Zein Kasbo
Park Ridge,NJ
Summary
As a dedicated scientist with 8+ years of experience in pharmaceutical research and development, I have honed my skills in molecular cloning, cell culture, protein purification, high throughput cell-based assay development and confocal microscopy. My expertise not only lies in the technical aspects of drug development, but also in leading cross functional teams' communication to achieve project milestones efficiently. Additionally, I have managed the departmental capital budget for the past two years, demonstrating my ability to oversee financial aspects of large- scale projects from initiation to closing. I'm keenly interested in leveraging my scientific background and project management skills to drive impactful projects in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Scientist
Pfizer Vaccines, Molecular Biology Group, Pfizer
06.2021 - Current
- Developed an innovative protein purification strategy that achieved high purity and low endotoxin levels, enhancing the quality and safety of our antigen products
- Developed a robust mammalian protein expression and purification protocol now utilized by the entire team, significantly streamlining workflows and enhancing overall productivity
- Mastered the design and execution mRNA production and in vitro expression to support bacterial vaccine programs
- More recently, I have become proficient in confocal microscopy and generated key data for patent filings and decision making
- Presented my work and data at high level and departmental meetings, effectively communicating complex scientific findings to diverse audiences
- Cross team communication allowing uninterrupted workflow and informed decision making
- Managed the capital budget for the Bacterial Vaccines and Technology Department (BVT) since 2022.
- Member of HBA Pearl River Engagement Core Team since 2022, actively participating in planning and supporting on site engagement events that contribute to Pfizer's values and culture.
Senior Research Associate
Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc
01.2020 - 08.2020
- Lead efforts in cloning, mammalian antibody expression (IgG, Biclones, and SADA constructs) and purification while training team members to independently perform and troubleshoot various stages of the process
- Collaborated with team members to develop and establish a yeast display platform for affinity maturation of scFv.
Associate Research Scientist,Protein and Cell Line
Sanders Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, Inc
08.2017 - 12.2019
- Performed cell culture activities related to maintenance, protein production and stable cell line establishment
- Lead molecular cloning using various vector systems and techniques
- Mastered Protein purification (affinity, ion exchange and SEC) using AKTA systems
- In collaboration with team members, I developed quality control strategy of in house produced proteins and antibodies, and externally produced materials at CROs
- QC evaluates quality of the reagents, purity and suitability for downstream applications
- Performed ELISA and cell-based assays such as cytotoxicity assay, luciferase reporter assay and flow cytometry in relevant experimental settings
- Presented in group meetings, communicating scientific data and collecting feedback for making informed decisions on next steps.
Research Assistant
Montclair State University
08.2015 - 07.2017
- At the Sokol Institute for Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, I contributed to multiple projects that focus on drug screening against parasitic nematode Brugia malayi, a causative agent of Lymphatic filariasis
- Among my contributions in the ongoing research :
- Handled mammalian cell cultures (BSL2), including cells maintenance and freezing
- Optimized protein expression in bacterial and mammalian cells
- Performed protein purification using affinity chromatography
- Mastered molecular cloning
- Performed IMAP Fluorescence Polarization Assays for targeted drug screening .
Education
Master of Science (M.Sc) - Pharmaceutical Biochemistry
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ2017
Master of Science (M.Sc) - Molecular Biology
Lebanese American University
Lebanon2014
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) - Biotechnology Engineering
Aleppo University
Syria2011
Design and Interpretation of Clinical Trials -
Johns Hopkins University
An Online Non-Credit Course2020
Skills
- Molecular Cloning
- High-Throughput Assay Development
- Cell Culture
- Protein Purification
- Confocal Microscopy
- Scientific data analysis and communication to diverse audience
- Cross-functional teams communication
- Experience in (GLP/GMP) environment
- Project Management
Timeline
Scientist
Pfizer Vaccines, Molecular Biology Group, Pfizer
06.2021 - Current
Senior Research Associate
Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc
01.2020 - 08.2020
Associate Research Scientist,Protein and Cell Line
Sanders Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, Inc
08.2017 - 12.2019
Research Assistant
Montclair State University
08.2015 - 07.2017
Master of Science (M.Sc) - Pharmaceutical Biochemistry
Montclair State University
Master of Science (M.Sc) - Molecular Biology
Lebanese American University
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) - Biotechnology Engineering
Aleppo University
Design and Interpretation of Clinical Trials -
Johns Hopkins University
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