Research Associate specializing in CAR-T cell therapy and immuno-oncology with experience across hematologic and solid tumor models. Skilled in assay development, immune profiling, and translational research to support early-stage and IND-enabling drug discovery. Proven ability to drive cross-functional studies, optimize cell therapy function, and deliver actionable insights for advancing cancer and autoimmune disease therapies.
Work History
Research Associate II
Poseida Therapeutics Roche
01.2022 - 2025
Isolated T cells from donor PBMCs using the CliniMACS Prodigy system to support CAR-T manufacturing.
Engineered lentiviral CAR-T cells via ClonEZ gene editing and non-viral plasmid electroporation (Lonza Nucleofector).
Purified CAR-T products with MultiMACS separation systems; performed QC and downstream efficacy testing in vitro and in vivo.
Conducted multiparameter flow cytometry (Cytek Aurora BD FACS Celesta/Fortessa) to profile CAR expression, memory, activation, and exhaustion markers.
Evaluated CAR-T cytotoxicity using Incucyte S3 and xCELLigence real-time killing assays across hematologic and solid tumor cell lines.
Designed and executed 20+ murine efficacy studies (cohorts >100 mice), including weekly blood/tissue collections and flow cytometric analysis of CAR-T persistence, infiltration, and phenotype.
Collaborated with Roche-Poseida cross-functional teams on cytokine/receptor engineering strategies to enhance CAR-T function and reduce T-cell exhaustion.
Presented findings in weekly team and company-wide meetings; maintained data integrity in LabVantage ELN.
Monitored progress against project timelines, ensuring timely completion of deliverables while maintaining high-quality standards.
QC Stability Team Associate II
Biolegend Perkin Elmer
2020 - 2021
Validated numerous products such as antibodies, buffers, kits, Veri cells, Total Seq Oligo, FLEX T (ELISA), IHC
Routinely tested and analyzed multicolor (8+ colors) flow cytometry products
Handled human blood for isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells for sample testing or setting up stimulations
Grew and stimulated primary cells for various surface and intercellular staining
Preformed data acquisition and analysis of flow cytometry using FCS and FlowJo
Co-authored and validated of protocols and validation plans involving studies revolving around heat stability, manufacturing deviations, for a variety of products
Worked in a BSL2 lab and is trained in GMP for the validation of ASR
Education
B.S. - Chemical Engineering
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
05.2019
Master of Science - Biotechnology (Molecular Targets And Drug Discover
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
05-2026
Skills
Experience with multi-color flow cytometry (15 colors)
SOP development
Cell Culturing, Sterile Media Prep, Aseptic Technique
PCR, , ELISA, IHC, HPLC, GC, Western blots, Mass Spectroscopy, UV Spectroscopy