Sajede Rasouli
Summary
Scientist with 8+ years of experience in molecular biology, functional genomics, and translational immunology, specializing in next-generation sequencing (NGS), single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), molecular assay development, and genomic data analysis. Extensive expertise in molecular cloning, CRISPR-based genome engineering, lentiviral vector development, Flow-FISH, flow cytometry, and mammalian cell engineering. Proficient in analyzing single-cell and genomic datasets using R, Seurat, and Cell Ranger to investigate disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary research projects, develop innovative genomic technologies, collaborate across experimental and computational teams, and communicate scientific discoveries through high-impact publications and presentations.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Research Professional
Stanford University School of Medicine
06.2024 - Current
- Led end-to-end single-cell RNA sequencing workflows, including GEM generation, gene expression, and V(D)J/BCR library preparation for immune profiling.
- Analyzed single-cell genomic datasets using R, Seurat, and Cell Ranger to identify disease-associated immune cell populations.
- Developed and optimized Flow-FISH and NGS-based molecular assays to investigate Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected immune cell populations in autoimmune disease.
- Engineered mammalian cells and utilized flow cytometry, ELISA, OCTET, western blotting, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry to characterize cellular phenotypes and elucidate molecular mechanisms.
- Designed molecular cloning strategies, plasmid constructs, and lentiviral vectors for functional studies in primary immune cells.
- Collaborated with computational scientists, immunologists, and clinicians to accelerate biomarker discovery and enhance translational research outcomes.
- Mentored students and junior researchers, fostering skill development and contributing to high-impact scientific publications.
Research Professional / Lab Manager
Stanford University School of Medicine
01.2022 - 06.2024
- Led experimental design, troubleshooting, workflow optimization, and laboratory operations for multiple concurrent research projects.
- Designed and generated viral and non-viral genetic constructs to enhance cellular reprogramming and engineered cell therapies.
- Built and optimized lentiviral and retroviral systems for gene overexpression and functional genomic studies.
- Performed molecular cloning, CRISPR genome editing, plasmid design, and mammalian cell engineering.
- Executed ChIP-seq, RT-qPCR, western blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence to elucidate mechanisms of epigenetic regulation and cellular reprogramming.
- Mentored interns and research staff, fostering skill development and collaboration on projects in regenerative medicine and functional genomics.
Graduate Research Assistant
San Jose State University
08.2019 - 12.2021
- Engineered bacterial systems with molecular cloning and CRISPR-based genome editing for elucidating metabolic pathways.
- Designed plasmids and executed gene knockout, overexpression, PCR, qPCR, and transcriptional analyses to support research objectives.
- Utilized R and bioinformatics tools for genomic data analysis and experimental design, enhancing data interpretation and research outcomes.
Research Scientist
Darou Pakhsh Pharmaceutical Company
09.2014 - 08.2019
- Optimized recombinant protein production and biologics manufacturing processes, enhancing yield and quality.
- Characterized proteins using ELISA, western blotting, SDS-PAGE, qPCR, and analytical quality control assays, ensuring accurate results for downstream applications.
- Supported process development under GMP/GLP standards, optimizing experiments and troubleshooting to maintain compliance and improve reliability.
Education
Master of Science - Molecular Biology
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA01-2021
Master of Science - Cellular and Molecular Biology / Microbiology
Azad University
Tehran, Iran01-2019
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
Azad University
Tehran, Iran01-2012
Skills
Single-Cell Genomics & Functional Genomics:
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), NGS, single-cell library preparation, GEM generation, V(D)J/BCR library preparation, functional genomics, genomic data analysis, biomarker discovery
Molecular Biology: Molecular cloning, plasmid construction, recombinant DNA technology, CRISPR genome editing, lentiviral vector production, mammalian cell transfection, PCR, RT-qPCR, western blotting
Cell Biology & Immunology: Mammalian cell culture, primary immune cell isolation, flow cytometry, FACS, Flow-FISH, ELISA, OCTET, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence
Bioinformatics & Data Analysis: R, Seurat, Cell Ranger, FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, statistical analysis, data visualization, experimental design
Research & Leadership: Assay development and optimization, cross-functional collaboration, project leadership, mentoring, scientific writing, technical presentations, SOP development
Selected Publications
- Epstein-Barr Virus Reprograms Autoreactive B Cells as Antigen-Presenting Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Science Translational Medicine, 2025
- PRC2-AgeIndex as a Universal Biomarker of Aging and Rejuvenation, Nature Communications, 2024
- Epigenetic Reprogramming for Rejuvenation: Mechanisms, Pathways, and Strategies, Nature Aging, 2024
- Multi-omics Analysis Reveals a Role for Retinoic Acid in Epigenetic and Transcriptional Competence of Human Pharyngeal Endoderm, Genome Biology, 2024
Selected Achievements
- Developed and optimized Flow-FISH and NGS-based molecular assays to characterize EBV-infected immune cell populations in autoimmune disease.
- Led end-to-end single-cell RNA sequencing workflows, including GEM generation, gene expression, and V(D)J/BCR library preparation.
- Designed and implemented molecular cloning, lentiviral engineering, and CRISPR-based workflows to investigate cellular function and disease mechanisms.
- Analyzed large-scale single-cell and genomic datasets using R, Seurat, and Cell Ranger to identify biologically relevant cell populations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams across immunology, genomics, and computational biology to advance translational research.
- Co-authored peer-reviewed publications in Science Translational Medicine, Nature Communications, Nature Aging, and Genome Biology.
Timeline
Senior Research Professional
Stanford University School of Medicine
06.2024 - Current
Research Professional / Lab Manager
Stanford University School of Medicine
01.2022 - 06.2024
Graduate Research Assistant
San Jose State University
08.2019 - 12.2021
Research Scientist
Darou Pakhsh Pharmaceutical Company
09.2014 - 08.2019
Master of Science - Molecular Biology
San Jose State University
Master of Science - Cellular and Molecular Biology / Microbiology
Azad University
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
Azad University