Manish Verma
Austin,TX
Summary
Experienced scientist with 7+ years in neurodegeneration and mitochondria biology research, specializing in cell biology, molecular neuroscience, and cell signaling pathways. Skilled in designing, executing, and analyzing complex experiments to advance human genetics-based target candidates for Huntington’s disease (HD) therapy. Expertise in developing and validating novel cell-based assays for functional target identification and biomarker development.
Proficient in flow cytometry, cytotoxicity assays, high-content imaging, molecular biology assays, and neuronal cell culture (primary and iPSC-derived). Strong track record of leading cross-functional collaborations with academia, CROs, and internal teams to drive early drug discovery. Experienced in integrating biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based assays into drug discovery workflows.
A results-driven leader with peer-reviewed publications, contributing to proof-of-concept studies across small molecules, ASOs, RNAi, and CRISPR-based approaches. Passionate about leveraging cutting-edge technologies and structural biology to develop novel therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Scientist (Project Director)
Everlum Bio
10.2024 - Current
- Led 2+ drug discovery projects investigating molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, integrating cell-based assays, biochemical approaches, and genetic models.
- Designed and implemented 3 high-throughput biochemical and biophysical assays to assess protein interactions, post-translational modifications, and pathway modulation.
- Managed collaborations with 3+ academic institutions and 2+ contract research organizations to advance human genetics-based targets for therapeutic intervention.
- Established and validated 6+ stem cell-derived neuronal models for target interrogation and mechanism deconvolution in Huntington’s disease research.
- Co-led the development of multiple proof-of-concept tool molecules, including small molecules, ASOs, and CRISPR-based approaches, in cross-functional drug discovery programs.
- Directed 2+ novel target deconvolution and early drug discovery programs across multiple target classes, with >5 years of experience as an independent investigator or project lead in the academic, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology sector.
Scientist II (Project Lead)
Astellas Pharma US
08.2021 - 02.2024
- Project lead for neuroscience program (project manager) at Astellas and led the design, execution, and data analysis of early-stage drug discovery projects to target mitochondria in neurodegenerative diseases
- Hands on experience in primary cell culture and human pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) maintenance and differentiation into neurons for 3D brain model development for neuroscience drug discovery projects
- Identified 3 lead mitochondria function enhancing candidates, and developed and optimized cell-based assays for to determine mechanism of action
- Led a 3-member team (one Scientist-I and two Research Associates: Direct reports) in generating preclinical data (in vitro and in vivo) with the top-hit molecule to successfully transition the lead candidate to clinical proof-of-concept phase
- Led 2-member team for quality control of cells (Cell staining, Flow cytometry) before sending them to CROs for efficacy and biodistribution studies
- Demonstrated ability to design and conduct external research through CROs and research partners
- Strong expertise in a wide range of cell-based assays, ELISA, qPCR, ddPCR, flow cytometry, metabolic analysis using Seahorse, western blotting
Staff Scientist (Principal Investigator)
University Of Pittsburgh
09.2019 - 07.2021
- Designed, executed, and analyzed experiments to determine the role of mitochondria in handling neuronal calcium homeostasis in Parkinson’s disease using neuronal cell lines, primary and iPSC-derived neurons model system
- Developed and optimized high-speed and high-resolution imaging for simultaneously measuring intracellular calcium in iPSC derived and primary cortical neurons
- Identified novel mitochondrial quality control mechanism and neuronal protective mechanism of PTEN-Induced Kinase (PINK1) protein in Alper's Huttenlocker syndrome
- Excellent communicator (written and oral) with experience in training researchers at various levels (undergraduate, Master's, Ph.D., and Post-doc) in molecular and cell biology techniques, presentation at conferences, and published peer-reviewed research articles
Postdoctoral Researcher
University Of Pittsburgh
09.2013 - 08.2019
- Collaborated with a cross-functional team of scientists (Computational Biology, Pharmacology, and Chemistry) in the design, validation, and generation of data to determine the mechanism of action of a patented drug in in vitro neuronal cell line and iPSC derived neuronal model
- Initiated, managed, and completed 3 complex projects elucidating the role of mitochondria in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease, leading to 3 first-author publications in high-impact journals
- Screened for and identified a combination of FDA approved drug that restored mitochondrial health in Parkinson's disease model
- Trained 3 undergraduate summer rotation and supervised 1 undergraduate student for her thesis
- Trained and supervised 3 graduate students and 1 postdoc in the lab
Graduate Research Assistant
Rowan University
09.2008 - 08.2013
- Managed 2 projects to determine the role of mitochondrial Sirtuins in modulating cell death pathways
- Responsible for managing lab activities, ordering and maintaining lab supplies and instruments, and assist my mentor in writing manuscripts and grant applications
Education
Ph.D. - Cell And Molecular Biology
Rowan University
Stratford, NJ09.2013
Master of Science - Biochemistry
Manipal University
05.2007
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
Bangalore University
05.2004
Skills
- Neurodegeneration
- IPSC Culture
- Molecular assays
- Live cell imaging
- ELISA
- QPCR
- ddPCR
- Assay development
- Drug discovery
- High content imaging
- Data analysis
- Data Management
- Lab safety protocols
- Risk assessment capabilities
Publications
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=n03ZdBYAAAAJ&hl=en
Timeline
Principal Scientist (Project Director)
Everlum Bio
10.2024 - Current
Scientist II (Project Lead)
Astellas Pharma US
08.2021 - 02.2024
Staff Scientist (Principal Investigator)
University Of Pittsburgh
09.2019 - 07.2021
Postdoctoral Researcher
University Of Pittsburgh
09.2013 - 08.2019
Graduate Research Assistant
Rowan University
09.2008 - 08.2013
Ph.D. - Cell And Molecular Biology
Rowan University
Master of Science - Biochemistry
Manipal University
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
Bangalore University
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