Zachary Heimer
Lansdale,PA
Summary
Career professional in genetics and molecular biology with extensive laboratory experience in next generation sequencing and assay development. Contributions include enhancing diagnostic capabilities through qPCR assays and mentoring junior staff, fostering a collaborative research environment.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant
JBS Science Inc.
Doylestown, PA
11.2022 - Current
- Assisted in the development and optimization of a next generation sequencing testing platform capable of unbiased capture of the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) genome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. This involves library preparation of DNA samples and subsequent target enrichment via hybridization capture. Currently I am responsible for continuing this testing for new patient samples.
- Developed qPCR assays to detect and quantify bisulfite converted HBV DNA, enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
- Isolated cell free DNA (cfDNA) from urine and plasma biopsies; performed DNA fractionation and quality control testing, ensuring reliable samples for further research.
- Executed long-read NGS sequencing on Oxford Nanopore platform, contributing to advanced genomic analysis.
- Provide mentorship and training to junior staff and summer interns, assisting them with conducting small scale research and testing.
Research Specialist B
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Philadelphia, PA
10.2020 - 01.2022
- Isolated DNA from fine needle aspirate biopsy (FNAB) samples and performed chromosomal aberration testing and analysis, aiding prognostic testing for patients with Retinoblastoma.
- Conducted chromosomal aberration testing on patient samples, supporting clinical diagnostics for genetic conditions by determining results via analytical software and interpreting findings in summary reports.
- Performed Sanger sequencing and methylation testing, contributing to comprehensive genetic analysis.
Technologist I/Molecular
American Red Cross: National Molecular Laboratory
Philadelphia, PA
10.2020 - 10.2020
- Performed low- and high-complexity testing in line with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standards.
- Supported clinical testing through DNA isolation, single nucleotide polymorphism panels, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.
- Reviewed test results and prepared detailed summary reports to share findings clearly.
- Assisted laboratory operations by completing preventative equipment maintenance, qualifying reagents, managing inventory, and maintaining pipette calibration.
Deviation Management Author
Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Professional Scientific Services LLC
West Point, PA
11.2015 - 11.2016
- Analyzed laboratory deviations to determine root causes and applied GMP requirements to prepare quality reports documenting investigation outcomes.
- Developed experimental testing and retesting protocols to clarify event root causes and established CAPA actions to prevent recurrence.
- Interacted with editors to address feedback and make necessary changes to content.
Research Assistant in Anthropology
The Pennsylvania State University, Anthropological Genetics Laboratory
University Park, PA
05.2014 - 06.2015
- Collected biological samples and biometric data from study participants to support research objectives.
- Completed laboratory testing to support ongoing research goals, including DNA isolation, whole genome amplification, and gel electrophoresis.
- Created and revised laboratory protocols to reflect procedure improvements and trained staff on testing methods.
Education
BS - Biology, Genetics and Developmental Biology Option
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA05-2014
Skills
- Next generation sequencing
- Assay development
- DNA isolation techniques
- Laboratory operations
- Data interpretation
- Protocol development
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Teaching students
Publications
- Sun N, Wang Z, Heimer Z, Wenner C, Lin SY, Ding HY, Kubas R, Liu Y, Qiu E, Liu H, Hung H, Huang W, Zhou T, Lau DT, Su Y, Guo H. A novel highly specific qPCR assay for distinguishing HBV cccDNA from rcDNA following bisulfite pretreatment. J Virol 2020;96:1-26. https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.00961-20
- He, Z., Konigshofer, Y., Garlick, R. et al. Development, characterization, and inter-laboratory validation of methylated human cell free DNA candidate reference materials. Clin Epigenet 18, 135 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13148-026-02156-3
- Liu H-N, Lin S-Y, Ramirez R, Chen S-E, Heimer Z-R, Kubas R, Shieh F-S, Kim E-S, Liu Y, Lau D-T-Y, Chang T-T, Guo H-H, Wang Z, and Su Y-H. (2025). Development of an NGS-Based Estimation of Integrated HBV DNA in Liver Biopsies and Detection in Liquid Biopsies. Journal of Medical Virology, 97: e70290. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.70290
Timeline
Research Assistant
JBS Science Inc.
11.2022 - Current
Research Specialist B
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
10.2020 - 01.2022
Technologist I/Molecular
American Red Cross: National Molecular Laboratory
10.2020 - 10.2020
Deviation Management Author
Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Professional Scientific Services LLC
11.2015 - 11.2016
Research Assistant in Anthropology
The Pennsylvania State University, Anthropological Genetics Laboratory
05.2014 - 06.2015
BS - Biology, Genetics and Developmental Biology Option
The Pennsylvania State University