Marjan Hanafian
Gaithersburg,MD
Summary
Highly-resourceful senior research associate with experience executing laboratory procedures and designing studies focused on vaccine and drug development. Skilled in carrying out diverse research experiments and analyzing data to provide critical insights. Proficient in a range of laboratory techniques with a strong track record of achieving project goals efficiently and effectively.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Research Associate - Formulation
Novavax
03.2023 - Current
- Played a key role in the development of drug product processes.
- Designed and executed stability/screening studies on the RSV, Flu, and CIC drug substances/drug products.
- Led CIC formulation studies essential for Phase II and Phase III clinical trials.
- Collaborated with external partners and Manufacturing Science and Technology (MS&T), investigating the influence of the filtration process on the final product.
- Authored technical reports and study protocols.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including Downstream Process Development and Analytical Development, to drive process/method development initiatives.
- Developed various immunological and physiochemical assays prior to use in formulation studies.
- Provided comprehensive training to team members on various laboratory assays.
- Optimized laboratory processes by implementing new techniques and technologies to increase efficiency.
Research Associate I - Formulation
Novavax
02.2022 - 03.2023
- Led the development and implementation of a GXII Protein Express assay for high-throughput protein characterization of Flu and Covid drug substances.
- Optimized and verified buffers utilized in the development of Flu, Covid, and CIC drug products.
- Performed formulation development experiments as planned and assisted in interpreting data/results.
- Authored clear and concise work instructions for a range of laboratory assays.
- Oversaw laboratory operations, including inventory management, general upkeep, and procurement of supplies and equipment.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive critical reagent and buffer tracker system.
- Contributed to the development of various methods with the analytical team.
Intern
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals
06.2019 - 09.2019
- Implemented the new HPLC method within the DSC team.
- Operating balances, filtration equipment, use of aspartic techniques, peristaltic pumps, and other laboratory meters.
- Documented experiment progress and observations, compiled data and organized findings for analysis.
- Boosted team efficiency by organizing, restocking and maintaining laboratory environments and equipment.
Student Researcher
University Of Maryland
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Completed case studies to diagnose patients with bacterial infections based on findings from experiments.
- Performed real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to identify and characterize pathogenic bacterial and viral agents.
- Performed experiments to troubleshoot common issues with PCR, ELISA, and Western Blot.
- Conducted cell culture and bacterial growth.
- Studied the development of resistance by bacteria to antimicrobial activity of the compounds.
Supervisor
LifeTime Athletic Fitness
02.2017 - 02.2022
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Handled customer complaints, resolved issues and adjusted policies to meet changing needs.
- Monitored employee performance and provided coaching and constructive guidance to address areas of concern.
- Interviewed, hired and trained new employees for production positions.
- Evaluated employee performance and coached and trained to improve weak areas.
Education
Master of Science - Cell Biology And Biochemistry
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL2024
Bachelor of Science - General Biology
University of Maryland - College Park
College Park, MD2021
Skills
- SDS-PAGE (reduced, non-reduced, native), western blot, DLS, ELISA, BCA/CBQCA, MFI, HPLC, Single Radial Immunodiffusion (SRID), B22 and kD interaction analysis using UNcle, SoloVPE A280
- Microsoft Office suite, Prism8 (GraphPad), Python
- Bilingual (English & Farsi)
Accomplishments
Influenza Vaccine Process Gamma Award - Novavax Inc.
Awarded the Gamma award for the above and beyond performance and level of effort to develop Process Gamma for the Influenza vaccine.
Timeline
Senior Research Associate - Formulation
Novavax
03.2023 - Current
Research Associate I - Formulation
Novavax
02.2022 - 03.2023
Student Researcher
University Of Maryland
08.2019 - 05.2020
Intern
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals
06.2019 - 09.2019
Supervisor
LifeTime Athletic Fitness
02.2017 - 02.2022
Master of Science - Cell Biology And Biochemistry
University of Florida
Bachelor of Science - General Biology
University of Maryland - College Park
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