Yasser Abdelrahman
Millbrae,CA
Summary
Accomplished Senior Scientist II at Predicine Inc., specializing in NGS assay development and molecular biology. Expert in optimizing workflows, achieving over 80% reduction in hybridization times. Proven leader in cross-functional collaboration and mentoring, with a strong focus on quality control and data analysis to drive innovative oncology diagnostics.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Scientist II, Oncology Diagnostics
Predicine Inc.
Hayward, California
10.2021 - Current
- Planned and coordinated R&D project timelines and deliverables, documenting progress under quality management and Design Control standards.
- Designed and validated novel NGS workflows for cfDNA and cfRNA (including methylation sequencing) to support oncology diagnostics and early cancer detection.
- Optimized enzyme-based library preparation protocols, significantly improving assay sensitivity and reproducibility.
- Refined assay workflows for low-biomass samples (urine, FFPE, blood) and difficult samples (Extracting RNA from frozen blood) by creating in-house robust stabilization buffers to ensure DNA/RNA integrity.
- Partnered with bioinformatics and automation teams to troubleshoot complex sequencing workflows and integrate computational insights.
- Led the development and validation of a CD19+ B-cell isolation protocol, advancing the assay from feasibility through clinical qualification.
- Reduced overnight hybridization time by >90% through buffer chemistry redesign, significantly increasing assay throughput.
- Conducted reagent and lot-to-lot quality control testing for hybrid capture and cfDNA workflows to ensure consistency in IVD production.
- Mentored junior scientists and facilitated technology transfer of validated assays to clinical operations.
Scientist
Ontera Bio.
08.2021 - 10.2021
- Developed and optimized a multiplex PCR panel for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and Influenza B detection, achieving >99% coverage of known viral genomes and adaptability to emerging variants.
- Implemented stringent assay validation protocols to ensure high sensitivity and specificity in a fast-paced diagnostic R&D setting.
- Joined forces with diverse teams to integrate assay results with cutting-edge bioinformatics insights, optimizing primer design and workflow processes.
Senior Research Associate
Oregon Health and Science University.
Portland, Oregon
07.2016 - 08.2021
- Designed and optimized murine infection models for translational diagnostics research, integrating molecular imaging and genomics to identify novel biomarkers.
- Developed multiplex PCR panels for broad pathogen detection, streamlining workflows and enhancing diagnostic sensitivity.
- Collaborated with clinicians to integrate cross-disciplinary data into assay development, strengthening diagnostic pipelines.
- Trained and mentored residents and junior researchers on molecular techniques and SOP compliance, ensuring rigorous experimental standards.
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Tennessee.
Memphis, Tennessee
08.2010 - 07.2016
- Discovered novel bacterial division mechanisms and lipid co‑option pathways; findings published in leading journals informed therapeutic and diagnostic target identification.
- Engineered plasmids and performed RNA regulatory analyses to identify diagnostic targets; executed independent research projects bridging fundamental molecular biology with diagnostic applications.
- Applied confocal microscopy, site-directed mutagenesis, and RT-qPCR to study microbial replication and persistence.
Research Intern
VA Medical Center Research
Memphis, Tennessee
08.2001 - 01.2004
- Cloned and expressed lentiviral vectors for functional assays, gaining early expertise in molecular cloning for diagnostic development.
- Purified and characterized protein complexes to support structural and functional analyses.
Education
AI & Machine Learning Certificate -
MIT Professional Education
08-2025
Postdoctoral Fellowship - Molecular Microbiology
University of Tennessee
Memphis, TNPh.D. - Molecular Microbiology
University of Tennessee
Memphis, TNSkills
- NGS techniques
- Target enrichment methods
- Methylation profiling
- Variant analysis
- Multiplex PCR assay design
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
- Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR)
- Diagnostic panel development
- cfDNA and cfRNA extraction
- Stabilization buffer development
- Analyte stability optimization
- Assay validation expertise
- Molecular biology techniques
- Cell culture and cloning
- Protein purification methods
- Genetic engineering practices
- Immunological assays
- Confocal microscopy
- Gel electrophoresis
- Biotechnology applications
- Microbial techniques
- Library preparation and hybrid capture
- Methylation profiling
- RNA sequencing
- Documentation design and control
- Quality assurance practices
- Proficient in R, Excel (advanced), IGV, Geneious, GraphPad, and Python (Basic)
- Project leadership and coordination
- Timeline management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Research and development oversight
Publications
- Stratification of F. nucleatum by local health status in the oral cavity defines its subspecies disease association., Cell Host Microbe, 2024
- Genetic System for Parvimonas micra…, Microbiol Spectr, 2022
- Multiplex Imaging of Polymicrobial Communities—Murine Models…, Methods Mol Biol, 2020
- Penicillin-binding proteins regulate multiple steps…, Sci Rep, 2020
- How pathogens divide., Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2016
- Polarized Cell Division of C. trachomatis …, PloS Pathog, 2016
- C. trachomatis utilizes the mammalian CLA1 lipid transporter ..., Cell Microbiol, 2016
- Identification and Partial Characterization of Potential FtsL and FtsQ Homologs of Chlamydia., Front Microbe, 2015
- Aminomethyl spectinomycins for drug-resistant bacterial infections…, Sci Trans Med, 2015
- Host HDL biogenesis machinery regulates chlamydial growth..., Cell Microbiol, 2012
- Developmental expression of non-coding RNAs in C. trachomatis during normal and persistent growth…, Nucleic Acids Res, 2011
Additional Publications
Available upon request
Accomplishments
Predicine Inc, Sep 2024
CEO Award
Predicine Inc, Feb 2024
Peer recognition Award
Timeline
Senior Scientist II, Oncology Diagnostics
Predicine Inc.
10.2021 - Current
Scientist
Ontera Bio.
08.2021 - 10.2021
Senior Research Associate
Oregon Health and Science University.
07.2016 - 08.2021
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Tennessee.
08.2010 - 07.2016
Research Intern
VA Medical Center Research
08.2001 - 01.2004
AI & Machine Learning Certificate -
MIT Professional Education
Postdoctoral Fellowship - Molecular Microbiology
University of Tennessee
Ph.D. - Molecular Microbiology
University of Tennessee
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