SAEED BINSABAAN

A highly motivated and innovative professional with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Possessing the remarkable ability to effectively navigate and solve complex problems even in the most challenging circumstances. Specialized in Biochemistry and Structural Biology with extensive hands-on experience in conducting human subject research. Critical thinker with a wealth of expertise in molecular biology, protein purification, biochemical assays, and solving protein structure using x-ray crystallography. Talented postdoctoral associate eager to advance field knowledge by conducting independent and group research.

• POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, Pittsburgh, PA, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, 2023-01-01, present, Investigate E3 ubiquitin ligases that localized on the mitochondrial outer membrane. I used a variety of techniques, including biochemical, cell biology, and structural techniques, to gain a new insight into both: the molecular mechanisms of membrane proteostasis and the key regulators of apoptosis as a promising approach for cancer therapy. Trained in the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), and how E3 ubiquitin ligase detects its target proteins and induces their degradation using in vitro techniques; advised by Dr. Matthew Wohlever. Project: Investigate the molecular mechanism of mitochondrial membrane-associated RING finger E3 ubiquitin ligase (March5) and identify its substrates and the potential ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2). Project: Investigate how STI1 domain of ubiquilin-1 (UBQLN1) recognizes and binds transmembrane domain (TMD) of the substrate using biochemical and structural approach. Project: investigate how human NEDD8 might interact with Ubiquitin-associated (UBA) domain: Biochemical and structural study. Attended dozens of seminars by experts in quality control of membrane protein research. Presented literature and research summaries during journal clubs and laboratory meetings. Mentoring PhD students and motivating them to complete their studies and achieve their goals.
• PhD STUDENT, Pittsburgh, PA, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Biological Sciences, 2018-01-01, 2023-01-01, Doctoral Thesis: A multifaceted approach to gain insight into the mechanisms underlying novel phage-host interactions; advised by Dr. Andrew VanDemark. I used biochemical, structural, bioinformatic, and molecular biology techniques to identify and study novel phage proteins without annotated functions or predictable structure, reasoning that these had the best chance to new phage-host interactions that had not been seen previously. I solved structures for two of these proteins, while focusing on one, Phaedrus gp82 (gp82), for detailed biochemical and mechanistic analysis. My studies revealed a new interaction with the host protein with the essential ATPase, MoxR. I identified which regions of gp82 were important for this interaction and demonstrated that the interaction results in a loss of MoxR ATPase activity, thereby revealing the mechanism underlying its cytotoxicity. Project: Investigating selected mycobacteriophage proteins to identify novel phage-host interactions and the mechanisms underlying their function. Determine the 3D structure de novo of two proteins, Phaedrus gp82 and Adephagia gp73, by x-ray crystallography using sulfur SAD phasing method. Biochemistry (BIOSC 1000) teaching assistant – Fall 2021. Delivered (oral and poster format) multiple presentations for departmental and joint lab meetings. Guiding and supporting dozens of undergraduate and junior PhD students through the journey of their academic research and providing them with the necessary tools to successfully achieve their research goals.
• SENIOR CHEMISTRY LAB SPECIALIST, Riyadh, Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), 2008-01-01, 2018-01-01, Ensure the safety of both locally sourced and imported food items intended for human consumption. We achieved this through a meticulous process of scrutinizing these food products to confirm their complete absence of any potentially harmful substances. We used a variety of advanced methodologies including the sophisticated techniques of Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (Real-time PCR) to identify even the minutest traces of hazardous chemicals and harmful microorganisms within the food products. Elevate the level of food safety in Saudi Arabia to guarantee that all food consumed in the Kingdom complies with the most stringent criteria for secure and nutritious human consumption. Spotting vulnerabilities in the food supply chain, foreseeing potential hazards, and implementing strategies to guarantee the consumption of only safe food. Guarding against chemical and microbial impurities and pinpointing potential hazards throughout the entire process from farm to table.
• RESEARCH ASSISTANT, Riyadh, King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology, 2003-01-01, 2008-01-01, I delved into rigorous instruction on laboratory biosafety, trained and honed my skills in molecular biology before starting my work; advised by Dr. Omar Shair. I participated primarily in two research endeavors. The first one focused on the biological management of the destructive pest, the Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), which has inflicted significant harm on the date palm trees in Saudi Arabia. This project was a comprehensive national initiative. The second project involved the production and characterization of proinsulin from the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedaries) that serves as a precursor prohormone for insulin. The aim of this project was to produce camel proinsulin for various applications, including the treatment of diseases.

• Full-tuition scholarship granted by Saudi Food and Drug Authority – February 2011
• Full-tuition scholarship granted by Saudi Ministry of Higher Education – June 2018

• Saeed A. Binsabaan, Krista G. Freeman, Graham, F. Hatfull, and Andrew P. VanDemark, Phaedrus gp82: A novel mycobacteriophage protein interacts with the host multifunctional MoxR ATPase, In review
• Al-Swailem, Abdulaziz M., Maher M. Shehata, Omar M. H. Shair, Turki A. Al-Shammari, Ibrahim O. Al-Anazi, and Saeed A. Sabaan, A proposed method for sampling, detection and quantification of maize kernels using traditional and real-time PCR., International journal of food, agriculture and environment, 5, 89-96, 2007
• Al-Swailem, Abdulaziz M., Maher M. Shehata, Omar M. H. Shair, Saeed A. Sabaan, Ibrahim O. Al-Anazi, and Turki A. Al-Shammari, An efficient method for identification and quantification of genetic modification of local, imported and food products of maize in Saudi Arabia using PCR-based markers and real-time PCR., International journal of food, agriculture and environment, 3, 14, 2005