Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Publications
Awards and Publications
Timeline
Generic

Nay Chi (Tiffany) Naing

San Diego,CA

Summary

Molecular and cell biologist with 5+ years of R&D experience in academic and industry settings, focused on advancing innovative therapeutics and diagnostics. Built foundational assay development and in vitro/in vivo research skills at UCSD. At Immuneering, applied molecular and cellular techniques to support oncology drug screening and early pipeline projects—developing custom assays, refining protocols, and presenting data to cross-functional teams. Proficient in data collection, statistical analysis, and experimental troubleshooting. A fast learner with strong collaboration skills and adaptability, eager to contribute to impactful assay development.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Research Associate (Discovery)

Immuneering Cooperation
08.2022 - 02.2025
  • Developed and validated 20+ custom assays (kinase assay, qPCR, JESS immuno-blotting) supporting early oncology R&D projects.
  • Executed 100+ cell-based and molecular experiments for drug screening and cross-departmental initiatives.
  • Banked 30+ cancer cell lines; maintained 3+ weekly for assay readiness.
  • Maintained ELNs for 200+ experiments and migrated 5,000+ specimens to a new system, enhancing traceability and reproducibility.
  • Analyzed and visualized 100+ datasets during weekly team meetings and monthly reviews, influencing research strategies and protocol updates.
  • Mentored 4 high school interns in cell culture and protein analysis, advancing their scientific skills for summer research program.
  • Collaborated with 5 cross-functional teams to streamline inventory management and ensure timely lab resource availability.

Graduate Teaching Assistant

University of California, San Diego
09.2021 - 06.2022
  • Instructed 100+ students in basic molecular biology and neurobiology labs, emphasizing scientific principles, aseptic techniques, and troubleshooting.
  • Assisted with lesson planning and provided tailored academic support to improve student learning outcomes.

Graduate and Undergraduate Researcher

University of California, San Diego
01.2020 - 06.2022
  • Completed and defended Master's thesis; co-authored 2 peer-reviewed publications (another 1 in submission); presented at 3 research conferences.
  • Designed in vitro experiments (mammalian cell culture, PCR, cloning, luciferase assays, RNAscope, hormone treatments, immunostaining, plasmid prep) to study gene expression and endocrine function for 2.5 years.
  • Conducted in vivo mouse model experiments: colony management, organ harvesting, tissue sectioning (cryostat/microtome), staining, and fluorescence imaging to investigate reproductive biology for 1.5 years.

Assistant III laboratory technician

University of California, San Diego
06.2020 - 02.2021
  • Managed chemical waste disposal, inventory, and lab organization to ensure safety; sterilized tools to maintain specimen integrity.
  • Calibrated and maintained laboratory equipments; and prepared culture media and solutions for operational efficiency

Education

Master of Science - Biology

University of California - San Diego
06-2022

Bachelor of Science - Molecular and Cell Biology

University of California - San Diego
06-2021

Associate of Arts - Natural Sciences and Social Sciences

Pasadena City College
06-2019

Skills

  • Molecular Biology
  • In vitro Assays
  • DNA Prep
  • Immunoassays
  • Cell Culture
  • Handling Blood & Plasma Samples
  • Microscopy
  • Assay Development & Validation
  • Laboratory Management
  • Cross-function Teamwork
  • Training & Mentoring
  • Documentation Skills

Publications

  • ... Naing NCP, et al (2025) The transcription factors Six3 and Six6 in neuromedin-S neurons differentially affect circadian rhythms. J. Neurosci. Res. In submission.
  • ... Naing NCP, et al (2022) Deletion of the Homeodomain Gene Six3 from Kisspeptin Neurons Causes Subfertility in Female Mice. Mol. Cell. Endocrinol. 546: 111577.
  • ... Naing NCP, et al (2021). Kiss1 is Differentially Regulated in Male and Female Mice by the Homeodomain Transcription Factor VAX1. Mol. Cell. Endocrinol. 534: 111358.
  • Lee C, Naing NCP, et al (2019). Light up my life: An active learning lab to elucidate conductive properties of electrolytes. J. Lab. Chem. Educ., 7(1), 1–7.

Awards and Publications

  • Rookie of the Year - AWIS-SD Volunteer Award (2023)
  • SACNAS Conference Registration Award (2020)
  • Ronald E. McNair Scholar (2020)
  • 3rd place presentation award at PCC Poster Session (2019)
  • PCC Flea Market Volunteer Scholarship (2019)
  • BUILD PODER Scholar (2018)

Timeline

Research Associate (Discovery)

Immuneering Cooperation
08.2022 - 02.2025

Graduate Teaching Assistant

University of California, San Diego
09.2021 - 06.2022

Assistant III laboratory technician

University of California, San Diego
06.2020 - 02.2021

Graduate and Undergraduate Researcher

University of California, San Diego
01.2020 - 06.2022

Master of Science - Biology

University of California - San Diego

Bachelor of Science - Molecular and Cell Biology

University of California - San Diego

Associate of Arts - Natural Sciences and Social Sciences

Pasadena City College
Nay Chi (Tiffany) Naing