ANU BALAKRISHNAN
Boston,MA
Summary
Healthcare professional with an MBA in Healthcare Management and over eight years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Expertise in scientific research, cross-functional collaboration, and data-driven problem-solving. Currently transitioning into business-focused healthcare roles to leverage technical skills and management education. Committed to contributing to innovative organizations while advancing in healthcare strategy, operations, or project management.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Research Associate
Sanofi Pasteur Inc.
Waltham, MA
04.2023 - 10.2024
- Led development and optimization of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations for mRNA vaccine delivery and platform programs.
- Designed and evaluated novel LNP excipient strategies to enhance long-term formulation stability, contributing to internal platform innovation and strengthening intellectual property portfolio.
- Directed long-term stability studies (up to 12 months) and applied Design of Experiments (DoE) to optimize formulation and process parameters.
- Developed LNP formulations via T-mixing and Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF), ensuring scalability and manufacturability for successful implementation.
- Characterized LNPs using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), RiboGreen assays, and Capillary Gel Electrophoresis (CGE) to assess particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and mRNA integrity.
- Supported platform and preclinical programs through formulation development and data interpretation, delivering technical presentations and maintaining comprehensive Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) documentation.
Research Associate II
Sanofi Pasteur Inc.
Waltham, MA
11.2020 - 03.2023
- Prepared and characterized LNP formulations for mRNA vaccine research using microfluidic mixing technologies.
- Performed analytical characterization using DLS, RiboGreen assays, and CGE, and supported downstream processing using Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF).
- Documented experimental data in ELN to support formulation optimization and advance preclinical research activities.
Senior Research Support Associate
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Cambridge, MA
05.2019 - 10.2020
- Conducted in vivo oncology studies, including SC, IV, and intratumoral injections, tumor monitoring, and tissue collection.
- Executed LNP formulation, IVIS imaging, RNA isolation, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry support, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) sample preparation to support ongoing research projects.
- Developed siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles to enhance cancer immunotherapy and optimize delivery methods.
- Maintained mammalian and murine tumor cell cultures and collaborated across multidisciplinary research teams.
Graduate Research Assistant
Wright State University
Dayton, OH
06.2015 - 12.2018
- Investigated neurogenesis and stem cell proliferation in rodent stroke models to enhance understanding of recovery mechanisms.
- Performed immunohistochemistry, cryostat sectioning, and in vivo studies, analyzing data to support research findings.
- Mentored undergraduate researchers in laboratory techniques and data analysis, fostering skill development and research proficiency.
Education
MBA - Healthcare Management
University of The Cumberlands
Kentucky12-2023
M.S. - Microbiology & Immunology
Wright State University
Dayton01-2018
B.S. - Biotechnology
Anna University
Chennai, India01-2014
Skills
- Project management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Program coordination
- Process improvement
- Strategic planning
- Data analysis
- Stakeholder management
- Scientific communication
- Healthcare operations
- Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
Timeline
Senior Research Associate
Sanofi Pasteur Inc.
04.2023 - 10.2024
Research Associate II
Sanofi Pasteur Inc.
11.2020 - 03.2023
Senior Research Support Associate
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
05.2019 - 10.2020
Graduate Research Assistant
Wright State University
06.2015 - 12.2018
MBA - Healthcare Management
University of The Cumberlands
M.S. - Microbiology & Immunology
Wright State University
B.S. - Biotechnology
Anna University