Flora Kimani
Chicago,IL
Summary
Results-driven Senior Research Scientist with extensive experience in biophysical and biochemical assays, specializing in high-throughput screening for small molecule drug discovery. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones while effectively communicating with biopharma and biotech stakeholders. Recognized for mentoring junior scientists and implementing innovative research methods that propel industry advancements. Career goals include further advancing research methodologies to enhance drug discovery processes.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Research Scientist
Charles River Laboratories
Chicago, IL
08.2024 - Current
- Orchestrated and executed assay development projects for small molecule drug discovery.
- Supervised and organized detailed high-throughput assays.
- Communicated project results effectively to biopharma and biotech stakeholders.
- Oversaw teams, delegating responsibilities to achieve project completion.
- Guided junior scientists on experimental design, data analysis, interpretation of results, and scientific writing.
- Coordinated with colleagues across multiple departments to ensure alignment between research goals and objectives.
- Drafted, assembled, and refined sections of proposals and project reports.
Research Scientist II
Charles River Laboratories
Chicago, IL
02.2023 - 08.2024
- Conducted data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation for biophysical and biochemical assays.
- Managed over 10 successful projects involving high throughput screening.
- Executed proof of concept experiments on innovative cell-based assay platform and showcased results to cross-site audience.
- Oversaw direct reports, guiding them through company policies and supporting their career progression.
Scientist
Samdi Tech
Chicago, IL
09.2021 - 01.2023
- Developed an innovative cell-based assay platform through grant work.
- Produced detailed documentation for grant evaluation.
- Delivered findings at internal meetings and the 2023 SLAS conference.
- Supervised junior scientists and laboratory technicians, providing mentorship and training.
Postdoctoral Researcher
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
09.2017 - 08.2021
- Elucidated the synergistic mechanisms by linking immune receptor ligands through bioconjugation techniques.
- Designed and synthesized innovative small molecule adjuvants through covalent attachment of NF-κB potentiators.
- Researched structural elements triggering immune responses by contact allergens.
- Contributed to publications in peer-reviewed journals by writing manuscripts, preparing figures, and editing text.
- Advised graduate students on their thesis projects.
- Participated in the peer review process for academic journals and conference submissions.
Education
Ph.D. - Chemistry
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ08-2016
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
University of Nairobi
Nairobi KE09-2009
Skills
- Biophysical and biochemical assay development
- High-throughput screening: automated platforms, specific screening methodologies, compound library management, and data acquisition and processing
- Cell-based assays: high-throughput screening assays, reporter assays, transfection, cytokine secretion assays, and cell viability assays
- Immunoassays: flow cytometry, western blotting, and ELISA
- Spectroscopic analysis: MALDI, HRMS, NMR, UV-VIS, GPC (gel permeation chromatography), DLS (dynamic light scattering), and infrared (IR) spectroscopy
- Chromatographic techniques include HPLC, LC-MS, SEC, affinity chromatography, FPLC, gel purification, dialysis, and automated flash chromatography
- Small molecule synthesis
- Solid-phase peptide synthesis
- Bioconjugation and characterization
- Scientific communication
- Laboratory safety protocols
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Team building and mentoring
Timeline
Senior Research Scientist
Charles River Laboratories
08.2024 - Current
Research Scientist II
Charles River Laboratories
02.2023 - 08.2024
Scientist
Samdi Tech
09.2021 - 01.2023
Postdoctoral Researcher
University of Chicago
09.2017 - 08.2021
Ph.D. - Chemistry
University of Arizona
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
University of Nairobi
Select Patents
Triazabutadienes as cleavable cross-linkers J. C. Jewett, F. W. Kimani, L. E. Guzman, B. M. Cornali. US Patent App. 10/125,105
Triazabutadienes as additives in adhesive systems J. C. Jewett, F. W. Kimani. US Patent 9,458,143
Water-soluble triazabutadienes J. C. Jewett, F. W. Kimani. US Patent App. 15/317,894
Small molecule immunopotentiator conjugates as NFkB activators as adjuvants with enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity A. Esser-Kahn, F.W.Kimani, S. Manna, B. Moser, US Patent 2022/079647
References
References available upon request.
Select Publications
P. Deak, F. W. Kimani, B. Cassaidy, A. Esser-Kahn, “Determining Whether Agonist Density or Agonist Number Is More Important for Immune Activation via Microparticle Based Assay” Front. Immunol., 2020 in press
F. W. Kimani, S. Kim, R. Steinhardt, A. Esser-Kahn, "Correlating the structure and reactivity of a contact allergen, DNCB, and its analogs to their sensitization potential" Biorg Med Chem, 2019, 13, 2985-2990
S. M. Jensen, F. W. Kimani, J. C. Jewett, "Light-Activated Triazabutadienes for the Modification of a Viral Surface," ChemBioChem 2016, 17, 2216-2219
L. E. Guzman, F. W. Kimani, J. C. Jewett, "Protecting triazabutadienes to afford acid resistance," ChemBioChem 2016, 17, 2220-2222
B. M. Cornali, F. W. Kimani, J. C. Jewett, "Cu-Click Compatible Triazabutadienes To Expand the Scope of Aryl Diazonium Ion Chemistry," Org. Lett. 2016, 18, 4948–4950
J. He, F. W. Kimani, J. C. Jewett, “A Photobasic Functional Group" J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137, 9764–9767
F. W. Kimani, J. C. Jewett, "Water-soluble triazabutadienes that release diazonium species upon protonation under physiologically relevant conditions" Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 4051–4054
Select Patents
Triazabutadienes as cleavable cross-linkers J. C. Jewett, F. W. Kimani, L. E. Guzman, B. M. Cornali. US Patent App. 10/125,105
Triazabutadienes as additives in adhesive systems J. C. Jewett, F. W. Kimani. US Patent 9,458,143
Water-soluble triazabutadienes J. C. Jewett, F. W. Kimani. US Patent App. 15/317,894
Small molecule immunopotentiator conjugates as NFkB activators as adjuvants with enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity A. Esser-Kahn, F.W.Kimani, S. Manna, B. Moser, US Patent 2022/079647
References
References available upon request.
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