Sergio Leal Ortiz
Hayward,CA
Summary
Dedicated Cell Molecular Biologist and Biochemist with over twenty years of experience in cell culture, molecular biology, biochemistry, cellular pathways, neuronal networks, and stem cell/iPSC research. My scientific career has focused on. Synaptic stability and presynaptic molecular assemble. Protein degradation Controls of the transsynaptic signal. Development of different electro/infection/nano transfection methods. IPSC/Stem cell modification for Stem Cell gene therapy. Establish IPSC/Stem cell for testing innovative technology. Design and coordinate implantable organoid bio-carriers for the controlled release of hormones. Development of new T-cell storage formulations for cell gene therapy. Strong interpersonal skills for team building and collaboration with various interdisciplinary groups.
Diligent [Desired Position] with proven track record of leading innovative research projects and contributing to significant scientific advancements. Recognized for developing efficient methodologies that enhance experimental outcomes. Demonstrated expertise in data analysis and molecular biology techniques.
Scientist skilled in leading research projects and driving innovative solutions. Deep expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing. Strong focus on collaborative efforts and achieving measurable results. Known for adaptability, critical thinking, and reliability in dynamic environments. Proficient with molecular biology techniques, statistical software, and project management tools.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Scientist manager
BearkWater Research
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Perform complex (lab and/or field) experiments and maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes
- Analyze and interpret research data resulting from original procedures and methods
- Assist in the planning and execution of research projects
- Train and collaborate with other lab members in experimental techniques, scientific design, and other skills
- Implement new programs, tests, methods, and instrumentation
- Implement and maintain lab safety protocols
- Maintain compliance with regulatory and institutional policies
- Oversee the use and maintenance of lab equipment
- Organization and maintenance of common chemicals, reagents, and supplies
Development Scientist Formulation & Device Management
Bayer U.S. LLC
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Develop a stable liquid formulation for cell preservation over two weeks
- This will enable the distribution of cell therapy drug products without the need for cryopreservation or post-thaw processing at the manufacturing site
- Co-develop a new cell therapy formulation to align cell density and reduce settling
- Lead and develop a novel DMSO-free formulation that maintains cell viability before and after the freeze/thaw process
- Co-develop and optimize the control rate freezer (CRF) process for cell therapy drug product manufacturing
- Co-lead a process standardization for industrial production of antibodies resuspensions, refrigeration storage, cryopreservation storage, lyophilization, and stabilization
- Training in cGMP, FDA, and EMA requirements
Senior Scientist
Stanford University
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Company Overview: Department of Material and Science & Engineering
- Responsible for designing a molecular stem cell biology system for the new engineering development of Molecular Imprinted Polymers (MIPs)
- Conducted an IPSC system on graphene atomic monolayer films for light stimulation that is independent of genetic modification
- Co-developer of an implantable bio-carrier of differentiated IPSCs and Stem cell organoids for regulated release of hormones
- Responsible for the execution and design of 3D co-culture for bio-carrier testing
- Department of Material and Science & Engineering
Scientist (Part-Time) & Co-founder
Navan Technology
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Responsible for designing transfection systems of different cargos (drugs, mRNA, DNA, and or Protein) into T/B cells, IPSC, and Stem Cells for transient and stable expression
- Led a team of engineers to streamline quality control of the straw device and provided training to the junior scientist
- Performed stable transfections using mRNA/DNA of Cas9 in IPSC
- Responsible for planning, designing, and executing co-transfection experiments in monocytes and iPSCs using NanoStraw
- Contributed to the development of an electronic platform, a protocol for floating cells, and mRNA delivery into mouse monocytes for electro-delivery using NanoStraw
- Developed the scientific approach for the STTR II grant, along with the application program to CIRM and the scientific background for angel and venture capital investors
Scientist
NeuroFab at SNI
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Company Overview: Department of Material and Science & Engineering
- Troubleshooting and implementation of innovative technologies and instruments into the NeuroFab Program
- I coordinated and assisted a dynamic community of engineers and biologists in collaborating effectively to address technical challenges related to new projects
- I facilitated opportunities for implementing and testing innovative ideas, which accelerated the pace of research and its eventual translation into products with the potential for application in clinical fields
- Molecular and cellular advisor for neuronal interface platforms, including nano-diamond circuits, nano-carbon tubes, and software quantification from the electrical engineering department
- Department of Material and Science & Engineering
Scientist, Part-Time
Stealth Biosciences
01.2013 - 01.2015
Senior Research Associate
Stanford University
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Company Overview: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Research Associate
Stanford University
01.2002 - 01.2009
- Company Overview: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Research Assistant
University of Alabama at Birmingham
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Company Overview: Department of Neurobiology
- Department of Neurobiology
Research Assistant
Universidad Nacional Andrés Bello
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Company Overview: Departamento de Biologia
- Departamento de Biologia
Education
Leadership Essentials -
McKinsey Academy
01.2023
Ph.D. - Molecular Biology and Neurochemistry
Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg
01.2012
Bachelor Degree - Biochemistry
Universidad Austral de Chile
Valdivia, Chile01.2001
Skills
- Primary cell isolation and purification
- Cell culture and differentiation
- Genetic modification
- Lentivirus design
- AAV infection
- Electroporation
- Nanotechnology
- Transfection
- Molecular and cell biology
- DNA/vector design engineering
- PCR
- RT-PCR
- QPCR
- DdPCR
- RNA/DNA isolation
- Molecular engineering
- Cloning
- Vector design
- Northern blot analysis
- Southern blot analysis
- Western blot analysis
- Gene expression
- Protein expression
- Isolation
- Concentration
- Gradient purification
- Immunoprecipitation
- Immunostaining
- Biotin identification
- HRP identification
- Fluorescence microscopy
- Confocal microscopy
- Time-Lapse imaging
- Live imaging
- Image analysis
- TEM microscopy
- SEM microscopy
- ELISA
- Plate reader
- Flow cytometer
- FACS sorting techniques
- HPLC
- LC/MS
- Animal surgery
- Assay Development
- Data analysis
- Results interpretation
- SnapGene
- ApE editor
- GraphPad Software Prism
- Laboratory management
- Project management
- Product development design
- Microscopy expertise
- Training and mentoring
- Scientific writing
- Cell culture techniques
- Results analysis
- Safety processes and procedures
- Research and experiments
- Data analytics
- Experimental design
- Research management
- Protein purification
- Technical presentations
- Assay development
- Technology transfer
- Genetic engineering
- Lab experiments and research
- Laboratory techniques
- Research and publication
- Hypothesis testing
- Quantitative skills
- Research methodology
- Experiment protocol development
- Materials science
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication
- Planning and scheduling
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Team building
- Task prioritization
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking
- Goal setting
- Professionalism
- Data collection
- Research implementation
- Adaptability
- Research planning
- Qualitative research
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Cell culture
- Molecular biology
- Statistical analysis
- Quantitative research
Publications
- Sergio A. Leal-Ortiz, Julia Brill, John R Huguenard, Craig Garner and Sally A. Kim. Cryopreservation of Lentiviral Infected Hippocampal Neurons. In preparation.
- Sergio A. Leal-Ortiz, Whitney Burks, and Nicholas Melosh. Co-delivery and dosage expression of aging blockers into IPSC/Stem cells using Nano-Straw. in preparation.
- Mintz Hemed N, Leal-Ortiz S, Zhao ET, Melosh NA. On-Demand, Reversible, Ultrasensitive Polymer Membrane Based on Molecular Imprinting Polymer. ACS Nano. 2023 Mar 28;17(6):5632-5643.
- Hall RN, Weill U, Drees L, Leal-Ortiz S, Li H, Khariton M, Chai C, Xue Y, Rosental B, Quake SR, Sánchez Alvarado A, Melosh NA, Fire AZ, Rink JC, Wang B. Heterologous reporter expression in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea through somatic mRNA transfection. Cell Rep Methods. 2022 Sep 20;2(10):100298.
- Lira M, Arancibia D, Orrego PR, Montenegro-Venegas C, Cruz Y, García J, Leal-Ortiz S, Godoy JA, Gundelfinger ED, Inestrosa NC, Garner CC, Zamorano P, Torres VI. The Exocyst Component Exo70 Modulates Dendrite Arbor Formation, Synapse Density, and Spine Maturation in Primary Hippocampal Neurons. Mol Neurobiol. 2019 Jul;56(7):4620-4638.
- Ha HTT, Leal-Ortiz S, Lalwani K, Kiyonaka S, Hamachi I, Mysore SP, Montgomery JM, Garner CC, Huguenard JR, Kim SA. Shank and Zinc Mediate an AMPA Receptor Subunit Switch in Developing Neurons. Front Mol Neurosci. 2018;11:405.
- Okerlund ND, Schneider K, Leal-Ortiz S, Montenegro-Venegas C, Kim SA, Garner LC, Waites CL, Gundelfinger ED, Reimer RJ, Garner CC. Bassoon Controls Presynaptic Autophagy through Atg5. Neuron. 2018 Feb 7;97(3):727.
- Edgington R, Spillane KM, Papageorgiou G, Wray W, Ishiwata H, Labarca M, Leal-Ortiz S, Reid G, Webb M, Foord J, Melosh N, Schaefer AT. Functionalization of Detonation Nanodiamond for Monodispersed, Soluble DNA-Nanodiamond Conjugates Using Mixed Silane Bead-Assisted Sonication Disintegration. Sci Rep. 2018 Jan 15;8(1):728.
- Cao Y, Hjort M, Chen H, Birey F, Leal-Ortiz SA, Han CM, Santiago JG, Paşca SP, Wu JC, Melosh NA. Nondestructive nanostraw intracellular sampling for longitudinal cell monitoring. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2017 Mar 7;114(10):E1866-E1874.
- Wagh D, Terry-Lorenzo R, Waites CL, Leal-Ortiz SA, Maas C, Reimer RJ, Garner CC. Piccolo Directs Activity-Dependent F-Actin Assembly from Presynaptic Active Zones via Daam1. PLoS One. 2015;10(4):e0120093.
- Aalipour A, Xu AM, Leal-Ortiz S, Garner CC, Melosh NA. Plasma membrane and actin cytoskeleton as synergistic barriers to nanowire cell penetration. Langmuir. 2014 Oct 21;30(41):12362-7.
- Regus-Leidig H, Fuchs M, Löhner M, Leist SR, Leal-Ortiz S, Chiodo VA, Hauswirth WW, Garner CC, Brandstätter JH. In vivo, knockdown of Piccolino disrupts presynaptic ribbon morphology in mouse photoreceptor synapses. Front Cell Neurosci. 2014;8:259.
- Xu AM, Aalipour A, Leal-Ortiz S, Mekhdjian AH, Xie X, Dunn AR, Garner CC, Melosh NA. Quantification of nanowire penetration into living cells. Nat Commun. 2014 Apr 7;5:3613.
- Xie X, Xu AM, Leal-Ortiz S, Cao Y, Garner CC, Melosh NA. Nanostraw-electroporation system for highly efficient intracellular delivery and transfection. ACS Nano. 2013 May 28;7(5):4351-8.
- Waites CL, Leal-Ortiz SA, Okerlund N, Dalke H, Fejtova A, Altrock WD, Gundelfinger ED, Garner CC. Bassoon and Piccolo maintain synapse integrity by regulating protein ubiquitination and degradation. EMBO J. 2013 Apr 3;32(7):954-69.
- Maas C, Torres VI, Altrock WD, Leal-Ortiz S, Wagh D, Terry-Lorenzo RT, Fejtova A, Gundelfinger ED, Ziv NE, Garner CC. Formation of Golgi-derived active zone precursor vesicles. J Neurosci. 2012 Aug 8;32(32):11095-108.
- Waites CL, Leal-Ortiz SA, Andlauer TF, Sigrist SJ, Garner CC. Piccolo regulates the dynamic assembly of presynaptic F-actin. J Neurosci. 2011 Oct 5;31(40):14250-63.
- Li D, Specht CG, Waites CL, Butler-Munro C, Leal-Ortiz S, Foote JW, Genoux D, Garner CC, Montgomery JM. SAP97 directs NMDA receptor spine targeting and synaptic plasticity. J Physiol. 2011 Sep 15;589(Pt 18):4491-510.
- Hua Z, Leal-Ortiz S, Foss SM, Waites CL, Garner CC, Voglmaier SM, Edwards RH. V-SNARE Neuron. 2011 Aug 11;71(3):474-87.
- Torres V, Barra L, Garcés F, Ordenes K, Leal-Ortiz S, Garner CC, Fernandez F, Zamorano P. A bicistronic lentiviral vector based on the 1D/2A sequence of foot-and-mouth disease virus expresses proteins stoichiometrically. J Biotechnol. 2010 Apr 1;146(3):138-42.
- Lucido AL, Suarez Sanchez F, Thostrup P, Kwiatkowski AV, Leal-Ortiz S, Gopalakrishnan G, Liazoghli D, Belkaid W, Lennox RB, Grutter P, Garner CC, Colman DR. Rapid assembly of functional presynaptic boutons triggered by adhesive contacts. J Neurosci. 2009 Oct 7;29(40):12449-66.
- Waites CL, Specht CG, Härtel K, Leal-Ortiz S, Genoux D, Li D, Drisdel RC, Jeyifous O, Cheyne JE, Green WN, Montgomery JM, Garner CC. Synaptic SAP97 isoforms regulate AMPA receptor dynamics and access to presynaptic glutamate. J Neurosci. 2009 Apr 8;29(14):4332-45.
- Leal-Ortiz S, Waites CL, Terry-Lorenzo R, Zamorano P, Gundelfinger ED, Garner CC. Piccolo modulation of Synapsin1a dynamics regulates synaptic vesicle exocytosis. J Cell Biol. 2008 Jun 2;181(5):831-46.
- Sabio G, Reuver S, Feijoo C, Hasegawa M, Thomas GM, Centeno F, Kuhlendahl S, Leal-Ortiz S, Goedert M, Garner C, Cuenda A. Stress- and mitogen-induced phosphorylation of the synapse-associated protein SAP90/PSD-95 by activation of SAPK3/p38gamma and ERK1/ERK2. Biochem J. 2004 May 15;380(Pt 1):19-30.
- Sarmiento J, Leal S, Quezada C, Kausel G, Figueroa J, Inés Vera M, Krauskopf M. Environmental acclimatization of the carp modulates the transcription of beta-actin. J Cell Biochem. 2000 Oct 20;80(2):223-8.
- Vera MI, Kausel G, Barrera R, Leal S, Figueroa J, Quezada C. Seasonal adaptation modulates the expression of the protein kinase CK2 beta subunit gene in the carp. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2000 May 19;271(3):735-40.
Patents And Technology Transfer
- Highly efficient intracellular delivery and transfection Application No. 61/891,901.
- Nano-Straw Well Devices for Intracellular Transport: Fabrication, Characterization, and Transfection Protocols. Stock Allocation S16-243.
- Use of Nano-Straw to deliver biologically relevant cargo into non-adherent cells Stock Allocation S17-290.
- Mechanical and Electrical Intracellular Access for Cells with Tough Cell Walls Application No. 16/891,652.
- Liquid formulation for refrigeration storage condition of mammal cells for Cell Gene therapy in preparation.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Senior Scientist manager
BearkWater Research
01.2024 - 01.2025
Development Scientist Formulation & Device Management
Bayer U.S. LLC
01.2022 - 01.2024
Senior Scientist
Stanford University
01.2018 - 01.2022
Scientist (Part-Time) & Co-founder
Navan Technology
01.2017 - 01.2020
Scientist
NeuroFab at SNI
01.2014 - 01.2018
Scientist, Part-Time
Stealth Biosciences
01.2013 - 01.2015
Senior Research Associate
Stanford University
01.2012 - 01.2014
Research Associate
Stanford University
01.2002 - 01.2009
Research Assistant
University of Alabama at Birmingham
01.2001 - 01.2002
Research Assistant
Universidad Nacional Andrés Bello
01.2000 - 01.2001
Ph.D. - Molecular Biology and Neurochemistry
Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg
Bachelor Degree - Biochemistry
Universidad Austral de Chile
Leadership Essentials -
McKinsey Academy
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