Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Generic

Nikhilesh Narla

San Diego,CA

Summary

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
  • Experienced with Incucyte and xCELLigence
Nikhilesh Narla