Samuel Kasera
Cambridge,MA
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with a Master of Science degree in Biotechnology, specializing in Molecular Targets and Drug Discovery. Extensive experience in histotechnology, molecular pathology, and laboratory QA/QC provides the foundation for impactful contributions in biopharmaceutical research, particularly in drug discovery. Committed to leveraging expertise to drive organizational success while fostering personal career advancement in a challenging and innovative environment. Dedicated to continuous learning and adapting to emerging industry trends.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Scientist, Molecular Pathology
Moderna Therapeutics
08.2022 - 08.2025
- Collaboration with project team members and peers to anticipate and resolve day-to-day issues working in a matrix organizational structure
- Developed novel tissue-based staining methodologies to support platform programs
- Performs IHC, IF, and ISH staining on tissue sections and subsequent image acquisition and analysis
- Organize, document, and share scientific work in a highly collaborative environment
- Experience with using IHC/ISH/IF staining systems on Leica and Ventana
- Extensive experience with multiplex IF assay development using OPAL fluorophores
- Extensive knowledge related to microscopy, whole slide scanners (PhenoImager, Olympus VS200/120, 3D Histech P250, Aperio) and image analysis (Halo AI)
- Familiar with drug discovery and development processes in investigative and regulatory toxicology
- Assisting with In vivo experimental design to answer key scientific questions
Principal Associate Scientist, Pathology
Codiak Biosciences
08.2020 - 07.2022
- Performs a wide array of anatomic pathology laboratory procedures (histology, IHC/ISH/IF/multiplexing, light/fluorescent microscopy, digital pathology image analysis) across fresh-frozen and paraffin-embedded tissue formats
- Competency in assay protocol development, optimization, and troubleshooting for IHC/ISH/multiplexing assays
- Image analysis using HALO platform to provide digital quantitative IHC data
- Development of various tissue-based biomarker assays to drive discovery programs and enable translational biomarker strategies for multiple oncology programs, animal model selection/stratification, PK/PD, mechanism of action, PoC etc.
- Generate, analyze, summarize, report, determine next steps, and present IHC data to various research groups
Principal Associate Scientist, Pathology
Codiak Biosciences
08.2020 - 07.2022
- Performs a wide array of anatomic pathology laboratory procedures (histology, IHC/ISH/IF/multiplexing, light/fluorescent microscopy, digital pathology image analysis) across fresh-frozen and paraffin-embedded tissue formats
- Competency in assay protocol development, optimization, and troubleshooting for IHC/ISH/multiplexing assays
- Image analysis using HALO platform to provide digital quantitative IHC data
- Development of various tissue-based biomarker assays to drive discovery programs and enable translational biomarker strategies for multiple oncology programs, animal model selection/stratification, PK/PD, mechanism of action, PoC etc.
- Generate, analyze, summarize, report, determine next steps, and present IHC data to various research groups
Scientist III, Cell Biology
Thermofisher Scientific
02.2019 - 04.2020
- Immunohistochemistry and In-situ hybridization - Antibody Validation and optimization in FFPE and frozen tissues, Cryosectioning, Singlet and Multiplex IHC using ACD RNAscope and PerkinElmer OPAL Multiplex Platform on Leica BondRx and Ventana Ultra, experimental design and execution, presentation of experimental findings to teams, troubleshooting, Tissue and biomarker validation
- Digital Pathology – IHC, IF and ISH whole slide/ROI imaging in Aperio and Zeiss Axio scan, eSlide manager image database management
- Biorepository – Human and animal model Tissue acquisition and biospecimen data entry into Bio SMARTS and LabLion management systems, Tissue inventory maintenance
- Quality Assurance and Quality – routine equipment maintenance, Target, compound and Biomarker credentialing, recording all experiments in electronic notebook (BioELN)
Scientist III, Cell Biology
Thermofisher Scientific
02.2019 - 04.2020
- Immunohistochemistry and In-situ hybridization - Antibody Validation and optimization in FFPE and frozen tissues, Cryosectioning, Singlet and Multiplex IHC using ACD RNAscope and PerkinElmer OPAL Multiplex Platform on Leica BondRx and Ventana Ultra, experimental design and execution, presentation of experimental findings to teams, troubleshooting, Tissue and biomarker validation
- Digital Pathology – IHC, IF and ISH whole slide/ROI imaging in Aperio and Zeiss Axio scan, eSlide manager image database management
- Biorepository – Human and animal model Tissue acquisition and biospecimen data entry into Bio SMARTS and LabLion management systems, Tissue inventory maintenance
- Quality Assurance and Quality – routine equipment maintenance, Target, compound and Biomarker credentialing, recording all experiments in electronic notebook (BioELN)
Immunohistochemistry Specialist
Strata Pathology Services
07.2017 - 01.2019
- Frozen sections/Cryotomy, Immunohibridization, Immunofluorescence, Immunohistochemistry, quality assurance, assists in the evaluation of new methods and techniques, participates in monthly QC reviews, invention and promotion of client relations and customer satisfaction initiatives, routine equipment maintenance, conversant with both Leica Bond III and Benchmark Ultra, including decontamination procedures, preparation of SOP for various IHC assays, validation of new reagents and lot to lot verifications among other tasks and QC parameters
Immunohistochemistry Specialist
Strata Pathology Services
07.2017 - 01.2019
- Frozen sections/Cryotomy, Immunohibridization, Immunofluorescence, Immunohistochemistry, quality assurance, assists in the evaluation of new methods and techniques, participates in monthly QC reviews, invention and promotion of client relations and customer satisfaction initiatives, routine equipment maintenance, conversant with both Leica Bond III and Benchmark Ultra, including decontamination procedures, preparation of SOP for various IHC assays, validation of new reagents and lot to lot verifications among other tasks and QC parameters
Lead Histotechnologist
Laboratory Corporations of America (LabCorp)
10.2016 - 07.2017
- Responsible for general anatomic pathology department management/organization and monitoring workflow
- Performed all duties of a Histotechnologist including but not limited to IHC, Special stains, supervisory duties, materials management, customer service, regular QC audits in conformance with CAP regulations
Lead Histotechnologist
Laboratory Corporations of America (LabCorp)
10.2016 - 07.2017
- Responsible for general anatomic pathology department management/organization and monitoring workflow
- Performed all duties of a Histotechnologist including but not limited to IHC, Special stains, supervisory duties, materials management, customer service, regular QC audits in conformance with CAP regulations
Histotechnologist
PCL Alverno Clinical Laboratories
08.2015 - 07.2016
- Embedding, Microtomy, H/E autostaining, Quality assurance, Conversant with vintage LIS, troubleshooting
Histotechnologist
PCL Alverno Clinical Laboratories
08.2015 - 07.2016
- Embedding, Microtomy, H/E autostaining, Quality assurance, Conversant with vintage LIS, troubleshooting
Histotechnologist
Tufts University Medical Centre
07.2015 - 08.2015
- Embedding, Sectioning slides for microscopy, Quality assurance, Conversant with CoPath LIS
Histotechnologist
Tufts University Medical Centre
07.2015 - 08.2015
- Embedding, Sectioning slides for microscopy, Quality assurance, Conversant with CoPath LIS
Technical Manager, Anatomic Pathology Department and Deputy General Laboratory Manager
Pathologists Lancet Laboratories
05.2009 - 04.2015
- Company Overview: http://www.lancet.co.ke
- Specimen accessioning
- Surgical and autopsy specimen grossing
- Routine histological procedures
- Quality Assurance and Quality Control Procedures
- Special stain procedures/Histochemistry
- Immunohistochemistry - LEICA BOND MAX and VENTANA BENCHMARK XT platforms
- Gynecological and non-gynecological cytology specimen processing
- Stock (materials) management
- Fine Needle Aspirate procedures
- Writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various tests
- Departmental management duties, staff supervision, recruitment and training
- Responsible for creation, implementation, communication and training of new/revised policies and procedures to appropriate lab staff
- Health and Safety officer
- Successfully led the department to achieve ISO 15189 accreditation for 3 successive years
- Experienced in gross macroscopic and slide microscopic tissue imaging
- Http://www.lancet.co.ke
Technical Manager, Anatomic Pathology Department and Deputy General Laboratory Manager
Pathologists Lancet Laboratories
05.2009 - 04.2015
- Company Overview: http://www.lancet.co.ke
- Specimen accessioning
- Surgical and autopsy specimen grossing
- Routine histological procedures
- Quality Assurance and Quality Control Procedures
- Special stain procedures/Histochemistry
- Immunohistochemistry - LEICA BOND MAX and VENTANA BENCHMARK XT platforms
- Gynecological and non-gynecological cytology specimen processing
- Stock (materials) management
- Fine Needle Aspirate procedures
- Writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various tests
- Departmental management duties, staff supervision, recruitment and training
- Responsible for creation, implementation, communication and training of new/revised policies and procedures to appropriate lab staff
- Health and Safety officer
- Successfully led the department to achieve ISO 15189 accreditation for 3 successive years
- Experienced in gross macroscopic and slide microscopic tissue imaging
- Http://www.lancet.co.ke
Histotechnologist
Aga Khan University Hospital
07.2006 - 04.2009
- Company Overview: www.agakhanhospitals.org/nairobi
- Specimen accessioning
- Surgical and autopsy specimen grossing
- Embalming procedures and assisting in Post-Mortem demonstrations for student cadre
- Routine histology - tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, mounting
- Frozen sections/Cryostat
- Quality Control and quality assurance
- Cancer Register management
- Special stain procedures/Histochemistry
- Cytological specimen preparations
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
- Fine Needle Aspiration procedures
- Preparation and maintenance of student pots
- Assisting with training of histopathology residents on grossing and histology/Cytology technical procedures
- Customer service duties
- Www.agakhanhospitals.org/nairobi
Histotechnologist
Aga Khan University Hospital
07.2006 - 04.2009
- Company Overview: www.agakhanhospitals.org/nairobi
- Specimen accessioning
- Surgical and autopsy specimen grossing
- Embalming procedures and assisting in Post-Mortem demonstrations for student cadre
- Routine histology - tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, mounting
- Frozen sections/Cryostat
- Quality Control and quality assurance
- Cancer Register management
- Special stain procedures/Histochemistry
- Cytological specimen preparations
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
- Fine Needle Aspiration procedures
- Preparation and maintenance of student pots
- Assisting with training of histopathology residents on grossing and histology/Cytology technical procedures
- Customer service duties
- Www.agakhanhospitals.org/nairobi
Histotechnologist
Kenyatta University Medical School
01.2007 - 04.2008
- Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology - tissue preparation for routine histology and preparation of cadavers for student cadre
- Training medical students on histology technical processes, Immunohistochemistry and Histochemistry techniques, performing evisceration and organ mounting procedures for student cadre
Histotechnologist
Kenyatta University Medical School
01.2007 - 04.2008
- Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology - tissue preparation for routine histology and preparation of cadavers for student cadre
- Training medical students on histology technical processes, Immunohistochemistry and Histochemistry techniques, performing evisceration and organ mounting procedures for student cadre
Laboratory Technologist
M P Shah Hospital
10.2002 - 06.2006
- Company Overview: http://www.mpshahhospital.org
- Hematology, Microbiology, Parasitology and Clinical chemistry diagnostic procedures, including blood banking
- Histotechnologist - Specimen accessioning
- Grossing assistant
- Postmortem procedures assistance
- Routine histology - tissue processing, blocking, microtomy, staining, mounting
- Quality Assurance and quality control
- Cancer Register maintenance
- Special stain procedures/Histochemistry
- Diagnostic cytology procedures
- Cytology specimen collection
- Http://www.mpshahhospital.org
Laboratory Technologist
M P Shah Hospital
10.2002 - 06.2006
- Company Overview: http://www.mpshahhospital.org
- Hematology, Microbiology, Parasitology and Clinical chemistry diagnostic procedures, including blood banking
- Histotechnologist - Specimen accessioning
- Grossing assistant
- Postmortem procedures assistance
- Routine histology - tissue processing, blocking, microtomy, staining, mounting
- Quality Assurance and quality control
- Cancer Register maintenance
- Special stain procedures/Histochemistry
- Diagnostic cytology procedures
- Cytology specimen collection
- Http://www.mpshahhospital.org
Education
Master of Science - Biotechnology (Molecular Targets and Drug Discovery)
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD05.2025
Bachelor of Science - Medical Laboratory Science
Kenya Methodist University
07.2012
AS - Medical Laboratory Technology
Technical University of Kenya
12.2006
AS - Biomedical Technology
Nairobi Technical Training Institute
12.2002
Skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Project coordination
- Self-motivated with results-oriented work ethic
- Web based and Microsoft Office applications
- Managerial and Technical skills
- Troubleshooting skills
- Oral and written communication skills
- Coaching, Motivating, Mentoring
Registration And Licensure
Registered and licensed by - American Society for Clinical Pathology HTL (ASCP). In process of obtaining QIHC certification.
Timeline
Scientist, Molecular Pathology
Moderna Therapeutics
08.2022 - 08.2025
Principal Associate Scientist, Pathology
Codiak Biosciences
08.2020 - 07.2022
Principal Associate Scientist, Pathology
Codiak Biosciences
08.2020 - 07.2022
Scientist III, Cell Biology
Thermofisher Scientific
02.2019 - 04.2020
Scientist III, Cell Biology
Thermofisher Scientific
02.2019 - 04.2020
Immunohistochemistry Specialist
Strata Pathology Services
07.2017 - 01.2019
Immunohistochemistry Specialist
Strata Pathology Services
07.2017 - 01.2019
Lead Histotechnologist
Laboratory Corporations of America (LabCorp)
10.2016 - 07.2017
Lead Histotechnologist
Laboratory Corporations of America (LabCorp)
10.2016 - 07.2017
Histotechnologist
PCL Alverno Clinical Laboratories
08.2015 - 07.2016
Histotechnologist
PCL Alverno Clinical Laboratories
08.2015 - 07.2016
Histotechnologist
Tufts University Medical Centre
07.2015 - 08.2015
Histotechnologist
Tufts University Medical Centre
07.2015 - 08.2015
Technical Manager, Anatomic Pathology Department and Deputy General Laboratory Manager
Pathologists Lancet Laboratories
05.2009 - 04.2015
Technical Manager, Anatomic Pathology Department and Deputy General Laboratory Manager
Pathologists Lancet Laboratories
05.2009 - 04.2015
Histotechnologist
Kenyatta University Medical School
01.2007 - 04.2008
Histotechnologist
Kenyatta University Medical School
01.2007 - 04.2008
Histotechnologist
Aga Khan University Hospital
07.2006 - 04.2009
Histotechnologist
Aga Khan University Hospital
07.2006 - 04.2009
Laboratory Technologist
M P Shah Hospital
10.2002 - 06.2006
Laboratory Technologist
M P Shah Hospital
10.2002 - 06.2006
AS - Medical Laboratory Technology
Technical University of Kenya
AS - Biomedical Technology
Nairobi Technical Training Institute
Master of Science - Biotechnology (Molecular Targets and Drug Discovery)
Johns Hopkins University
Bachelor of Science - Medical Laboratory Science
Kenya Methodist University
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