Senior Postdoctoral Fellow in Tumor Biomarkers and Precision Medicine

University of Texas

August 2016 - August 2018

Precision Medicine Research: Led precision medicine evidence generation studies from concept development through publication in peer-reviewed journals. Published a first-author paper in Cancer Cell (Impact Factor 31.74) and a co-authored paper in Cell Chemical Biology (Impact Factor 7.7). Presented research at international conferences including ASH and AACR.

Epigenetic Research in Leukemia: Led a project investigating novel epigenetic changes in molecular pathways in leukemia. Developed sophisticated in vitro and in vivo genetic models using CRISPR-Cas9 technology and site-directed mutagenesis, providing evidence for the efficacy of an epigenetic modulator drug in eradicating tumors within specific patient subsets.

Data Analysis and Communication: Analyzed complex data sets and translated results to test scientific hypotheses. Effectively communicated research findings to team members and external stakeholders at leading scientific meetings.

Collaboration Management: Arranged and managed collaborations with multiple partners including clinicians, pathologists, and core facilities, ensuring successful project outcomes.
Team Leadership and Training: Trained and supervised research associates, junior post-docs, and technicians, fostering a collaborative and productive research environment.

Award Recognition: Received the American Society of Hematology achievement award for outstanding contributions to hematology research.

Senior Postdoctoral Researcher in Precision Oncology and Team Leadership

University Health Network

January 2019 - October 2022

Preclinical Studies and Tumor-Agnostic Treatments: Led preclinical studies investigating tumor-agnostic treatments targeting tumor-intrinsic pathways and mechanisms of brain tumor immune resistance.

Executed complex cell-based in vitro and in vivo assays to identify novel genetic biomarkers for immunotherapy.

Project Management: Strategically managed projects, including designing, selecting, and validating study models, executing laboratory experiments, and managing complex resources such as paperwork, ordering, protocols, SOPs, and experimental materials.

Data Analysis and Interpretation: Conducted comprehensive data synthesis, collection, analysis, and interpretation to drive research insights.

Grant Writing and Publications: Wrote proposals and reports, presented projects at conferences, and successfully secured a $100,000 grant from the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. Utilizing this grant, currently in the process of publishing two first-author papers.

Senior Research Associate in Gene Editing and Project Management

Specific Biologics

October 2021 - October 2022

Strategic Assessment and Project Leadership: Critically assessed drivers and barriers for successful implementation of new molecules in routine care. Spearheaded the conception of experiments, preparation of proposals, and data analysis for the development of the gene editing platform, leading to securing funding for proof-of-concept (PoC) projects and the submission of publications.

Mentorship and Team Management: Mentored, trained, and managed junior technical team members. Wrote and reviewed standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure smooth transfer of knowledge and consistent experimental execution. Fostered a continuous improvement mindset within the organization, focusing on optimized workflows and team spirit.

Data Interpretation and Communication: Interpreted, presented, and delivered results effectively within a team environment and to external stakeholders.
Collaborative Project Leadership: Led team-wide projects in collaboration with academic and industrial institutions, ensuring successful project progress and the establishment of external collaborations.

Principal Scientist | Head of Pharmacology team

Jubilant Radiopharma

October 2021 - Now

Led Pharmacology Team: Successfully managed a team and oversaw more than 10 projects from discovery campaign initiation to lead candidate selection. Designed and executed experiments for preclinical in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies, culminating in the creation of reports and regulatory affairs documents that facilitated several successful FDA meetings.

Strategic Development: Developed and implemented strategies to identify unmet needs and demonstrate the value and affordability of over 20 new genetic targets for precision therapy and diagnostics. Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to design innovative molecules for various disease targets, securing funding for two new programs and initiating their preclinical studies.

Project and Budget Management: Provided leadership in managing projects, budgets, and timelines. Collaborated closely with external laboratories and CROs to design and test new ligands for cutting-edge projects, ensuring rigorous quality control throughout the process.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Conducted thorough literature reviews and attended conferences to gain insights and provide feedback on leveraging real-world evidence for product development, informing strategic decision-making in drug development.

Regulatory Strategy and Support: Collaborated with R&D, regulatory affairs, and clinical teams to develop Phase I strategies and provided scientific support for FDA and other regulatory agency filings, ensuring seamless transitions from preclinical to clinical stages.

Fundraising and Stakeholder Engagement: Led strategic and technical discussions with R&D teams and external/internal stakeholders. Successfully spearheaded fundraising campaigns, raising over $500k, demonstrating strong negotiation and influencing skills.Led Pharmacology Team: Successfully managed a team and oversaw more than 10 projects from discovery campaign initiation to lead candidate selection. Designed and executed experiments for preclinical in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies, culminating in the creation of reports and regulatory affairs documents that facilitated several successful FDA meetings. Strategic Development: Developed and implemented strategies to identify unmet needs and demonstrate the value and affordability of over 20 new genetic targets for precision therapy and diagnostics. Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to design innovative molecules for various disease targets, securing funding for two new programs and initiating their preclinical studies. Project and Budget Management: Provided leadership in managing projects, budgets, and timelines. Collaborated closely with external laboratories and CROs to design and test new ligands for cutting-edge projects, ensuring rigorous quality control throughout the process. Data-Driven Decision Making: Conducted thorough literature reviews and attended conferences to gain insights and provide feedback on leveraging real-world evidence for product development, informing strategic decision-making in drug development. Regulatory Strategy and Support: Collaborated with R&D, regulatory affairs, and clinical teams to develop Phase I strategies and provided scientific support for FDA and other regulatory agency filings, ensuring seamless transitions from preclinical to clinical stages. Fundraising and Stakeholder Engagement: Led strategic and technical discussions with R&D teams and external/internal stakeholders. Successfully spearheaded fundraising campaigns, raising over $500k, demonstrating strong negotiation and influencing skills.