Ian McClain
Guilderland
Summary
Professional researcher with strong analytical and statistical skills, adept at designing and conducting experiments. Proven ability to collaborate effectively within team environments and adapt to changing project needs. Skilled in data analysis, literature review, and report writing. Known for reliability and results-driven approach.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Lab Member
Royzen Lab
Albany
01.2023 - Current
- Oversaw day-to-day operations to ensure smooth functioning of the lab.
- Led group meetings and discussion in absence of PI.
- Maintained Inventory tracking for new chemicals received and stock of secondary storage room.
- Managed cross-laboratory teams to collaborate on 3 projects and managed shared instruments with time and budgetary constraints in mind.
- Arranged contact with specialty members of staff or other labs for coordination and knowledge transfer with lab members or PI.
- Trained 4 junior members of the lab in routine techniques, and use of lab owned instruments (HPLC, gel electrophoresis instrument, etc.).
Research Assistant
Royzen Lab
Albany, NY
03.2021 - Current
- Formed and led research opportunities for collaboration with Primary Investigator.
- Balanced timing and workload for multiple research projects.
- Broadened instrumentation knowledge to facilitate research in both organic chemistry and biology. (HPLC, Gel electrophoresis, “Dr. Oligo” Oligonucleotide synthesizer, Gas Chromatography, Mass Spectrometer, etc.).
- Developed and optimized new chemical reactions for novel chemical compounds, and characterized novel compounds for publication.
- Maintained active cell cultures and performed in vivo experimentation for plasmid transfection and CRISPR activity observation.
- Cross-lab managed and maintained/repaired shared oligonucleotide synthesizer instruments (Dr. Oligo 12 and Biosset ASM-800).
- Remained up to date on new publications within the relevant research fields and collaborators.
Teaching Assistant
University at Albany SUNY
Albany
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Conducted group learning activities and led weekly large and small group discussions.
- Directed hands-on student learning opportunities to learn principles of chemical reactions and chemistry concepts.
- Reviewed and revised with students to teach proper lab report etiquette and writing for clarity and reproducibility.
- Facilitated explanations of laboratory safety features, their importance and how to properly maintain safe lab practices on bench and in hood.
- Developed close mentoring relationships to foster exploration of future chemistry interest with 5 students.
Overnight Inbound Receiving Clerk
Target
Wilton, NY
09.2020 - 08.2023
- Received and inspected incoming shipments for quality and accuracy.
- Utilized inventory management systems to track stock levels and report discrepancies.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient loading and unloading of products with 10% improvement in time efficiency.
- Assisted in training 3 support staff on safety procedures and operational processes.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment following company protocols.
- Monitored inventory flow to identify trends and improve receiving operations on 2 long-term projects.
- Resolved discrepancies in shipments by coordinating with vendors and internal teams.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers through clear communication and prompt resolution of issues, fostering a positive working relationship.
- Supported inventory control efforts by accurately documenting all product movements within the warehouse, enhancing overall traceability and accountability.
- Streamlined inbound receiving processes by implementing efficient organization and storage techniques, reducing workload by 25% per night.
- Achieved operational efficiency by streamlining workflow processes within the receiving department, reducing backlogs during peak periods, and recovering 30% time back for specialty projects.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Chemistry (Organic Nucleic Acid)
University At Albany
Albany, NY06-2026
Bachelor's of Science - Chemistry
Washburn University
Topeka, KS01.2020
Bachelor's of Science - Forensic Chemistry
Washburn University
Topeka, KS01.2019
Skills
- Project Management
- Data Analysis
- Team Leadership
- Chemical and Biological Instrumentation
- Adaptability
- Complex Problem-solving
- Documentation skills
- Quantitative and qualitative analysis
- Research reporting
- Laboratory operations
- Database research
- Specimen handling
Accomplishments
- Made breakthrough in Nonchromatographic Oligonucleotide Purification in 2024.
- Trained 4 undergraduate students on laboratory techniques and research fundamentals.
- Improved experiment efficiency 20% by introducing revamped protocols and procedures.
- Wrote 3 articles published in Journal of Organic Chemistry and Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters.
- Delivered oral presentation on Nonchromatographic Purification at RNA symposium in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
LANGUAGES
English (Native Proficiency)
German (Conversational)
Timeline
Senior Lab Member
Royzen Lab
01.2023 - Current
Teaching Assistant
University at Albany SUNY
01.2022 - 01.2025
Research Assistant
Royzen Lab
03.2021 - Current
Overnight Inbound Receiving Clerk
Target
09.2020 - 08.2023
Bachelor's of Science - Chemistry
Washburn University
Bachelor's of Science - Forensic Chemistry
Washburn University
Doctor of Philosophy - Chemistry (Organic Nucleic Acid)
University At Albany
EXPERTISE
- Organic Chemical Synthesis
- Bio-orthogonal Click Chemistry
- Nucleotide Synthesis
- CRISPR Activity and Spatiotemporal Control
- Oligonucleotide Biology and Chemistry
- Photoreactive Chemistry
CURRENT RESEARCH
- Spatiotemporal Control of CRISPR
- Photo-induced regulation of CRISPR activity in cell and on benchtop.
- Non-chromatographic Nucleotide Purification
- Long-RNA purification strategies employing Bio-orthogonal click ligation.
- Nucleotide Synthesis for Click Ligation
- Novel nucleic acid modification for bio-orthogonal click ligation handle installation.
PUBLICATIONS
- McClain, I.; Dagci, H.; Royzen, M. Nonchromatographic Purification of Synthetic RNA. In Chemical Biology of Nucleic Acids; Sugimoto, N., Ed.; Springer Nature, 2023; pp. 2493-2505. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-9776-1_84
- McClain, I.; Dagci, H.; Pandit, B.; Royzen, M. Coumarin-Based Photolabile Solid Support for Nonchromatographic Purification of RNA Oligonucleotides. J. Org. Chem. 2025, 90 (46), 16326-16333. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.joc.5c01528
- Pandit, B.; Vangaveti, S.; Sentre, J. F.; McClain, I.; Fuchs, G.; Royzen, M. Bio-orthogonal chemistry-based strategy to Turn-OFF CRISPR/Cas9 activity in solution and live cells. Nat. Molecular Medicine 2026, 3 (1), 1-13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/narme/ugag008
- McClain, I.; Pandit, B.; Royzen, M. Coumarin linker facilitates regulation of CRISPR/Cas9 using visible light. 2026. Manuscript submitted for publication.
- McClain, I.; Royzen, M. Non-chromatographic purification of RNA for gene editing experiments. 2026. Manuscript submitted for publication.
Oral Presentations
- McClain, I.; Royzen, M. (Oct, 2023). A Photosensitive Support Linker for Solid-Phase Synthesis of RNA Oligonucleotides. Flash Talks by Fellowship Research, Hudson Valley RNA Club, RNA Institute Albany, NY.
- McClain, I.; Royzen, M. (Nov, 2024). Coumarin-based Photolabile solid support facilitates non-chromatographic purification of RNA Oligonucleotides. Trainee Talk, Life Sciences Research Symposium, Albany, NY.
- McClain, I.; Royzen, M. (Oct, 2025). Photochemical Purification and Controls in RNA. Trainee Talk, Life Sciences Research Symposium, Albany, NY.
- McClain, I.; Royzen, M. (Apr, 2026). Photochemistry of Oligos, Cleavage and Control. Graduate Fellowship Talk, Hudson Valley RNA Club, RNA Institute, Albany, NY.
Poster Presentations
- McClain, I.; Royzen, M. (Mar, 2023). Photolabile Solid-support Anchor for Oligonucleotide synthesis and Non-chromatographic Purification. Poster for Upstate NY RNA Symposium, Albany, NY.
- McClain, I.; Royzen, M. (Jun, 2024). Photolabile Solid-support Anchor for Oligonucleotide synthesis and Non-chromatographic Purification. Poster for RNA Therapeutics VI: From Concept to Clinic, Worcester, MA.
- McClain, I.; Royzen, M. (Oct, 2024). Photolabile Solid-support Anchor for Oligonucleotide Synthesis and Non-chromatographic Purification. Poster for Upstate NY RNA Symposium, Canandaigua, NY.
- McClain, I.; Royzen, M. (Jul, 2025). Photolabile Solid-support Anchor for Oligonucleotide Synthesis and Non-chromatographic Purification. Poster for Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Oligonucleotides Gordon Research Conference, Newport, RI.
- McClain, I.; Royzen, M. (Mar, 2026). Photochemistry in Oligonucleotide Synthesis. Poster for Upstate RNA Symposium, Albany, NY.
AWARDS
NIH-SPONSORED RNA FELLOWSHIP RNA Institute - University at Albany SUNY 2022-2024