Kaitlin Idank
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Self-motivated scientist with strong background in research and development and problem solving capabilities. Expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and laboratory techniques. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identify and address issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives. Known for strong team collaboration, adaptability, communication, and achieving results. Able to problem-solve and quickly pivot to execute key experiments when priorities shift. Eager to learn and tackle new challenges to advance company objectives.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Scientist
Century Therapeutics
03.2023 - Current
- Worked cross-functionally to advance pipeline programs from pre-clinical research to IND submission.
- Authored technical documents for FDA IND applications.
- Contributed data for external poster presentations and presented at conferences to raise company profile.
- Ensured laboratory safety and organization by following sterile practices.
- Maintained immortalized tumor cell lines and primary human cell cultures.
- Managed multiple projects with strong time management and organizational skills.
- Led in-vitro research effort for pipeline program with external pharmaceutical partners.
- Optimized and performed Incucyte-based cytotoxicity assays (short-term, serial stimulation) to evaluate iPSC-derived cell therapies.
- Conducted Incucyte and flow cytometry-based ADCC assays to assess iPSC therapy potency with monoclonal antibodies.
- Developed spheroid cytotoxicity assays to simulate solid tumor killing.
- Performed and optimized multicolor flow cytometry assays, including instrument maintenance and panel design.
- Developed ViCell Blu and flow cytometry-based assays to assess cell proliferation, persistence, and optimal cryopreservation conditions.
- Conducted degranulation assays to assess CAR-driven cytotoxicity.
- Developed assays to evaluate CAR-mediated trogocytosis and fratricide.
- Isolated and cultured immune cells (PBMCs, T-cells, NK cells) and generated CAR-T and CAR-NK cells via lentiviral transduction.
- Analyzed data and presented to the greater research organization.
- Processed in-vivo samples (blood, tumor, lung, spleen, bone marrow) to assess cell therapy and tumor cell persistence and cell therapy migration.
- Led lab training sessions for new hires and junior scientists to promote continuous learning.
- Mentored Drexel co-op students, providing guidance on lab practices, assays, data analysis, and ELN documentation.
Senior Research Associate
Century Therapeutics
03.2022 - 03.2023
Research Associate
Century Therapeutics
03.2021 - 03.2022
Research Intern
Century Therapeutics
07.2020 - 03.2021
Research Intern
Janssen Pharmaceuticals
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Cultured and maintained mammalian cell lines.
- Isolated RNA from primary cells.
- Used NanoString technology to understand impact of treatment on translation.
- Presented findings at research team meetings.
Research Intern
Janssen Pharmaceuticals
06.2018 - 08.2018
- Cultured and maintained mammalian cell lines.
- Used flow cytometry to characterize primary human cell lines.
- Used cell titer glow experiments to evaluate best binders for use in bispecific antibody development.
- Presented findings at research team meetings.
Education
Master of Science - Immunology
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA05-2024
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Gettysburg College
Gettysburg, SD05-2020
Skills
- Incucyte based cytotoxicity assays
- Multicolor flow cytometry and panel building
- Mammalian cell culture
- Isolation of PBMCs from whole blood
- Isolation and culture of primary immune cells
- CAR-T generation
- In-vivo sample processing
- Flow Jo, GraphPad Prism & Spotfire analysis
Publications
- "Characterization of CNTY-101, an Allogeneic Anti-CD19 iPSC-Derived NK Product, for the Treatment of B Cell-Driven Autoimmune Diseases" American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy Annual Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland, 2024.
- "Natural Killer and Gamma Delta T Cells Derived from Engineered Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Have Potent Preclinical Activity to Treat B Cell-Mediated Autoimmune Diseases" American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition, San Diego, California, 2024.
- "Multiple Targeting of Solid Tumors with iPSC-Derived Gamma Delta CAR T Cells in Combination with Therapeutic Antibodies" Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC), Boston, Massachusetts, 2022.
- "Empowering iPSC-derived iNK Cells with Multiple Gene Edits to Improve Persistence and Anti-Tumor Efficacy" Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC), Boston, Massachusetts, 2022.
Timeline
Associate Scientist
Century Therapeutics
03.2023 - Current
Senior Research Associate
Century Therapeutics
03.2022 - 03.2023
Research Associate
Century Therapeutics
03.2021 - 03.2022
Research Intern
Century Therapeutics
07.2020 - 03.2021
Research Intern
Janssen Pharmaceuticals
06.2019 - 08.2019
Research Intern
Janssen Pharmaceuticals
06.2018 - 08.2018
Master of Science - Immunology
Drexel University
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Gettysburg College
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