Kripesh Karki
Sterling,VA
Summary
Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate (M.S) with strong academic foundation and hands on industry experience with AstraZeneca’s Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) and Immuno-Oncology (IO) division. Demonstrated expertise in developing and designing sophisticated in-vitro assays with advanced proficiency in Flow Cytometry Applications, ADC payload efficacy assessments, and immune cell activation studies. Combines exceptional fast-learning capabilities and adaptive critical thinking skills with proven ability to excel as both an independent contributor and collaborative member. Strongly motivated to contribute innovative solutions and drive excellence in advancing pharmaceutical research and development initiatives.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Graduate Student Intern – Clinical Immune-Oncology Development
ASTRAZENECA
06.2025 - 12.2025
- Developed and optimized 3D spheroidal co-culture assays for ADC/IO combination studies on head and neck cancer models, establishing robust protocols that enhanced mechanistic drug assessment capabilities improving assay reproducibility and scalability.
- Designed and validated functional 3D tumor models on 96-well and 384-well platforms, enabling real-time drug efficacy monitoring and providing innovative tools for compound screening.
- Collaborated with immunology teams on T-cell expansion and antigen-specific T-cell isolation from PBMCs, supporting combination therapy development for ADC enhancement strategies for more reliable co-culture platforms.
- Delivered comprehensive presentations to multidisciplinary teams, effectively communicating experimental findings and data insights that informed strategic decision-making for ongoing research programs.
- Contributed to translational research efforts by providing actionable insights on ADC Payload efficacy and immune cell interactions, supporting pipeline decisions in preclinical research and early clinical development.
Granules Pharmaceuticals – Chantilly
09.2022 - 07.2025
- Involved in multiple manufacturing and R&D operations, including B.U Sample and Composite Sample preparation for In-process checks.
- Contribution to successful achievement of 20-million-unit production milestone in a single fiscal year.
Leadership Role in Pharmacy (Licensed Pharmacist)
Super Care Pharmacy (Dubai, UAE)
03.2017 - 01.2020
- Provided comprehensive pharmaceutical care and managed controlled substances dispensing with advanced pharmacokinetic knowledge, maintaining meticulous documentation and inventory tracking while ensuring compliance with UAE Ministry of Health regulations.
- Supervised and trained pharmacy staff in pharmaceutical operations and quality assurance protocols, managing workflow optimization and fostering operational excellence across pharmacy operations.
Pharmaceutical Researcher
Mankind Pharma
06.2016 - 04.2017
- Pharmaceutical research: Used TLC, HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, IR, and NMR to analyze bio actives and assess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic activity.
- PK/PD: Ran pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies on natural molecules with qualitative/quantitative analyses and strict QA documentation.
- Quality/operations: Ensured equipment/material compliance, qualified suppliers, improved safety/efficiency, and escalated critical issues.
Education
Master of Science - Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of Maryland, Baltimore - School of Pharmacy
12.2025
Bachelors - pharmaceutical Sciences
SACCP (Shri Adichunchunagiri college of Pharmacy)– Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
06.2015
Skills
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Skills: Flow cytometry, cell culture (head and neck cancer cell lines, immune cells), ELISA, Western blot, immunofluorescence, cytotoxicity assays, ADC internalization studies, cell viability assays, apoptosis detection, target antigen expression analysis, immune cell activation assays, cytokine profiling, T cell proliferation studies, co-culture systems, combination therapy studies, real-time IncuCyte live cell imaging, xCELLigence real-time cell analysis, 3D spheroidal assays (96-well and 384well plates), mechanism of action studies, biofilms
- Analytical Techniques: Multi color Flow cytometry, immunoassays, high-content imaging, binding affinity measurements, dose response analysis, multi -assay and end point assay analysis, statistical analysis, data interpretation and visualization
- Technical Skills: Flow Jo, Graph Pad Prism, Incucyte Imaging, PyMOL, SciFinder, ChemBioDraw, Soloexe, MS- Office
Certification
- RGUHS University - Athmathrisha, Treasurer
- Efficiently planned budget and worked towards various organizing events and community engagement events.
- Python for data science certificate from cognitive.
Timeline
Graduate Student Intern – Clinical Immune-Oncology Development
ASTRAZENECA
06.2025 - 12.2025
Granules Pharmaceuticals – Chantilly
09.2022 - 07.2025
Leadership Role in Pharmacy (Licensed Pharmacist)
Super Care Pharmacy (Dubai, UAE)
03.2017 - 01.2020
Pharmaceutical Researcher
Mankind Pharma
06.2016 - 04.2017
Master of Science - Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of Maryland, Baltimore - School of Pharmacy
Bachelors - pharmaceutical Sciences
SACCP (Shri Adichunchunagiri college of Pharmacy)– Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIP
Rho-Chi Honor Society – member, Recognized as one of the top 5 recipients in school of Pharmacy based on academic excellence, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to academic service., Academic Scholarship – SACCP (2012 – 2013), Achieved top ranking in Pharmaceutics I during the first year, earning a gold medal at the university level. In the second year, received financial scholarships for maintaining a high GPA and ranking among the top three students., Rotary Bengaluru Metro Association Award (2013-2015), Award for community services in organizing polio camps creating awareness and blood donation camps.
TRAINING
- UMB & Baltimore, Maryland
- Introduction to Clinical and Translational Research
- Aug 2025