Irene Hong
Watertown,MA
Summary
Experienced scientist with a strong background in research and analysis. Proficient in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation across various scientific disciplines. Demonstrated ability to contribute to impactful research projects and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Scientist, Cell & Gene Therapy
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
07.2023 - 01.2026
- Upstream lead on retroviral vector production: CS-10
- Designed and executed experiments to enhance process development
- Led cross-functional development team to drive project milestones
- Characterized and optimized assays for automation: Lynx-1800 and Hamilton Vantage
- Conducted cell-based potency assays to evaluate therapeutic efficacy in a laboratory setting.
- Cell culturing: Primary cells, suspension and adherent cell line
- Authored SOPs and protocols
- Managed data storage to ensure accessibility and compliance
Sr. Research Associate II, Cell & Gene Therapy
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
07.2022 - 07.2023
- Produced stable producer cell lines for consistent viral vector production
- Viral vector production
- Executed transduction and transfection processes on primary cells to enhance research outcomes.
- Designed, optimized, and executed process characterization experiments to support automation onboarding
- Created and refined experimental procedures to enhance research efficiency
Sr. Research Associate, Cell & Gene Therapy
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
04.2021 - 07.2022
- Facilitated transfer of assays from analytical development group to enhance experimental workflows
- Perform Cell-based potency assay: Infectious Titer assay and Genomic Titer
- Cell culturing and banking stable transduced, adherent, and suspension cell lines
- Carry out experimental studies: review, interpret, and communicate data internally and cross-functionally within CMC/project teams
- Monitored assay performance, identifying and resolving troubleshooting challenges to maintain data integrity
- Developed strategies to resolve technical issues in laboratory settings.
- Documentation of experimental and analytical data in ELN
- Managed inventory levels to ensure consistent availability of supplies for laboratory operations
HPLC Scientist II
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Cambridge, MA
04.2020 - 04.2021
- Facilitated collaboration by representing team in program meetings with upstream and downstream teams.
- Optimized and executed analytical testing of raw material: Size Exclusion Chromatography, Cation Exchange Chromatography, ProteinA Affinity Chromatography, N-glycan, and icIEF.
- Executed analytical methods using Empower3 system to ensure accurate results.
- Conducted experiments to support drug development processes
- Critical material/reagent qualification
- BIOVIA-ELN/Veeva: Document preparation and reporting
- Implemented Tecan system for streamlined workflow processes.
- Coordinated mini projects with pilot team, successfully setting up 10L Broadley-James bioreactor.
- (Contracted to Takeda Pharmaceuticals)
HPLC Scientist I, Co-op
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
06.2019 - 04.2020
- Prepare and run analytical methods: Size Exclusion Chromatography, Cation Exchange Chromatography, ProteinA Affinity Chromatography, and icIEF
- Executed analytical methods using Empower3 system to ensure accurate results.
- Performed ELISA assays on CHO HCP samples
- Conducted data management to ensure integrity and reliability
- Operated Tecan system for automated liquid handling
- Performed routine maintenance on laboratory equipment
- Prepared and reported documents using BIOVIA-ELN/Veeva software to maintain accurate project records.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology And Psychology
University of Massachusetts, Boston
Boston, MASkills
- Functional cell-based assays
- Flow Cytometry
- Cell culture: Primary and Mammalian cell line
- Residual plasmid DNA by ddPCR
- Residual Host Cell DNA by qPCR
- ELISA- Sandwich and CHO HCP
- Blotting- Western Blotting
- Various Staining processes
- Affinity chromatography
- Cation Exchange Chromatography
- Size Exclusion chromatography
- N-glycan
- H/UPLC system, Agilent and Alliance Technology
- Proteinsimple: ICE3 and Maurice
- Imaged Capillary Isoelectric Focusing
- Expert in cGMP and nonGMP environment
Timeline
Associate Scientist, Cell & Gene Therapy
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
07.2023 - 01.2026
Sr. Research Associate II, Cell & Gene Therapy
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
07.2022 - 07.2023
Sr. Research Associate, Cell & Gene Therapy
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
04.2021 - 07.2022
HPLC Scientist II
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
04.2020 - 04.2021
HPLC Scientist I, Co-op
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
06.2019 - 04.2020
Bachelor of Science - Biology And Psychology
University of Massachusetts, Boston