ensure antibody lead discovery and development strategy capitalizing on innovation, efficiencies, and competitive advantages. Propose, develop and implement lead discovery and assay strategies to address unique properties of each target and the desired profile of their therapeutic proteins with eyes on the final translational endpoints and patient needs. Proposed novel therapeutic targets and enabling technology platforms with potential impact on company’s portfolio and further conducted research activities leading to milestones. Propose, establish and maintain productive collaboration with academic research labs on innovative research technologies.Participated and provided input in evaluation licensing opportunity of external preclinical and clinical drug asset.. Independently prepare and communicate project and research proposals, reports, publications and oral presentations. Deliver updates to senior level management in context of overall project goals. Assume managerial responsibilities for direct report (PhD level) and college interns as needed including recruiting, hiring, coaching, managing, mentoring and developing.

Proposed and conducted research programs leading to publications in prestigious peer-reviewed journals and funding from NIH (Postdoc fellowship and R01 grant). The identification of a novel function of the human homolog EAP30 in fission yeast as a negative regulator of mitotic and meiotic G2/M transition broadened understanding of this molecule with dual functions and suggesting its potential role in carcinogenesis. The study of telomere clustering during meiosis led to a well-accepted hypothesis of centrosomes/SPB in initiating telomere clustering, a process essential for meiotic homologous recombination.Guided junior postdoc and supervised graduate students’ research which resulted in publications in peer-reviewed journals and further collaborations with prominent labs in chromatin research field. Wrote/co-wrote research proposals for NIH grants, prepared manuscript for publication, reviewed manuscripts submitted for publication at the request of scientific journal editors.