Yyyyyy x. yyyyyy

Dedicated Cell Biologist with 10 years experience eager to contribute scientific background and academic credentials toward securing a Research opportunity in Biotechnology.

Project Management ~ Research & Analysis ~ Lab Skills ~ Quality Control

         Possess keen interests in biochemistry and molecular biology, and exceptional skills in protein biochemistry techniques such as purification and modification.

         Strong molecular/biochemistry skills encompass DNA cloning, RNA isolation, sequencing, site-directed mutagenesis, protein expression and purification of soluble and transmembrane proteins, dialysis, protein dye labeling and immuno-precipitation/western blotting.

         Outstanding technical acumen includes operation of state-of-the-art and high-throughput DNA sequencing platforms such as 454 Roche, Illumina and Helicos.

         Equally polished communication and interpersonal skills as evidenced by experience in teaching, collaboration, mentoring, public speaking and authoring successful grant proposals.

         Excel at preparation of synthetic liposomes, detergent-assisted insertion of proteins into liposomes, dynamic light scattering assays, fluorescence-based lipid-mixing assays, chemical cross-linking assays and nucleotide hydrolysis assays.

         Extremely well-versed in cellular biology including tissue culture, transfection, immunofluoresence, light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, ImageJ analysis, image quantification methods and cell fractionation by differential centrifugation.

         Adept in microbiology techniques such as at bacterial staining, plating methods (streak, spread, pour, replica), enumeration and identification of bacteria.

Ph.D., Biology (focus in Cell Biology and Biochemistry) Carnegie Mellon University, 2014

M.S. Biology (focus in Microbiology and Genetics) University of California, San Diego, 2007

B.S. Biochemistry and Cell Biology University of California, San Diego, 2005

Roche Sequencing Solutions, 2015 to Present

Senior Scientist, Assay Development

         Demonstrate proficiency in employing molecular biology techniques including PCR, electrophoresis, and primer design to conduct novel research experiments and facilitate development projects.

         Participate in clearly defining project goals and formulating action plans for attainment.

         Methodically scrutinize and swiftly resolve scientific problems encountered during experimental procedures to optimize final results.

         Analyze data, evaluate findings, form conclusions, and implement measurable process improvements.

         Seamlessly integrate previous and current results to effectively determine next experimental steps as well as impact of long-range project goals.

         Serve as vital and influential resource to other departments such as Manufacturing/Operations, Quality, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Studies, and International Technical Services.

         Mentor, coach, support, and advise new team members, foster professional relationships with relevant stakeholders, and lead internal and external teams in cutting-edge initiatives.

         Effectively operate research automation devices and next-generation sequencing devices.

         Leverage advanced technical writing skills to produce reports, summaries, memos, presentations, manuscripts, and other relevant documentation.

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Professional Experience continued Yyyyyy x. yyyyyy Page 2 of 2

Carnegie Mellon University, 2014

Researcher (Ph.D. degree)

         Proficiently applied biochemical, molecular and genetic methods to examine the molecular mechanism of atlastin, an ER structuring protein implicated in homotypic membrane fusion.

Carnegie Mellon University, 2010 to 2012

Graduate Teaching Assistant

         Effectively delivered instruction in Cellular Response to the Environment by preparing and distributing teaching materials, quizzes, lectures and assignments.

         Demonstrated proper lab techniques and guided student experiments to ensure safety, quality control and accuracy.

Stanford Stem Cell Research Institute, 2009

Research Associate

         Performed high-throughput DNA sequencing via 454 Roche, Illumina and Helicos technology.

         Resourcefully leveraged specific capture probes to bind and select specific exonic regions of sample DNA.

         Facilitated emulsion PCR and performed sequencing of enriched beads.

Perlegen Sciences, 2008

Research Assistant

         Supported development efforts by performing real-time qPCR to quantify single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecules and determining optimal library concentration for downstream sequencing applications.

         Managed automated liquid handling robot to facilitate 454 bead enrichment.

         Effectively optimized protocols to eliminate excessive or messy pipetting.

         Used 454 Roche to perform high-throughput DNA sequencing and applied specific capture probes to bind and select specific exonic regions of sample DNA.

         Employed Affymetrix microarrays to administer high-throughput SNP genotyping by hybridizing fragmented and labeled DNA.

Scripps Institute of Oceanography / University of California San Diego, 2007

Researcher (M.S. degree)

         Analyzed ecological significance of protozoan feeding behavior upon clinical and environmental Vibrio cholerae strains by applying genetic, molecular and microscopic techniques and precisely documenting findings.

Prior Background:

Graduate Teaching Asst., Structural Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of California San Diego, 2006; 2007

Undergraduate Teaching Asst., Structural Biochemistry; Nutrition, University of California San Diego, 2004; 2005

Carnegie Mellon University:

Teaching and Professional Development as an Educator

Research Ethics

Scientific Speaking Skills

1. Saini, S.G., Liu, C., Zhang P., Lee T.H. (2014) Membrane tethering by the atlastin GTPase depends on GTP hydrolysis but not on forming the crossover conformation. MBoC.

2. Morin-Leisk J., Saini S.G., Meng X., Makhov A.M., Zhang P., Lee T.H. (2011) An intramolecular salt bridge drives the soluble domain of GTP-bound atlastin into the postfusion conformation. J. Cell Biol. 195:605 615

3. Mueller, R.S., Beyhan, S., Saini, S.G., Yildiz, F.H., and Bartlett, D.H. (2009) Indole acts as an extracellular cue regulating gene expression in Vibrio cholerae. J Bacteriol. 191: 3504 3516