Avi Hermosa Petel
Foster City,CA
Summary
Results-driven bioprocessing and manufacturing expertise in startup companies, where adaptability, resourcefulness, and execution are paramount. My hands-on approach to scaling operations and driving continuous manufacturing consistently leads to streamlined processes, increased production efficiency, and successful scale-up of manufacturing operations. Recognized for the unique ability to foster strong, authentic connections across teams, creating a workplace culture that inspires collaboration and keeps everyone focused forward on success. My management style has consistently built trusted relationships with vendors and CDMOs, enabling seamless partnerships and enhancing operational processes. I am passionate about building from the ground up in dynamic settings where startup energy, innovation, a fast-paced, evolving environment, and cross-functional teamwork drive success.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
BIOREACTOR SCIENTIST
ADICET BIO
06.2022 - 01.2025
- Improved viral vector yields by 25% via media formulation innovations within 10 weeks.
- Designed and implemented cell growth strategies that enhanced production efficiency by 25% within 3 months.
- Mitigated contamination risks through optimized upstream processes.
- Spearheaded equipment sourcing and planning for process scale-up.
- Served as SME in bioreactor operations, elevating team productivity and data quality.
- Support experiment design, planning, and execution of the development of viral vectors in adherent and suspension cell culture platforms.
- Assist in maintaining various cell cultures for both adherent and suspension platforms in support of the cell line development team.
- Provides technical support to internal and external manufacturing organization partners, including compilation, drafting, or review of documentation such as technical reports, standard operating protocols (SOPs), and batch records.
- Inventory Management and Procurement for upstream needs
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER I
ADVERUM BIOTECHNOLOGIES
08.2020 - 06.2022
- Led upstream AAV evaluations to enhance scalability and efficiency.
- Increased 200L production throughput by 20% through scheduling and resource improvements.
- Schedule production campaigns (execute and harvest from 200L SUB), and cut production costs by 40% via strategic inventory optimization in 2 quarters.
- Manage PM/Cal for current equipment in Pilot Plant.
- Inventory Management and Procurement from end to end.
- Work independently with the Rocking system controlled by Unicorn and monitored the process from start to finish.
- Generate new batch records for new runs, review, and work closely with QA to resolve comments to finalize and archive, including EBR maintenance.
- Serve as an SME for cell culture maintenance and aseptic technique.
- Perform and maintain data analysis through ViCells@ and Nova Biomedical for process monitoring.
ASSOCIATE ENGINEER
JUST EAT INC.
09.2018 - 09.2019
- Optimized perfusion procedures for CHO cells, improving output by 30%.
- Aided 500L bioreactor commissioning and material flow readiness in a startup facility.
- Design, develop, optimize, execute, and harvest from the Sartorius brand, 2L SUB, and contribute to commissioning the 500L bioreactor.
- Perform independently Downstream using a large-scale centrifuge and TFF system.
- Collaborate with other functional groups, including cell-line and analytical development teams, for screening and characterization studies.
- Presenting data weekly related to pilot plant production and future activities.
- Perform sterilization cycles and CIP to eliminate contamination.
- Collaborate to establish a new production GMP facility from scratch, including a list of raw materials and consumables required for production.
PROJECT MANAGER / RA-3
INTREXON CORPORATION
08.2017 - 05.2018
- Reduced fermentation downtime by 30% through cross-functional troubleshooting within 4 months.
- Facilitated monthly data review meetings to improve scientific communication and results.
- Work closely with other IPD teams (bio-analytical and fermentation) to advance projects.
- Hands-on approach to improving the process and troubleshooting bench-top / pilot plant fermentor operations.
- Process monitoring and data analysis through Spotfire, Dameware & PAC software.
- Executed fermentation lab operations, including chemostats, improving process consistency by 40% within 3 months through diligent monitoring and adherence to experiment plans.
- Proficient in working with Applikon, Sartorius, and Infors up to a 500L unit scale of fermentation.
SENIOR MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATE
SUTRO BIOPHARMA
02.2016 - 08.2017
- Produced ADCs in 200L bioreactors, enhancing efficiency with hands-on process refinement.
- Maintained GMP compliance and cleanroom sterility, significantly reducing batch failure rates.
- Processing downstream and protein purification using equipment such as Homogenizer, filtration, discstacks, centrifuges, pelletizer, dryers & TFF skid systems.
SENIOR MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATE
VISTA BIOLOGICALS CORPORATION -CDMO
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Developed streamlined documentation processes and conducted protein purification using TFF/UFDF.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to refine protein purification protocols, significantly improving lab efficiency and reducing processing time.
MICROBIOLOGIS II
PHIBRO ANIMAL HEALTH CORPORATION
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Produced raw materials for vaccine production at pilot scale and improved lab efficiency.
- Fostered a collaborative team culture that improved communication and workflow, leading to a more efficient lab environment and successful project outcomes.
Education
B.S - CHEMICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING
ARIEL UNIVERSITY CENTER
A.S - BIOENGINEERING
AMAL ACHIEVEMENT COLLEGE
Skills
- Bioreactor Operations (2L to 500L)
- CDMO & Vendor Collaboration
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- GMP & Pilot Plant Manufacturing
- Perfusion & Fed-Batch
- Process Optimization & Tech Transfer
- Startup Scale-Up & Facility Commissioning
- Upstream Process Development
- Viral Vector Production (AAV Gamma-Delta T Cells)
Certification
- Process and Modality, Sartorius Stedim Biotech
- Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Kennesaw State University
- OSHA 30-Hour, Adicet Bio
- Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), Coupa Software
- Python Programming, University of Michigan
- Biotech - From Science to Business, Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- Project Management Principles and Practices Specialization, UCI
- Statistical Thinking for Industrial Problem-Solving, Presented by JMP, SAS
- Industrial Bioprocess Development, Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
- Genomic Data Science Specialization, Johns Hopkins University
- Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) in Biomanufacturing: FEL 1–3 stages and key modeling concepts, The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Timeline
BIOREACTOR SCIENTIST
ADICET BIO
06.2022 - 01.2025
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER I
ADVERUM BIOTECHNOLOGIES
08.2020 - 06.2022
ASSOCIATE ENGINEER
JUST EAT INC.
09.2018 - 09.2019
PROJECT MANAGER / RA-3
INTREXON CORPORATION
08.2017 - 05.2018
SENIOR MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATE
SUTRO BIOPHARMA
02.2016 - 08.2017
SENIOR MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATE
VISTA BIOLOGICALS CORPORATION -CDMO
01.2015 - 01.2016
MICROBIOLOGIS II
PHIBRO ANIMAL HEALTH CORPORATION
01.2012 - 01.2015
B.S - CHEMICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING
ARIEL UNIVERSITY CENTER
A.S - BIOENGINEERING
AMAL ACHIEVEMENT COLLEGE
Accomplishments
- Build up the infrastructure for manufacturing purposes to maximize cell’s growth in 500L bioreactor that will end up as chicken nuggets.
- Setting up a new suspension suite, new equipment procurement, proper laboratory maintenance, and establishment of internal process development practices to expand and improve upstream viral vector production capabilities
References
References available upon request.
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