Keely Burns
Reading,PA
Summary
Research professional with 4+ years of experience in immunology, kinase biology, and preclinical drug discovery. Skilled in assay development, cell-based studies, and high-throughput screening, with proven success in supporting Phase I clinical trials. Adept at streamlining workflows, implementing automation to improve data accuracy, and ensuring compliance with GLP/GMP standards. Collaborative team player who delivers reproducible, high-quality results that drive therapeutic advancement.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Associate III
IGM Biosciences
Doylestown, PA
08.2024 - 03.2025
- Designed and executed cell-based assays to evaluate IgM molecules, generating preclinical data that informed therapeutic hypotheses.
- Qualified multiple assays for Phase Ib clinical studies, ensuring regulatory readiness and robust reproducibility.
- Identified and corrected assay plate variability, reducing failed runs and improving assay consistency.
- Implemented automated pipetting system, boosting throughput by 30% and minimizing human error.
- Maintained FACSymphony A5 flow cytometer, ensuring optimal performance with zero downtime during active studies.
Research Associate II
IGM Biosciences
Doylestown, PA
11.2022 - 08.2024
- Streamlined laboratory inventory system, reducing supply shortages and improving experiment readiness.
- Isolated PBMCs from whole blood for downstream assays, supporting >15 immunology and autoimmune disease studies.
- Conducted IgM efficacy studies in autoimmune models, contributing data for internal go/no-go clinical decisions.
- Performed immunoassays (ELISA, MSD, Luminex) with high precision, generating reproducible datasets for cross-functional teams.
- Documented experiments in Benchling ELN, ensuring full traceability and compliance with GLP standards.
Research Associate II
Reaction Biology Corporation
Malvern, PA
10.2021 - 11.2022
- Designed, analyzed, and reported kinase activity assays across 384 kinases, delivering client-ready data ahead of deadlines.
- Partnered with clients to resolve technical inquiries, maintaining a 100% satisfaction rate and strengthening repeat business.
- Trained and mentored 3+ new associates, accelerating onboarding and improving lab efficiency.
Research Associate I
Reaction Biology Corporation
Malvern, PA
10.2021 - 11.2022
- Performed in vitro kinase activity assays to evaluate compound effects, directly supporting pharmaceutical drug discovery projects.
- Managed lab equipment and inventory in compliance with GMP/GLP standards, ensuring audit readiness.
- Operated acoustic liquid handlers (Beckman Echo), enabling high-throughput screening and faster project delivery.
- Prepared reagents and buffers to support biochemical assays, maintaining consistency across hundreds of experiments.
Intern Research Assistant
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Coatesville, PA
01.2020 - 07.2020
- Coordinated subject recruitment and engagement, increasing enrollment in traumatic brain injury (TBI) research studies.
- Assisted with administration of psychological assessments, ensuring accurate participant data collection.
- Revised and improved study documentation, enhancing clarity and reliability of research assessments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry-Biology
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA05.2020
Skills
Cell & Molecular Techniques: Cell culture, PBMC isolation, Cell-based assays, ELISA, Luminex, Mesoscale Discovery (MSD), Kinase activity assays, Radioisotope handling (33P)
Instrumentation: FACSymphony A5 Flow Cytometer, Acoustic liquid handlers (Beckman Echo), Automated pipetting systems
Data & Software: GraphPad Prism, Benchling (ELN), Methodical Mind (MM), Data analysis & visualization
Laboratory Practices: Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), GMP familiarity, Assay qualification, Inventory & workflow optimization
Collaboration & Communication: Team training, Client interaction, Cross-functional project support
Timeline
Research Associate III
IGM Biosciences
08.2024 - 03.2025
Research Associate II
IGM Biosciences
11.2022 - 08.2024
Research Associate II
Reaction Biology Corporation
10.2021 - 11.2022
Research Associate I
Reaction Biology Corporation
10.2021 - 11.2022
Intern Research Assistant
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
01.2020 - 07.2020
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry-Biology
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
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