Raj Mahat
Laramie,WY
Summary
Self-motivated and result-oriented analytical chemist with specialization and formal training in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics/ lipidomics. Advanced knowledge of low- and high-resolution MS instrumentation and ionization modalities (QQQ, QTOF, MALDI, ESI, etc.). Extensive experience in characterization/ structural elucidation of small molecules of broad functionality. Five+ years of hands-on life science industry experience developing, validating, and troubleshooting novel GC, HPLC (RP, HILIC, Ion-pairing, etc.) and LC-MS/MS methods to identify and quantitate volatile and semi-volatiles, metabolites, drug molecules and their impurities and degradants, and small-biomolecules. Proven history of experimental design, process improvement, cross-functional collaboration, and technical writing. A great team player with strong detailed orientation skills.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Scientist (Associated Principal Scientist
MILLIPORESIGMA, BUSINESS OF MERCK KGAA
08.2017 - Current
- Subject Matter Expert (SME) and team lead in chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques
- Design, develop, and validate chromatography and mass spectrometry-based analytical methods (GC, GCMS, HPLC, LC-MS, LC-MS/MS, LC-QToF, etc.) for analysis of drug- and small bio-molecules
- Mentor, train, and provide technical supervision to other scientists
- Maintain and troubleshoot GC, HPLC, and mass spectrometry instruments
- Collaborate cross-functionally with QC, R&D, product management, and manufacturing teams
- Technical writing- preparation of SOPs and application notes
- Keep updated on subject matter via scientific literature
- Identify and implement improvements to existing analytical processes
Project Specialist/ Analytical Chemist
SINCLAIR OIL CORPORATION
11.2014 - 08.2017
- Provided technical support to non-routine projects; investigated unknown chemicals in the petroleum refining process
- Conducted quantitative analysis by GC, GC-MS, IEC (Corrosion analysis), ICP-OES (Trace metal analysis), and XRF
- Troubleshoot instruments, conducted statistical analyses, and assisted in LIMS and SQC programs
- Trained lab staffs; wrote SOPs and technical reports
- Assisted to solve oil compatibility issues while processing high-asphaltene, waxy-crude blends
PhD Researcher
OF CHEMISTRY
08.2009 - 11.2014
- Accomplished an NSF-funded collaborative dissertation work in mass spectrometry-based global and targeted cellular metabolomics/ lipidomics in Gemmata obscuriglobus with highlights:
- Discovered a Gram-negative like outer membrane aka lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and novel cellular metabolites
- Executed comprehensive low- and high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques to determine molecular structure of lipid A (endotoxin)
- Designed and executed mass spectrometry-based stable isotope labelling quantitation method to assess chemical stress response in production of novel sterols
- Collaborated in multidisciplinary research projects to study the effects of salinity in water-in-crude oil emulsion and characterize biomarkers in geochemical samples by mass spectrometry
- Published peer-reviewed scientific papers
Graduate Assistant
RA, University of Wyoming
08.2009 - 11.2014
- Attained proficiency in mass spectrometry techniques (GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, LC-MS, and MALDI-TOF-MS): operation, method development, maintenance, troubleshooting, and data interpretation
- Developed rapid and efficient microwave-assisted derivatization protocols to analyze multiple metabolite classes in plant tissues and bacterial cells
- Mentored and trained undergraduate students in undergraduate research projects
- Taught undergraduate level quant (analytical chemistry) and organic chemistry laboratories
Analytical Chemist
Department Of Water Supply, Government Of Nepal
07.2006 - 08.2009
- Developed SOPs and conducted analyses of physico-chemical parameters in drinking water
- Coordinated lab testing for arsenic in groundwater samples in collaboration with UNICEF and WHO
- Set up and managed laboratory; trained and managed the laboratory staffs
- Published research articles in arsenic contamination issue in drinking water
- Worked as a member in the steering committee to draft National Irrigation Water Quality Guidelines
Education
PhD - Analytical Chemistry
University of Wyoming
12.2014
Master of Science - Physical Chemistry
Tribhuvan University
Kathmandu, Nepal06.2006
Skills
- RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
- High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): RP, NP, HILIC, Ion-pairing, SEC, IEC
- Mass Spectrometry (MS): GCMS, LCMS
- Characterization/ structural elucidation
- Molecular Spectroscopy:
- Raman, UV-Vis, IR, ICP-OES
- Method development and validation
- Technical/ scientific writing
- Additional skills on page to follow
- Gas Chromatography (GC)
- Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS):
- GCMS/MS, LCMS/MS
- High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS):
- MALDI-ToF, LC-QToF
- USP and ICH guidelines
- Software:
- Xcalibur, Chemstation, MassHunter, Microsoft Office, ChemDraw, R
- Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
- ADDITIONAL SKILLS
- Chiral Chromatography
- Detection- ELSD, RI, DAD, VWD
- Headspace GC, SPME
- Mass spectral data interpretation
- Metabolomics/ Lipidomics
- Instrument maintenance and troubleshooting
- Chemical derivatization
- Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM)
- Extraction- LLE, SPE, Microwave, Soxhlet
- Residual solvent analysis
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Research planning and design
- Data analysis/ statistical analysis, R
- Pharmaceutical analysis
Affiliations
American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS)
Timeline
Senior Scientist (Associated Principal Scientist
MILLIPORESIGMA, BUSINESS OF MERCK KGAA
08.2017 - Current
Project Specialist/ Analytical Chemist
SINCLAIR OIL CORPORATION
11.2014 - 08.2017
PhD Researcher
OF CHEMISTRY
08.2009 - 11.2014
Graduate Assistant
RA, University of Wyoming
08.2009 - 11.2014
Analytical Chemist
Department Of Water Supply, Government Of Nepal
07.2006 - 08.2009
PhD - Analytical Chemistry
University of Wyoming
Master of Science - Physical Chemistry
Tribhuvan University
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